Rise (Recycle Items Save Energy), 2021

Deniz Celik, Esra Kirmiziyuz and Cigdem Uz Bilgin
The purpose of this project is to raise awareness about future energy expenditure by designing a fun and engaging game focused on the conversion of electrical energy and recycling. The study aims to design, develop, implement, and evaluate a digital educational game on the topic of “Electric Energy Conversion and Recycling” specifically for 8th-grade students. The game was developed based on ADDIE instructional model following analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation steps within the framework of qualitative research.

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Analysis

In this phase, the gap between the learning outcomes and the desired/expected outcomes is identified, and educational needs are determined. Primarily, the science curriculum in the Turkish education system was analyzed to understand the shortcomings encountered in teaching electric energy conversion and recycling. Based on the analysis, the following learning objectives were established in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

F.8.6.4.1. Demonstrate careful attention to conserving resources.
F.8.6.4.3. Explain the importance of separating solid waste for recycling (Ministry of National Education, 2018).

Design

At this stage, a game design document was prepared, containing general information about the game, controls, environment models, and details on the user interface. The flow of the game was designed, and storyboards were designed accordingly in collaboration with subject matter experts. The story of the game begins with an tutorial video explaining the materials and their functions within the game. It covers topics such as nuclear, hydroelectric, thermal, geothermal, and wind power plants, recycling facilities, solar panels, the importance of recycling, and the player's tasks in the game.

Tutorial video (Turkish)

Game Environment

The interview results were coded in three category: usability, contribution to learning, and visuals/visual design.The player controls a vehicle and is expected to collect recyclable materials such as paper, glass, plastic, and metal, and deliver them to the recycling center. Among these materials, distractors are also present, requiring the player to correctly identify and recycle the right materials. The player is expected to differentiate between recyclables and distractors, collect the maximum number of materials before time runs out, and contribute to extending the world's lifespan. After the time limit expires, a results screen shows how much material was collected, how much energy was conserved, and the degree of pollution reduction achieved. Following this, the player visits the recycling facility to properly sort the collected waste into the appropriate bins, and the game concludes after returning the vehicle to the garage.

Development

The game was developed using the "Unity" game engine, version 2019.2.9f1. The game graphics and models were created with Autodesk 3ds Max 2020. A pre-made package from the Unity Asset Store was used for the user interface (UI). During development, Unity Remote was used to test the design and functionality on a mobile screen. Free, royalty-free sound files were used for the game’s audio.

Implementation

In the implementation phase of this project, the goal was to test Rise with a group of 10 8th-grade students. However, due to the COVID-19 quarantine, the project could not be conducted in a school setting. Instead, it was carried out with a group of 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students from seven middle schools. Since the developed game was Android-supported, the researchers used their own Android mobile devices for the implementation.

Evaluation

Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The interview results were coded into three categories: usability, contribution to learning, and visuals/visual design. We recorded video and audio during the gameplay. Participants played the game RISE and found it fun and informative. According to the interview results, participants were in the opinion that the game contributed to their knowledge of Energy Conversions and Recycling. Moreover, students suggested using such games in their other lessons and in different subjects. Participants liked the visuals and maps designed by researchers. There were several usability issues in the game including the low fps and the challenge of controlling the car during the game. The game was redesigned based on the feedback from participants, however, it was not re-evaluated.

Example of students playing Rise