IBM's PowerUp virtual world game designed to get kids interested in engineering. IBM is hoping that its new multiplayer online game could inspire kids to work to save the planet while falling in love with math and science.
PowerUp is a 3-D virtual world that challenges players to save the planet Helios from ecological disaster. The gamefeatures a planet in near ecological ruin where three missions for solar, wind and water power must be solved before sandstorms, floods or SmogGobs overtake the planet. To do that, players need to become virtual engineers who create energy-saving technologies.
One can't compromise on math and science. One needs to get young people interested and excited by using the tools that excite them, like games and virtual worlds.
PowerUp is designed to encourage players to learn about and use engineering principles by riding over rugged mountains in buggies to build solar towers or searching through junkyards to find parts needed to repair wind turbines. Players also should learn about energy conservation by the choices they make to complete their missions. The game also features nonplayer characters that serve as guides and engineering role models.
Posted by:
Setzel Anne Marie V. Suresca
IV-Tau
February 17, 2008
www.computerworld.com
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment