Calling all middle and high school science teachers! Are you looking for a way to energize your students, reinforce critical graphing skills, and dive into the thrilling world of motion and forces? Meet Star Runner, the motion game ready to turn your classroom into mission control.
What is Star Runner?
Star Runner is a game-based learning tool where students take the helm of a spaceship, dodging obstacles while tackling graphing challenges. As they progress, the tasks become complex, requiring students to master essential science concepts and apply their knowledge in real-time. Think of it as combining the excitement of a video game with the rigor of standards-based science instruction.
Aligned to Standards, Designed for Teachers
Star Runner isn’t just fun—it’s firmly grounded in the science standards you’re already teaching.
- Motion & Forces: Students focus on understanding how kinetic energy relates to an object's mass and speed by constructing and interpreting graphs that describe this.
- Science and Engineering Practices: Through gameplay, students develop models, analyze data, and use computational thinking to solve problems—all skills central to science standards and classroom success.
Why It Works: The Research Behind the Game
Game-based learning brings concepts to life in ways that stick. Star Runner provides:
- Low barriers to entry: Students can jump right in and build confidence from the start.
- Room for refinement: Multiple attempts encourage perseverance and deeper understanding.
- Instant feedback: Auto-grading gives both teachers and students immediate insights, enabling targeted interventions and differentiation.
Rigor Meets Accessibility
Star Runner is packed with academic rigor while ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all learners. Here’s how:
- Dynamic challenges: Students adapt their strategies as new obstacles and scenarios emerge in the game.
- Supportive resources: Accompanying materials like student prompts, reading passages, and anchor charts help scaffold learning and deepen understanding.
- Inclusive design: The game is designed to engage diverse learners with varying levels of prior knowledge.
How to Use Star Runner in Your Classroom
- Warm-up activity: Start the day by engaging students with quick rounds to activate prior knowledge.
- Lesson centerpiece: Use the game as the core activity for teaching graphing, motion, and forces. You can integrate Star Runner directly into your curriculum with our educator support materials.
- Formative assessment: Gauge students' understanding through their performance and the auto-graded feedback.
Ready to Launch?
Star Runner is more than just a game—it’s a tool that empowers students to explore, experiment, and excel. So why not try it and watch your classroom light up with the thrill of discovery?
Your students are ready for liftoff. Are you?
