ToxMystery: Using a Game to Make Learning about Chemicals Fun for Kids

From TechSource Gaming Symposium

Presenters: Stephanie Publicker (Specialized Information Services Division, National Library of Medicine)

Description: ToxMystery (http://toxmystery.nlm.nih.gov) is the National Library of Medicine's interactive learning site for 8-11 year old children. It provides a fun, game-like experience while introducing potential environmental health hazards sometimes found in the home.

"Toxie" the cat helps find the hazards hidden in each room, and offers hints when needed. The objective is to find all the hazards. Players are treated to fun animations when they complete each area. When all the hazards in the house have been discovered, Toxie delivers an animated celebration, and players can print a personalized certificate.

ToxMystery's "Parent Resources" page provides more detailed information about everyday environmental hazards that can be harmful to one's health. A "For Teachers" page contains more than ten downloadable activity pages that can be used in elementary school classrooms.

Intended Audiences:

• Reference Librarians
• Youth librarians

at:

• Public libraries
• School libraries

Listen to an MP3 audio file of this session (29MB, 32:04, combined with the Using Gaming to Keep Middle-School Children Safe on the Internet session)

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