Nano Legends: A real video game based on real science
Engage. Educate. Entertain.
Engage
- Nano Legends takes place in a 3D cellular world where a nano-sized adventurer experiences sub-cellular phenomena.
- The student becomes part of the storyline and actively participates in the fascinating cellular adventure.
- Students learn science concepts while overcoming video game challenges, and then apply and build on those concepts to win the game.
- Engaging for both ethnic and gender diverse audiences.
Educate
Based on National Science Education Standards.- Educational approach and content development were guided by nationally recognized secondary science professionals, classroom science teachers, and cancer research physicians.
- Storyline and setting create a clear model for understanding cell and cancer science.
Entertain
- Developed with the same animation and gaming tools used to create popular videogame titles.
- Compelling storyline and characters with likeable and engaging personalities.
- Cinematic quality of original music score, graphics, and animation provide a real video gaming experience.
- Four difficulty levels challenge both novice and experienced gamers to effectively reinforce science concepts.
About the game
Nano Legends is an innovative new video game about the science of cells and cancer. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, Nano Legends breaks down the barriers in producing educational gaming for middle school and high school students. Classroom testing shows that players double their comprehension of National Science Education Standard content after playing Nano Legends just one time for entertainment only.
As the game begins, Aerin, the nano-sized adventurer, and her shipmates are attacked by a white blood cell while they are patrolling in the lungs. Soon, Aerin finds herself alone on the surface of a lung cell that is becoming cancerous. The next nine levels of the game find Aerin running, jumping, driving, fighting, and scheming her way through the organelles of the cell in order to stop the cancer. Passive and active transport, cell structure, cell division, the functions of organelles, cell respiration, DNA, mRNA, protein synthesis, and cause/effect of cancer are integral concepts the player learns and uses to win the game.
Teacher's Guide
- 200 pages of support materials
- Detailed lesson plans
- Chapter outlines of basic science concepts
- PowerPoint files and transparencies
- Homework, study-guide, and review questions
- Enrichment, ESL, and re-teaching activities
- Quizzes and final exam
- National Science Education Standards mapping
- Complete technical support
- Scene-by-scene game summary with sufficient detail for teachers to follow all aspects of the game, even if they choose not to play.
