Here's our work portfolio, find out more about what we do.
< back
Science Supremo
Summary
'Science Supremo' is a game-based learning resource that offers young people, studying GCSE Science, an opportunity to get a feel for what scientists do and to understand the interplay between science and society. It was supported by Sheffield Hallam University’s Centre for Science Education, Wellcome Trust and NESTA.
Project Aims
DESQ applied for the Wellcome Trust People award funding to develop an idea we had for a Science learning game in answer to the need for new materials for 21st Century Science. People Awards enable you to explore the impact of biomedical science on society, its historical roots, effects on different cultures, or the ethical questions that it brings.
What we did
‘Science Supremo: Clinical Trials’ is a prototype game designed for the classroom. It offers young people studying the new GCSE Science curriculum an opportunity to get a feel for what it means to be a scientist and to understand the interplay between science and society.
Students take on the role of scientists working in modern drug development, taking a new drug through clinical trials to assess its effectiveness in treating tuberculosis. The game is structured to enable group work in the classroom, collaborative problem solving and discussion, and gives the teacher a central role as a ‘learning croupier’, enabling a variety of teaching methods and lesson plans to be used, in exploring what it means to be a scientist.
Feedback
From the teachers who trailed Science Supremo with year 10 students:
"Very useful tool for learning about how science works. A lot of the learning came through discussion with pupils after playing."
"It clearly shows the different stages of trialling a drug."
"Yes, I would use this approach again, because it’s an interactive learning tool, which fosters critical thinking skills, and promotes active discussion."
'Science Supremo' is a game-based learning resource that offers young people, studying GCSE Science, an opportunity to get a feel for what scientists do and to understand the interplay between science and society. It was supported by Sheffield Hallam University’s Centre for Science Education, Wellcome Trust and NESTA.
Project Aims
DESQ applied for the Wellcome Trust People award funding to develop an idea we had for a Science learning game in answer to the need for new materials for 21st Century Science. People Awards enable you to explore the impact of biomedical science on society, its historical roots, effects on different cultures, or the ethical questions that it brings.
What we did
‘Science Supremo: Clinical Trials’ is a prototype game designed for the classroom. It offers young people studying the new GCSE Science curriculum an opportunity to get a feel for what it means to be a scientist and to understand the interplay between science and society.
Students take on the role of scientists working in modern drug development, taking a new drug through clinical trials to assess its effectiveness in treating tuberculosis. The game is structured to enable group work in the classroom, collaborative problem solving and discussion, and gives the teacher a central role as a ‘learning croupier’, enabling a variety of teaching methods and lesson plans to be used, in exploring what it means to be a scientist.
Feedback
From the teachers who trailed Science Supremo with year 10 students:
"Very useful tool for learning about how science works. A lot of the learning came through discussion with pupils after playing."
"It clearly shows the different stages of trialling a drug."
"Yes, I would use this approach again, because it’s an interactive learning tool, which fosters critical thinking skills, and promotes active discussion."