Game-Based Learning in Chemistry: A Game for Chemical Nomenclature

Abstract

Nomenclature, or naming chemical compounds, is the most fundamental aspect of chemistry. Correct naming of compounds is taught early on to ascertain that students can build on these ideas and learn various concepts. Proper nomenclature permits succinct and accurate denotation of many molecules and helps students learn the various properties and reactivities of these molecules. Without being able to understand and use correct nomenclature, a student may find limited success in future chemistry studies. Unfortunately, nomenclature that is accompanied by several guidelines and requires rigorous practice becomes a stumbling block for many students taking first semester chemistry courses at the college level, as they struggle to learn about different types of compounds, various structures, names, and formulas. Gamification of difficult concepts has been widely used in many domains. The chemistry classroom is starting to see an exploration of game-based learning, with respect to the use of video games (computer-based or screen-based). Several games are used as a quiz on nomenclature, and there are very few games that provide real-time feedback while engaging students in learning about such essential aspects of chemistry. In this chapter, a new game on chemical nomenclature called Molebots is presented along with the pilot study for game implementation and follow-up study in an online first-semester survey course in chemistry. In this exploratory study on game-based learning, findings from both qualitative and quantitative data are presented and the effectiveness of Molebots is shared using a media-comparison approach.