Virtual Chemistry Exam Preparations Designed as Escape Rooms

Abstract

Chemistry is a very interesting but sometimes for students too theoretical and therefore strenuous topic with a lot of theoretic basic knowledge to be memorized. This can lead to lacking fascination during lectures. In laboratory work chemistry often seems more tangible. In order to enhance the student´s interest for chemistry already for the theoretical basis, new ways for teaching but also exam preparations are being designed. In our work we want to focus on an innovative way for exam preparations combining the theoretical knowledge from the lecture and the practical experience from chemistry laboratory work in a game-based elearning setup. The idea is that in a game-based way students are more motivated to activate their knowledge by solving different tasks. They can combine information and try out various possibilities to find the solution or use additional help (e.g. links to theoretical input). On top, they get direct feedback if their answers are correct. The exam questions are found in a virtual chemistry laboratory. Not only theory questions have to be answered (e.g. by using multiple choice, drag and drop, …), for other tasks virtual chemical experiments (without any danger!) will lead to an answer. Usually a code (numbers, letters, signs, …) has to be obtained which is necessary for continuation. By solving different questions and chemistry tasks, the participants will be able to complete the exam preparation test and to exit the designed Chemistry Escape room with the planned name “ChemScape”. Right now, a virtual chemistry laboratory is designed and already some chemistry questions from lecture exams are inserted and implemented in the escape room game. First tests with students will follow until summer. As already another chemistry Escape room station with real materials (solutions, instruments, …) has been tried in different settings – always receiving good marks and enthusiasm for fun, entertaining and good imparting of knowledge, also a virtual Chemistry Escape room game is expected to be well accepted. Gamification is often a very good way for motivation – it can even convert boring seeming topics into real fun and interest and the will to learn more!