New Perspectives in Science Education

GeoQuest Vesuvius is a class Role Playing Game to teach Earth Science and History.

The educational technology is based on the idea of using language which is closer to pupils to improve the teaching/learning process. The game seems to be a perfect vehicle for education, even more when cooperative, since the acquisition of knowledge and enhancing skills now requires more actual approaches. The use of tablets, smartphones, social networks, etc. is more comprehensible and funny for young people compared to traditional media. The several roles allow everyone to enhance their own skills and are perfect for a full inclusion of Special Education

Needs (SEN) students.

We have already realized a role playing computer game called GeoQuest creating at the same time a Role Playing Engine which involves all students to the game through their personal mobiles or tablets giving a total interaction of the whole class to the game. The outcome of the class experimentation were excellent, both for didactic and educational results obtained.

This article is focused on our role playing game experience with the pupils. The students go through a virtual environment, which is progressively discovered by the choices done by them.

This game story is set under the Somma-Vesuvius volcano. The environment that gradually reveals itself to the players is full of significant elements that can be traced back to a volcanic site, inserted in a specific geodynamic situation. It is located in the Mediterranean area, specifically in Campania, close to Pompeii and Erculaneum, where there was compressive and divergent geological events, which produced differentiated magmas and explosive volcanism. Players can also discover where they are from the story of some historical and mythological figures they meet on their path. They can interact to solve several

quests appearing during the game related to mineralogy, volcanology,

geodynamics, history, myths.