Mission Briefing: Mission Synopsis
This synopsis is provided as an overview for TEACHERS. We advise teachers
NOT to hand this out to the students prior to playing the adventure since much
of the suspense will be eliminated.
Headquarters:
The web adventure begins at headquarters in Neuropolis. Beta, Chief Science Officer of
the Reconstructors, informs the player that investigating disease outbreaks requires a
team of experts. The player is then directed to the teleporters where they learn about
three experts who are involved in investigating disease outbreaks. The player then
chooses which of the three experts with which to train.
Microbiology Laboratory:
When the player chooses the microbiology expert path, they are teleported to the
microbiology laboratory where they learn that the microbiologist investigates the six
different types of pathogens. After learning more information about microbiology, the
player is then asked to help with an experiment.
The microbiologist is working on formulating a good hypothesis and needs the players
help. His research question asks whether a new filter is capable of removing the
rabies pathogen from a rabies liquid. To formulate a good hypothesis, players will go
through an interactive three-step process to turn the microbiologist’s research question
into a testable statement. In the first step, the player will choose a statement that
best describes the research question. In step two, players will learn that hypotheses
have to be specific about the testing methods. The player must refine the hypothesis
by being more specific about the way it will be tested. Step three teaches the player
that hypotheses should describe how changing the independent variable affects the
dependent variable. In this step, the player learns about and identifies independent
and dependent variables in the hypothesis. Players will then help the microbiologist test
their hypothesis and decide whether it is supported or disproved by the data collected
from the experiment.
Bike booster app:
After completing the microbiology training, the player is rewarded with a new app
that is optional to play. The bike booster app is an arcade style game that reinforces
independent and dependent variables. In the game, players have to optimize their bike
by selecting the combination of frame, tires, and pedals that result in maximum speed.
Players learn that the components of the bike that they are testing are the independent
variables and that speed is the dependent variable. Once they have selected the bike
components that result in maximum speed, they can test their bike in a race.
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DISEASE DEFENDERS