The Plasma Pulse

The Plasma Games Customer Success team is journeying to Alabama from February 3 to 7, 2025, for a series of engaging training sessions in partnership with the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI). Registration is now open through PowerSchool.

In the 21^st century, the race to develop a competitive and specialized workforce is shaping national priorities. One of the most significant drivers of this effort is STEM education. To address inequities and expand opportunities, the National Science Foundation (NSF), under the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act, champions initiatives that engage underrepresented students, strengthen foundational skills, and prepare learners for evolving career pathways in science and technology.

The latest test results in Kentucky have revealed an alarming statistic: only 6% of high school students are proficient in science. While proficiency levels in reading and math have shown steady or slight improvements, science remains the lowest-performing subject across all grade levels. As Kentucky Public Radio reported in October of this year, these mixed results highlight the ongoing struggle for students to recover academically following the disruptions of the pandemic, severe flooding and tornadoes, teacher shortages, displaced students, and chronic absenteeism.

Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Innovation

As the curtain falls on 2024, we at Plasma Games reflect on a year filled with groundbreaking achievements and heartwarming collaborations. This year has been nothing short of transformative, with a remarkable journey of growth and innovation that has touched educators and students alike. Thanks to the incredible dedication of teachers who have inspired students to embark on thrilling scientific explorations, we celebrated the power of education and the spirit of discovery.

In classrooms across the country, a quiet crisis has unfolded for years. Chemistry—a gateway to many of the world’s most vital careers—has become one of the most challenging subjects to teach. Students struggle to connect with abstract concepts, teachers face burnout from disengagement, and the tools available often feel stuck in the past.

For Hunter Moore, this wasn’t just a problem but a call to action. Hunter Moore’s journey began with a powerful question: What’s the biggest problem we can solve that will make the most impact?

Literacy is not only the cornerstone of learning; it is also essential for thriving in the modern world. While many people associate literacy with an English or Language Arts classroom filled with novels, essays, and grammar lessons, it actually extends far beyond traditional language learning. It involves the efforts of all educators. At Plasma Games, we understand that literacy serves as a bridge to success across all disciplines. That’s why our platform is designed to seamlessly integrate reading, writing, and critical thinking skills into science education. Here’s how we achieve this:

Imagine walking into a classroom where students are as excited to learn about chemistry as they are to play their favorite video games. Sounds like a dream, right? Thanks to Plasma Games’ Sci-Ops: Global Defense, this dream is becoming a reality for science educators across North Carolina.

We’re thrilled to kick off the Autumn Innovators Challenge, designed to excite students about STEM careers and empower teachers to share their creative lesson ideas. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Plasma Games or just starting, this challenge is your chance to ignite student curiosity with game-based learning and showcase your innovative teaching strategies.