Video games have grown a large following of many young people and students. Teachers have used this interest to their advantage and used video games as a learning device to engage students with a better understanding in the subject’s content.

AP Chemistry instructor Chad Schmeckpeper, is implementing the gaming approach for his students.

“The idea was brought up at a teacher conference,” Schmeckpeper said. “For students to take assessments, they obtain experience points by playing the games.”

This semester in AP Chemistry, topics include thermochemistry and thermodynamics. There is a new game for each unit and the points are cleared. Each semester students are required to play for three separate units. The games can be found online for students in the class, adding a new game as soon as the next unit starts.

“Last semester, students were falling behind and it needed more organization,” Schmeckpeper said. “Hopefully, it works more smoothly this semester.”

The current game for AP Chemistry students is a fishing game where students have to collect bait to fish in multiple locations. Doing so awards students points for the assessments. A popular game in the past was also based off the television show, American Ninja Warrior.

“Options are open for students to learn what they need to know and every strategy is unique,” Schmeckpeper said. “It inspires a lot of innovation for chemistry.”