Abstract:

PIXEL - Picture (of) the Universe is a board game developed by INAF - Italian National Institute for Astrophysics in collaboration with GAME Science Research Center. The game simulates the research environment in Astrophysics, with particular emphasis on the observation and study of cosmic bodies at different resolutions.

​​Image resolution is a crucial element in astrophysics, but the intrinsic complexity and challenges of making high-resolution images of the distant Universe are not easily and generally perceivable. For this reason, we envisioned PIXEL.

Theme and mechanics in PIXEL recreate the environment of research in Astrophysics and its relations: players have to make decisions autonomously and in collaboration with others, as happens in actual research. They have to manage resources and researchers in order to fulfill their scientific goals. As in actual research, moreover, research results are shared with the community of the other players in the game and publications help obtain more winning points at the end. Furthermore, PIXEL can improve the development of scientific thinking skills.

The game has been successfully tested in different contexts, such as high schools, game conventions and science festivals in Italy. In particular, we designed and started specific educational paths in high school in which we use PIXEL as a tool for the training of young students as peer educators for this game.
In this contribution we present the co-design process of the game, the educational and pedagogical approach used in the design and the potential of PIXEL as a tool for STEAM education and development of scientific citizenship.

Keywords:

Game-based learning, Astrophysics, STEAM education, board game.