Experiverse: Exploring an experiment-based gamification application for motivating children to science learning in an informal setting

Abstract

Science learning at schools often lacks relevance and connection to real life; therefore, children find it challenging to apply their knowledge and may gradually lose motivation and interest in science. Gamification demonstrates a promising potential to engage children in science learning. However, little work has explored how to develop such gamification applications for them. This paper presents Experiverse, an experiment-based gamification application we developed for children's science learning in informal settings. To evaluate the interaction and experience with Experiverse, we collected data from 25 children (aged 9-13) from multiple sources, including log data, surveys and interviews. Results indicated that children's motivation significantly correlates with their enjoyment and perceived learning outcome from using Experiverse. In addition, the results revealed that children's perceived learning outcome is significantly positively correlated with the number of view visits on Experiverse. Finally, we discuss the implications for future related research on gamification application development for children.