Hongrui Zhang
Multisensory exploration of the universe "Solar System Journey" ——Use gamified educational methods to increase the interest of children 7 years and older in astronomy.
Summary
This project aims to increase interest in astronomy among children aged 7 and above through gamified educational methods and multisensory teaching aids. Although astronomy is not emphasised in China's education system, it is an important part of human culture and development. In 2021, China achieved significant milestones in space exploration, such as launching two Shenzhou manned spacecraft and opening the world's largest astronomy museum in Shanghai. These achievements inspired the project creators to think about how to better guide and cultivate children's interest in astronomy through education.
Production process
1. Preliminary Framework Construction: A gamified teaching framework for astronomy was designed, using game elements such as points, badges, leaderboards, instant feedback, and tasks to stimulate children's interest and participation in learning.
2. Multisensory Teaching Aids Production: Models that simulate the Earth's rotation and revolution were created, combined with visual, auditory, and tactile multisensory learning methods, allowing students to understand astronomical concepts more intuitively through interactive tools.
3. Practical Application and Testing: In the school environment, using designed storylines and tasks, the satisfaction of target users with the teaching aids and the effectiveness of the teaching framework were tested. The teaching content and tools are continuously optimised and refined through these tests.
Achievement
The results showed that students who had received systematic astronomy education could understand astronomical knowledge more quickly and showed great interest in this gamified learning approach. They hoped to continue using this method in their future astronomy studies. Other students who had not received formal astronomy education also improved their understanding of astronomy before and after the experiment and found this method engaging for learning astronomy.
Translation: The students' interest in astronomy significantly increased through gamification and multisensory teaching methods. In tests, the participating children displayed higher levels of concentration and engagement and were able to deepen their understanding of astronomical phenomena through interactive tools. Particularly, those children who had not previously received formal astronomy education were able to grasp astronomical knowledge more quickly and showed greater enthusiasm for learning through the teaching methods of this project.
Meaning and hope
This project integrates gamification theory and multisensory learning methods, striving to promote and popularize astronomy education within China's education system. By using games and exploration, it aims to spark more Chinese children's interest in astronomy and provide them with profound and enjoyable learning experiences. Additionally, the interdisciplinary nature of the project not only cultivates children's astronomical knowledge but also develops their comprehensive abilities.
This research not only helps more children receive astronomy education but also aims to attract attention to astronomy across all age groups. By developing more suitable learning methods for children, it promotes innovation and development in education.
Project image
Image 1 source: Generated by Chat GPT
Image 2 source: The author takes/shoots the object for the author to model and 3D print the white model props
Image 3 source: The author shot/shot the object for the author to model and 3D print the finished props
Image 4 source: Chat GPT generation combined with hand-drawing by the author using Procreate
Image 5 source: The author uses Flash to make a screenshot in the animated video
Image 6 source: The author uses Flash to make an animated video screenshot
Image 7 source: Adobe Illustrator freehand production
Image 8 source: Adobe Illustrator freehand production
