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Iyer 2017a MiPschool Obergurgl

From Bioblast
Shilpa Iyer
A science-based strategy game for understanding mitochondrial bioenergetics.

Link: MitoEAGLE

Iyer S, Woolman M, Rao RR (2017)

Event: MiPschool Obergurgl 2017

COST Action MitoEAGLE

With energy-deficiency related diseases on the rise, health, nutrition and mitochondrial fitness are important concepts for youth to understand. Employing learning objectives that is engaging and fun has proven to increase comprehension and knowledge amongst students. Game based learning methods rely on the application of knowledge to progress, and produce motivated learners. In a society, when learning and schooling is becoming highly competitive, dull and monotonous, it is important to develop newer methods aimed at engaging and stimulating the students as they learn.

Towards addressing this significant problem, we decided to develop an effective game-based learning environment that allows students to work towards a goal, choose actions and experience consequences of their actions; while all the while absorbing the subject matter presented in the game.

Using perspectives from science, art and graphics, we designed and created โ€˜Might!TM, a science based strategy game that aims to teach the flow of energy through the body and the balance between nutrition and lifestyle in a fun and interactive manner. Engaging for both adults and children, targeted players of this game are middle and high school students. The game was also designed to integrate well with school curriculums and learning objectives. Preliminary testing indicated that the (a) the rules of the game were easy to understand; (b) the game was challenging and (c) promotes activity whilst providing definite impetus to discuss the importance of mitochondria. This card game thus serves as an excellent teaching tool that allows players to better understand the importance of mitochondria within the cell and their function in impacting human health.


โ€ข Bioblast editor: Kandolf G โ€ข O2k-Network Lab: US AR Fayetteville Iyer S


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Affiliations and support

Iyer S(1), Woolman M(2), Rao RR(3)
  1. Dept Biol Sciences, Fulbright College Arts Sciences, Univ Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
  2. Dept Graphic Design, School Arts, Virginia Commonwealth Univ, Richmond, Virginia, USA
  3. Dept Biomedical Engineering, College Engineering, Univ Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA. - [email protected]
Selected mentor: Dr. Erich Gnaiger

Figure 1

Iyer Figure1 MiPschool Obergurgl 2017.jpg

Figure 1. A brief description of MIGHT!TM with all the different components that is designed for display on the box.