The National Research Council recognizes that serious computer games can support new inquiry-based approaches to science instruction, providing virtual laboratories or field learning experiences that overcome practical and logistical constraints to student investigations. With the nationally recognized need to encourage and enhance education in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) area, Creare and its collaborators at the University of Northern Colorado, along with the Dangerous Decibels Program(tm) propose to develop a fun, engaging game based upon the Dangerous Decibels programs and activities. The primary objective of the game is to develop children's scientific and mathematical knowledge base about hearing science and acoustics; the secondary objective is to leverage this knowledge to develop positive attitudes and behaviors related to their own hearing health.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus (ringing in the ear) is a present and growing problem in the U.S. and worldwide, with over 16% of U.S. youth aged 12 to 19 suffering from NIHL, and as many as 35% of U.S. children aged 5 to 11 suffering from tinnitus. In this project, we propose to develop an engaging game that teaches fundamental STEM concepts and intuition to youth while changing knowledge, attitudes, and intended behavior toward hearing health and the prevention of NIHL.
