The National Geographic Kids website, https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/games/, has several video games with a scientific focus that are appropriate for elementary school aged children.  I played several of the games and found “Dung Beetle Derby” to be both challenging and fun to play, https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/games/action-and-adventure/dung-beetle-derby/. The game has physics puzzles that need to be solved such that a dung beetle may move a ball of dung across several obstacles while avoiding the ball of dung being stolen by other creatures or physical barriers preventing movement by the dung beetle.

The game is single-player, and players amass points at each level of the game based on how quickly they are able to solve the puzzle by clicking on rocks and animals.  Thus, quick thinking and swift reflexes are the keys to better scores.  Students can compete based on their individual final scores after completing the 10 puzzle levels.  The game is fun to play with wonderful graphics and animation.  As an alternative to worksheets or cut-out figures, “Dung Beetle Derby” is an engaging way to learn about the physics of motion, distance, and spatial area.  The game is not overly difficult nor too easy, but students may request help, if needed, by clicking on a light bulb for assistance. This game has academic content about dung beetles and the important role they play in keeping the environment clean and fresh.  Students who have not previously been intrigued by physics or science may enjoy such learning through this video game due to the animation and well-constructed puzzles.

Being a game primarily directed toward younger students, “Dung Beetle Derby” provides no true opportunities for players to co-design the game or use real world experience to play the game.  However, players must learn the game rules and apply them to have success in solving the puzzles and gaining a good overall score.  The puzzles and problems are well-ordered, increasing in both difficulty and patience from one level to the next.  The player can make gradual progress at his or her own pace, though dexterity and speed are rewarded.  The game allows for multiple failures by the player, but also provides abundant opportunities for correction and learning from one’s mistakes.  The player acquires new knowledge and points of view and may apply those at even higher levels of the game.  Learning about physics can be more fun through “Dung Beetle Derby.”