Complete Coverage

Games and Simulations Help Children Access Science

Whyville residents may have to battle against the infectious ‘WhyPox’ or they can visit a bioplex to conduct research.

With all the time today's youths spend on computers and mobile devices, technology can serve as a familiar vehicle for learning.

Want to know what it’s like to stalk elk, or a mate, from the vantage point of a wild animal?

Educators at the Minnesota Zoo, located in a suburb south of the Twin Cities, created just such an online game a few years ago that has proved immensely popular—and educational. Called WolfQuest, it allows players to learn about wolf ecology by exploring Yellowstone National Park as that creature.

“We’ve always been interested in reaching out beyond our walls, educating people no matter where they are, and for us, we felt like the Internet was a great tool to provide access to educational resources and connect with kids where they’re at,” said Grant Spickelmier, the zoo’s...