Video games often have a bad reputation as being a distraction, but a new study suggests they may help kids build important science skills.
MONDAY, Dec. 8, 2025 — Video games often have a bad reputation as being a distraction, but a new study suggests they may help kids build important science skills. University of Georgia researchers created an educational video game that helps elementary school students learn about the human bodyThe game, called Virtual Vet, took seven years to develop and went through three major redesigns before the team found the perfect version for kiddos.
"For kids to access this content, you have to support their math and literacy. And that was not our original game design," lead author Georgia Hodges, an assistant professor of education, said in a news release. "Our original game design was science, science, science, but what we learned is that you have to support math and literacy first. Then have them practice analyzing and interpreting data. And then you get to the science learning."— compared students who played the game with students who learned the same content through traditional classroom settings.In Virtual Vet, students act as veterinary clinic assistants caring for two cats named Cookies and Cream. One cat is healthy, while the other has low energy and isThe students must collect data, make observations, test ideas and recommend solutions, all while working through the six levels with clear learning objectives.“When you give kids feedback and you give them a chance to try again with instruction, the kids learn more,” Hodges said. Researchers emphasized that the game should not replace teachers. Instead, students play while teachers track progress, offer support and step in when needed.More informationSOURCE: University of Georgia, news release, Dec. 5, 2025
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