Cosmic Observatory
Cosmic Observatory is a state-of-the-art Virtual Reality game designed specifically for researchers and educators aiming to foster Computational Thinking (CT) in their students. Rooted in educational and cognitive science, the game combines immersive celestial environments with carefully crafted puzzles that target core CT skills, such as pattern recognition, problem decomposition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking.
As participants assume the role of "Celestial Explorers," they engage in progressively challenging tasks like constellation mapping, orbital arrangement, and celestial navigation. Each activity is aligned with educational objectives to ensure measurable outcomes, making it ideal for use in research studies, classroom settings, and training programs focused on STEM education.
Why Use Cosmic Observatory?
Evidence-Based Design: Developed with pedagogical research, it supports problem-solving through engaging, VR environments.
Targeted CT Skill Development: Puzzles are specifically crafted to strengthen core computational competencies.
Adaptive Learning: Performance metrics and personalized feedback allow instructors and researchers to monitor and guide student progress.
Motivational Learning Environment: The immersive narrative fosters persistence and curiosity, vital attitudes for CT training.
Level 1: Constellation Connections
Abstraction; Analisys; Decomposition; Pattern Recognition
Memorize the Orion constellation in just 5 seconds and recreate its pattern by connecting the stars. This level hones pattern recognition by focusing on the constellation’s structure, decomposition by mentally dividing the constellation into smaller parts, and abstraction by ignoring irrelevant details in the environment. Players also strengthen memory and evaluation skills as they assess the accuracy of their solution.
Level 2: Planetary Orbits
Analysis; Decomposition; Pattern Recognition
Reconstruct a planetary system by placing each planet in its correct orbit. Engage in analysis to justify the position of celestial bodies, and use decomposition to identify and categorize each planet and its relationship to the solar system. This level encourages categorization and logical organization for a clear understanding of planetary dynamics.
Level 3: Meteor Shower Memory
Abstraction; Algorithmic Thinking; Analysis; Pattern Recognition
Recall and replicate the sequence of meteor colors as they streak across the sky. Strengthen abstraction by isolating the color order from distracting environmental details, algorithmic thinking by executing the correct sequence of steps, and short-term memory as sequences grow more complex. Adaptability is key as increasing meteor waves demand flexible strategies for memorization and reproduction.
Level 4: Nebula Jigsaw
Analysis; Decomposition; Pattern Recognition
Reassemble a cosmic nebula by identifying and positioning scattered puzzle pieces. This level sharpens pattern recognition by comparing the pieces to the final image, decomposition by breaking the puzzle into smaller, manageable sections, and analysis by examining the details of each piece. Success also relies on planning and spatial visualization to strategize the assembly and mentally rotate pieces for the perfect fit.