Space Apps Challenge 2018

Objective:

The objective of this project is to travel into deep space without being an astronaut.

Category:

A Universe of Beauty and Wonder

Challenge:

The challenge of this project is to create a game using images from the Hubble Space Telescope as integral components.

Background:

We are solving a challenge called "On The Shoulders of Giants". We decided to choose a memory and imaginative approach for the solution. This is an emerging approach in teaching and learning from various level of study (Jensen, 2015; Wibowo et al, 2017). Many scholars explain that imaginative approach is based on a well-researched pedagogy with a long history of practical application in the classroom (Slater, 2015; Wilke, 2006). Therefore, we adopt the method and technique for the solution.

Upon discussion, we decided to choose the card game as the type of solution. It allows 2-way communication in this game while the players develop and stimulate their mind to memorize the information given and solve the problems. Playing a card game can create fun environment and connect social interaction among the players. This is one of seven principles of effective design to encourage learning from games (Houser, and DeLoach,1998).

We are targeting at teenagers and adults for this game. This is because the information and images are suitable for these two groups. In recent study indicates that there is a positive effect of playing card game on cognitive function and depression in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment. Ma, Cho and Bo-Kyoung (2018)demonstrate a significant positive change result especially in reducing the depression of the subjects. In addition, Kordaki and Gousiou (2017) show in their 10-year review study that card game can motivate and engage players and also to promote social, rich and constructivist educational experiences while at the same time integrating with new knowledge.

What we offer:

According to numbers of scientific research, we offer the following from our simple card game;

1) Impact: This solution has a contribution to cognitive function, reducing stress and depression, and stimulate creative thinking for teenagers and adults.

2) Creativity: This solution encourage creative thinking of its players. It is one of many ways to disseminate research work discovered by NASA.

3) Validity: The approach used for this solution has been scientifically proven by many research studies. See references.

4) Relevance: This project meets its objective and theme for this challenge. This project has a complete prototype to present the mission concept. However, it needs more time to duplicate, polish, and test the effectiveness of the game. This game is user-friendly, easy to play and has a clear instruction.

Product name:

ASTROPOLY – THE INFINITE UNIVERSE

Instructions: You can refer to project image above or click on Update tab for clear images.

REQUIREMENT

This is a competitive type of card game. You need at least 2 players and up to 6 players.

PREPARATION

• Open card game and prepare the materials inside the pack. There are 6 black coins with alphabetical label, 6 default cards, the board, 2 dices, 1 list of Universe objects name and details, 50 question cards and 20 penalty cards.
• You will be assigned with a black coin with an alphabetical label each. It shows your turn. You need to set an alarm to 50 minutes for this game. It is the perfect time to study, absorb new knowledge and take a break (White, 2014).
• Each player will be given one default cards that contain 13.8 billion light years. This is your start points.

HOW TO PLAY

• Player A will throw the dice. In this game, the player can choose to throw 1 or 2 dices provided.
• When the dice(s) show a certain number, the player must pick one question card with the same number as the dice. For example, the dices show 12 dots. Therefore, the player must pick the card that stated 12 billion light years. If the card shows 4.9, 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5 billion light years, you need to round it to 5, which align with dice number. If the card shows 4.4, 4.3, 4.2, 4.1 billion light years, you need to round it to 4, to align with dice number.
• The player must read Quick Info section once to his/her next opponent.
• Once the question card was read, it is not possible to pick it again. If the numbers from the dice are not match with the question card number, the player must throw again for second time. If the numbers are still not match, the player are not allow to throw the dice and get penalty.
• The player who missed to pick up the question card will open one penalty card. Show the picture to other players while describing it. The player must use his/her imagination to describe the image shown and other players will provide one answer each. If one of the answer is correct, the player will not miss his/her turn. If all the answers provided by other players are wrong, the player will miss his/her turn. A list of Universe objects is provided in the pack, which they can refer to.

For example:

Scenario 1: 2 Players

Player A reads the Quick Info to Player B. If Player B answers correct, he/she will get the billion years points that show in Player A’s question card. Player B can write the points he/she got in his/her default card given. If Player B answers wrong, his/her default card points will be deducted from Player A’s question card.

Scenario 2: 4-6 Players

Player A reads the Quick Info to the next opponent (Player B). If Player B answers correct, he/she will get the billion years points that show in Player A’s question card. Player B can write the points he/she got in his/her default card given. If Player B answers wrong, his/her default card points will be deducted half from Player A’s question card. Player A read the question again for other players. If one of them answer correct, he/she will get half of the billion years points that show in Player A’s question card. If the one of them answer wrong, his/her default card points will be deducted half from Player A’s question card.

THE WINNER

• When the time is up, all players must calculate their default card. Anyone who gets the furthest billion light years will be the WINNER. If you get more than 13.8 billion light years, you are the INFINITE UNIVERSE!. If your points fall within 13.8 billion light years, you can mark yourselves in the Nature timeline given. All of you (the players) are indeed ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS.

Resources:

We used the following tools that available online and free for non-commercial use:

Image editing: www.befunky.com

Video editing: Videopad by NCH Software (we selected for non-commercial use) and https://hesetube.com/

Music: Youtube

Scientific Information: Wikipedia, Google scholar, www.nasa.gov

Database:

NASA Images

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/multimedia/index.html

NASA Video

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/videos/index.html

References:

Houser, R. and DeLoach, S., 1998. Learning from games: Seven principles of effective design. Technical Communication, 45(3), p.319.

Jensen, S., 2015. The nature of imagination in education for sustainability. Australian Journal of Environmental Education, 31(2), pp.289-292.

Kordaki, M. and Gousiou, A., 2017. Digital card games in education: A ten year systematic review. Computers & Education, 109, pp.122-161.

Ma, S.R., Cho, B.J. and Bo-Kyoung, S., 2018. Effects of Home-based Board Games Programs on Cognition and Depression for Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment-Pilot Study. Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, 9(8).

Slater, T.F., 2015. Quickly creating interactive astronomy illustrations. The Physics Teacher, 53(1), pp.54-55.

White C.M (2014). The Exact Perfect Amount of Time to Take a Break, According to Data. Accessed online at http://time.com/3518053/perfect-break/

Wibowo, T., Sutawidjaja, A., As’ari, A.R. and Sulandra, I.M., 2017. Characteristics of Students Sensory Mathematical Imagination in Solving Mathematics Problem. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 12(3), pp.609-619.

Wilke, J., 2006. Using Imagination in the Math Classroom. Educational Perspectives, 39(2), pp.15-18.

Challenges faced:

We identified three main challenges while completing this challenge

1) Time

This is a 48-hours hackathon and we are able only to design a prototype, explain mission concept, outline the game instructions, and disseminate a creative way to learn science particularly about the Universe. We unable to test, duplicate, and polish the product (e.g. sharp images, smooth transition video).

2) Database

The use of data from NASA database are high because we relied heavily on NASA database especially some universe images. We are unable to transfer all the NASA images in the database into our card game. Therefore, we selected few interesting image to appear in our prototype.

3) Expertise

Although we managed to come out with the prototype and mission concept, our skills and expertise are very limited. Therefore, we chosen the simple way from designing, editing, and writing.

Prepared for: NASA SpaceAppsChallenge (Virtual Participants)

Prepared by: SKYWALKER (nemesis and acca)