Tabula Digita, the developers of the award-winning DimensionM math and algebra game has formed a partnership with Monsanto Fund and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) to create a brand new curriculum-based science game for students.
Spearheaded and financed by the Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, the project aims to create an immersive video game that can teach standards-based, fundamental science concepts. In response to the growing demand for up-to-date curriculum materials that stimulate students to learn science, the software will include a multiplayer component allowing students to compete against one each other in local communities or around the globe.
“Three years ago, Monsanto Fund sponsored a study that showed that student interest in science drops at the fourth- and fifth-grade levels,” said Deborah Patterson, president of the Monsanto Fund in a news release. “The video game medium has demonstrated itself to be an increasingly powerful way to engage today’s digital generation…We are excited to be a part of a bold new initiative that could fundamentally rewrite the rules of student engagement.”
“The National Education Assessment of Education Progress 2005 test showed that by grade 12, only 18 percent of U.S. students scored at or above the proficient level in science,” said Ntiedo Etuk, chief executive officer of Tabula Digita.
“With our expertise in curriculum and our reach into countries around the world also interested in facilitating science education in young people, we can’t think of a more innovative approach and exciting venture to drive interest in and prepare our nearly 7 million fourth- and fifth-grade students for future success in this field. We are eager to get started,” said Don Knezek, chief executive officer of ISTE.
The content for the web-based games will be provided by the ISTE. Product creation and testing is set to start immediately, and will be followed by extensive market testing and education sector review. The software is expected to be released next year at ISTE’S annual National Education Computing Conference, in Washington DC, June 28-July 2, 2009.