Immune Attack - Free Biology Game for Instructors

Teaching Games
Immune Attack - Free Biology Game for Instructors
By Cynthia Kirkeby
May 26, 2008, 13:36 PST

The FAS has finally realized that kids like computer games. They've just launched a new game that teachers can download for their classes which lets kids play a fun computer game while they learn about the immune system.

According to the FAS,

"Immune Attack is a complement to the learning that happens in the classroom. The game allows students to use sights, sounds, and touch to get better acquainted with the immune system. It also encourages them to interact with each other and have problem-solving discussions to enhance their game-play and ultimately learn the subject.

"Preliminary surveys show that the students who play Immune Attack show an increase in knowledge when compared with students who did not play the game. After playing the game students also showed a higher interest in biology.

"Immunology is a complicated subject to learn. The challenges in Immune Attack give those who might not otherwise be interested in biology the chance to learn in a fun, hands-on manner they won't find in a text book," said Michelle Lucey-Roper, director of the Learning Technologies Program at FAS."

Explore the Teacher's Guide on Immune Attack

An Overview of the Game: Immune Attack

Players navigate a nanobot through a 3D environment of blood vessels and connective tissue in an attempt to save an ailing patient by retraining her non-functional immune cells. Along the way, students learn about the biological processes that enable macrophages and neutrophils - white blood cells - to detect and fight infections. A database of immunology facts is also included.

Click on the button below to see a clip of the game.

An Overview of the Game: Immune Attack

Download Immune Attack.