1. Gamification in the Physics Classroom Kate Nichols nicholsphysics@gmail.com

2. Gamification Formal definition est: late 1990s The addition of “Game Mechanics” to make activities a) More interactive b) More engaging c) More social d) More rewarding (intrinsic or extrinsic)

3. Gamification A sneaky way to get people to do something they don’t really want to do….

4. Gamification research is booming – particularly in economics and marketing. This is because it has proven to be a very effective way to manipulate customers. It is likely that even you are falling prey to its charms…

5. Toyota Prius Gamification: Desired Behavior Produced: People feel good about their decision to buy a Prius. People talk about the Prius. People buy more Prii.

6. SETI at Home Gamification: Desired Behavior Produced: People let you use their “spare” computer processing power for free for your research.

7. Zombies Run Gamification: Desired Behavior Produced: People actually like running! You make a million bucks!

8. Other Examples Abound… McDonalds “Monopoly” American Idol Fold It Farmville Speed Camera Lottery And more…

9. Gamification in Education Games are a natural fit for the classroom 1) Provide levels of increasing difficulty (differentiation) 2) Provide feedback to the user (formative) 3) Are fun (promote engagement)

10. Gamification in Physics Background: Guided practice problem solving is beneficial for Physics students; novices need to see how experts solve problems and have ample opportunity to try on their own. The Problem: Worksheets and “problems solved on the board” are booooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrri nnnnngggggggg.

11. Gamification in Physics One Solution: Start with a worksheet, objective, or set of problems you’d like the kids to be able to solve. “Gamify” it by making it more interactive, rewarding, or fun!

12. Examples by other teachers www.theuniverseandmore.com

13. PhET Electric Field Hockey and more…

14. And a few of mine… Graph Matching Rebus Side 1:Side 2: Gives kids immediate formative feedback

15. Physics Mad Libs A ____________ (noun) is being dragged at a constant velocity across a ___________ (rough surface) that has a coefficient of friction of _____________ (number). If it takes _____________ (force) of tension to keep it moving, what is the mass of the ___________ (original noun)? b) Is the answer you got reasonable? Why or why not?

16. Physics Mad Libs A ____________ (noun) is being dragged at a constant velocity across a ___________ (rough surface) that has a coefficient of friction of _____________ (number). If it takes _____________ (force) of tension to keep it moving, what is the mass of the ___________ (original noun)? Waaaaay more engaging than the problem I would have written. Also improves estimation and reasoning skills. Zombie Duck giant hairbrush 12 2,000 N Zombie Duck b) Is the answer you got reasonable? Why or why not? Zombie Duck giant hairbrush 12 Zombie Duck giant hairbrush 12 Zombie Duck giant hairbrush 2,000 N 12 Zombie Duck giant hairbrush Zombie Duck 2,000 N 12 Zombie Duck giant hairbrush b) Is the answer you got reasonable? Why or why not? Zombie Duck 2,000 N 12 Zombie Duck giant hairbrush b) Is the answer you got reasonable? Why or why not? Zombie Duck 2,000 N 12 Zombie Duck giant hairbrush Nope – because...

17. Musical Chairs Peer Instruction for the high school crowd… –Rotate Partners every 4-5 questions –Get “points” towards a prize for correct answers –Bonus points for convincing another pair to change their answer (promotes meaningful discussions)

18. And Lots More Crosswordified test review McGyver challenges Forensic Fizziks Pub Quiz “Ghosts in the Graveyard” (adapted from mathtalesfromthespring.blogspot.com)

19. Research in Progress Does “Gamified” Instruction a) Impact Engagement (SPOT tool)? b) Impact Enjoyment (CLASS survey)? c) Impact Learning (FCI)?

20. Contact Kate Nichols (nicholsphysics@gmail.com)nicholsphysics@gmail.com Resources Gabe Zichermann (http://www.gamification.co/gabe-zichermann)http://www.gamification.co/gabe-zichermann Paul Anderson – Gamefied AP Biology http://mathtalesfromthespring.blogspot.com/