Video games are interactive electronic entertainment that utilize a display device (such as a TV screen, computer monitor, flat-panel display on handheld devices or virtual reality headset). These games often involve teamwork and require communication and collaboration among players.

Scientists need to find a way to tap into the minds of these bright young people, many of whom go untapped in research careers. One way may be to use the gamer’s own interest in science—by turning scientific problems into games.

Game-Based Learning

While video games have often been blamed for promoting mindless entertainment, they’re actually capable of fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In fact, educational technology companies have found that game-based learning (GBL) offers a compelling platform for students to develop these skills. GBL combines elements of gaming into learning activities that inspire student engagement and motivation. Examples of these elements include points systems, badges, discussion boards and classroom response systems.

In addition, scientists have developed video games that are used to solve real-world scientific problems. These so-called knowledge games are designed to help scientists gather data, test hypotheses and make decisions. They also encourage players to think critically and logically, which is an important part of science.

For example, the puzzle game Foldit allows gamers to create and analyze protein structures in a fun, engaging way. The information gathered from this game can be used to discover new drugs and medical treatments. This kind of research would not be possible without the help of gamers, who volunteer their time to work on the project.

In addition to fostering critical thinking and problem-solving, game-based learning can also improve students’ academic performance. This is because it requires learners to apply rules in a dynamic, interactive environment. In contrast, textbooks contain all of the information related to a topic at one point in time. As a result, the information in a textbook may be out of date by the time it is used in the classroom.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is an important life skill that helps people assess situations and make well-informed decisions. It involves challenging presumptions, evaluating evidence and dissecting arguments. It also allows individuals to examine their own biases and beliefs. Critical thinking skills allow people to navigate the complexity of modern life and make informed choices that benefit themselves and their communities.

Video games can help develop critical thinking skills by promoting observational skills and encouraging the use of logic to solve problems. This is especially true of immersive games that involve learning through exploration and discovery. This type of gameplay has been shown to improve retention and transfer of knowledge, two factors that are critical for successful learning.

Developing observational skills requires paying close attention to your environment, both in and out of work. You can train yourself to notice more details by slowing down your pace of processing information, practicing mindfulness techniques and journaling. Increasing your observational abilities will also give you the opportunity to identify potential problem areas before they occur and come up with solutions.

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze information from multiple sources and form your own opinions. To practice this skill, try reading more than one article on a topic and listen to people with different viewpoints. By examining the strengths and weaknesses of these arguments, you can develop your own point of view that is grounded in evidence.

Developing Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving is a crucial skill in STEM fields and beyond. It allows us to understand cause-and-effect relationships and anticipate what may happen in the future based on past experience and current events. It also helps us to create solutions for anticipated problems by identifying possible ways to avoid them or minimize their impact if they do occur. Video games provide a unique opportunity to develop problem-solving skills, as they often require players to analyze, plan, and execute in real time. This type of interactive learning enables students to explore virtual worlds, conduct experiments, and solve puzzles in a way that is engaging and fun.

Some people might think that gamers and scientists make a strange marriage, but researchers are using video games to tackle some of the most complex scientific problems. For example, the protein folding game Foldit allowed players with no prior knowledge to help resolve the structure of an enzyme that causes AIDS. In addition, the astronomy video game Planet Hunters helped find 40 planets that could support life in our galaxy — discoveries that would have taken professional astronomers years to make.

While some parents and medical experts have raised concerns about the negative effects of video gaming, research shows that gaming can actually improve mental ability. For example, a 2014 study published in Molecular Psychiatry showed that playing action games like Super Mario 64 caused a physical increase in brain regions related to making decisions.

Developing Creativity

Video games require players to be creative in the ways that they approach challenges. Often the challenge comes from having to think outside the box, such as being able to see patterns in data sets or finding new ways of overcoming obstacles. These kinds of activities are similar to the types of activities that scientists use in their work.

Researchers are using so-called knowledge games to help solve real-world problems and better understand the world. Examples include the protein-folding computer game “Foldit” and the mobile gaming app SchoolLife, which crowdsources bullying interventions. In addition, the video game Planet Hunters allows users to search for planets that could support life based on scientifically derived criteria.

Some games may even inspire players to become scientists. The physics-based video game “Terraria” is an example of a game that requires players to be inventive in their gameplay. Moreover, games that allow players to explore and build in their own way, such as the sandbox game “Minecraft,” also encourage creativity.

Educators and researchers are starting to realize that games can be used to promote science education by encouraging the kind of thinking and problem-solving skills that scientists use to solve real-world problems. The key is to make sure that these learning benefits are combined with a strong focus on the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with the development of other 21st century skills such as teamwork and creativity.