Computational Thinking in STEM: Exploring CT Practices Through Video Game Based Challenges

Over the past ten years, both private and public funders have invested heavily in establishing computer science (CS) and computational thinking (CT) as fundamental components of the U.S. grade school STEM education. These investments have led to the provision of standalone CS courses, however, integration of CT concepts and practices into science instruction more broadly in K-12 classrooms has been deficient. The Pack, developed by the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) and Design I/O, is an open world digital game where you must gather resources to attract creatures that have special skills which help you accomplish tasks. These creatures’ have different functions and can be combined in different computational sequences that will help gain achievements throughout the game. NYSCI, in partnership with Participate and the American Institutes for Research will support practitioners with CT curriculum, professional development activities, and online communities for teachers. In this workshop, attendees will playtest educator created challenges that are a result of these efforts. These gameplay experiences will be aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and CT practices such as problem decomposition, algorithmic naming and sequencing, debugging, parallel programming, and design pattern identification. Opportunities for creating challenges will be supported through activities around empathy building and the selection of design considerations. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will gain access to an online community of practice where additional resources and implementation strategies will be shared.