Thermbot Build-a-Bot

Thermbot: Build-A-Bot is a digital science simulation game designed and developed by GameDesk*, in which students assemble Nelson the Robot and experiment with Nelson’s built-in thermometer to learn about how thermal energy, temperature, and measurement are related.

Students discover that temperature scales are man-made measurement systems defined by "anchors" (a temperature that consistently triggers a phenomenon, e.g. freezing point/ boiling point of water). With this knowledge in mind, students author their own anchors and author their own temperature scales in "Robot" degrees and compare them with the traditional temperature scales (Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin), using a linear graph and the conversion equations.

The game is divided into three parts:

a) putting Nelson together and walking through a series of interactive information bubbles,
b) inserting coins (that represent objects with a specific temperature) into Nelson to observe and predict to what point the mercury will rise and fall, and
c) creating a new temperature scale in "Robot" degrees. Creating a new scale involves selecting coins (e.g. the hot burrito coin) to represent high and low anchor points. Once numerical values are assigned to both anchors, the game generates the values for the entire thermometer. Students can then compare their scales with commonly used temperature scales (Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin) by using the provided conversion equations and/or the linear graph (recommended for high school students).

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Thermbot: Build-A-Bot can be effective as a stand-alone experience, but it is best used with a facilitator guiding students and asking the right questions (especially when teaching about the rather abstract concept of anchors). If adequately facilitated, in addition to coming away with an understanding of how thermal energy, temperature, and measurement are related, students should also gain the insight that measurement is a convention defined by arbitrary yet practical specifications. The value of this insight is that it is true of all measurement, and therefore should lead students to apply this concept to distance, weight, and time conventions.

Lesson plan can be found on Educade,
http://www.educade.org/teaching_tools/thermbot-build-a-bot

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*GameDesk was named one of Fast Company’s “Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Education”. It is a transformative education nonprofit consisting of a research institute, commercial development studio, online community platform, and physical school.

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Visit GameDesk, http://gamedesk.org and FifthWisdom, http://fifthwisdom.com to learn more about games and education!