Termodragon: gamification in learning Thermochemistry

Abstract

This article investigates gamification as a pedagogical methodology in teaching thermochemistry, highlighting "TermoDragon", a digital board game created on the Genially platform. The goal of "TermoDragon" is to facilitate the understanding of thermochemical concepts, which are often considered complex by students. Inspired by the classic "The Game of Life", this gamification was designed for 2 to 4 players, who face challenges in the form of questions to protect their eggs and reach their nests safely. Participants take on the role of dragon eggs, representing them in the game. To maximize knowledge absorption, the game uses an engaging narrative, immersing students in a dynamic and immersive learning environment. Questions from college entrance exams, such as the National High School Exam, the Serial Assessment Selection Process and the University of Brasília entrance exam, were integrated into the game and adjusted to improve pedagogical understanding. Genially was chosen as the platform due to its interactive and creative interface, facilitating an engaging experience. Gamification in the educational context takes advantage of the prevalence of technologies in society, proving to be effective in updating teaching methods and adapting them to new generations. "TermoDragon" exemplifies a practical application of an active educational technique, providing a tool for the playful understanding of content. Students not only memorized formulas and definitions, but also explored practical applications and solved problems as a team, developing collaborative skills essential for the contemporary work environment, which can contribute to reducing school dropout rates. "The students gave positive feedback on the game in terms of learning thermochemistry content."