New Perspectives in Science Education

Astro-Tamagotchi introduces an innovative approach to engage audiences with astrophysical concepts by blending coding, educational robotics, and immersive technologies like augmented reality (AR). This interactive activity enables participants to explore the lifecycle of a star, fostering a hands-on understanding of stellar formation and evolution. 

The activity draws inspiration from the iconic 1990s Tamagotchi, reimagining its nurturing gameplay in the context of astrophysics. By blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology, it transforms the care and evolution of a virtual pet into an engaging exploration of star formation and stellar lifecycles.

The experience begins with the birth of a star from an interstellar cloud of gas and dust. Guided by intuitive commands provided in coding language by a Telegram Bot, participants trigger the processes necessary for star formation. However, the journey does not stop at creation: the star requires ongoing care and attention to progress through its evolutionary stages. 

Each stage of the star’s life is accompanied by an exploration of its properties. To encourage a deeper engagement, AR and 3D models are integrated in the path game as key role of the evolution. These models offer an immersive visual representation of the star’s current stage, providing an accessible yet scientifically accurate depiction of complex astrophysical phenomena. 

By merging playful interaction with robust scientific principles, this project enhances the understanding and learning while fostering curiosity about the universe.  It also highlights the potential of augmented reality and educational robotics as tools for making complex topics more relatable and engaging.

Astro-Tamagotchi is not just about stars, it’s about inspiring the next generation to explore, question, and connect with the wonders of the cosmos.

The activity was developed by INAF and it’s available on the Play INAF website. We premiered this activity at the Genoa Science Festival 2024, where it attracted 1.964 participants. During our presentation, we will showcase the results from the evaluation of both participant satisfaction and learning outcomes.