A RECENT ASSIGNMENT in Mariana Garcia Serrato’s classroom was to “rescue” famous scientists from the evil Time Cruncher. On students’ individual computer screens, the scientists appeared as prisoners behind bars. But with every correct answer to a set of STEM questions, the scientists moved closer to freedom.
Instead of taking a test, Garcia Serrato’s students were winning a video game — assuming their answers were right.
“It sounds silly, but games instead of tests create an environment where students have fun instead of getting nervous and anxious,” says Garcia Serrato, who uses Google Sheets to create video games with superheroes and science themes.
Students gleefully run to her class on test day — or as students call it “Boss Battle Day.” Those scoring 100 percent get bragging rights and receive online trading cards. Students with lower scores may retake…
