EdTech - Dearth of Darkness

In this, “Apprenticeship,” created in partnership with the International Dark Sky Association, players learn about the effects of light pollution on human beings and the natural world while simultaneously taking action to prevent it. Gamers learn about the history of light, multicultural astronomy, and circadian rhythms, among other things.

Using the Dearth of Darkness Apprenticeship Manual as their guide, Players make their way through a series of learning adventures. The first is a Twine Game, the “Multicultural History of the Stars” that takes players into a Cave. Upon entering the Cave, players begin the Twine where they view the constellations through the eyes of ancient peoples around the world including the Babylonians, Egyptians, Chinese, Celts, Incans, Hawaiians, Native Americans, and so forth. After successfully navigating the Twine, players return to the Apprenticeship Manual where they have the opportunity to enter the Museum of Illumination. In the Museum players can go into the Library where they can study the “History of Light” or decide to go onto the Gallery to view celebrated artworks from around the world. Inside the Gallery, players download and use the Aurasma App to find and view an augmented reality rebus that provides them with clues to solve a larger puzzle. Player’s gain additional points toward their badge as well as in-game powers by Taking Action through downloading Stellarium, an online planetarium; signing the “Light’s Out” Pledge; and using the Dark Sky Meter to monitor light pollution. Bonus points can be earned by visiting Planetariums, Observatories, Art Museums, Dark Sky Reserves (parks), and through participating in the “Great Star Count” the “Lights Out” community initiatives, or hosting a Star Party to introduce their friends to the problems caused by light pollution.

EXCERPT: Klisanin, D. (2015): “CHL:Dearth of Darkness,” PROCEEDING GLS 11 GAMES + LEARNING + SOCIETY CONFERENCE. MADISON, WISCONSIN JULY 7-10, 2015
Editors: Kyrie E. H. Caldwell; Sean Seyler; Amanda Ochsner; Constance Steinkuehler