Mission to Planet 429
April 29th, 2011
Mission to Planet 429
Thrust Interactive is the primary software provider on the educational virtual world, “Mission to Planet 429.” Working with NukoToys, the US Department of Education and Chicago PBS station WTTW, Thrust has provided an educationally based online 3D virtual world. The primary objective is to teach 1st through 3rd graders reading comprehension skills. Through reading the kids learn basic science concepts that are used in the world to solve puzzles.
The world utilizes either an Apple iPhone or iPod Touch with integrated RFID reader as the game controller. Scanned trading cards act as virtual inventory objects, provide help, student rewards, and special abilities.
The world was created using Thrust MME, Unity 3D, and Maya.
Players begin on Planet Cyron where they learn what it means to be a Worldsplorer (a world explorer). After completing their world exploring training with famous Worldsplorer Sir Racu, players receive an important mission and join an expedition team that’s headed for Planet 429 — also known as Earth. Once there, players need to fill their five empty splorbs (tools used to collect knowledge), help other Worldsplorers, and deliver the filled splorbs.
As part of their mission, players visit an enchanting Carnival with lots to see, do, and discover. Players must navigate their way into the main gate, through the midway, and into the central grounds where they rescue two Worldsplorers, Gylnert and Zornat, who are stuck in the broken-down Rocket Ride. Players will have to apply information they find and master simple machines in order to overcome challenges, figure out how to fix the Rocket Ride, and rescue Gylnert and Zornat.
Mission to Planet 429 (MP429) is an immersive, educational game designed to develop reading comprehension skills in young readers (ages 6-8 years).
MP429 is grounded in three core beliefs.
1. Learning should be a fun and engaging experience for children.
2. New skills are best learned in contexts where children are able to actively use these new skills.
3. Children need to be supported and “scaffolded” as they learn new skills and knowledge.
Mission to Planet 429 is a reading comprehension adventure game where children 6-8 years old direct their own educational experience via a 3D browser-based virtual world. MP429 provides unlimited practice opportunities for children to develop comprehension skills and gain confidence as they use a variety of informational sources to ‘figure things out.’
Guiding Principles of MP429 Intervention
- Motivation is key to learning.
- Information needs to be sought out by the children.
- Virtual experiences provide context for reading.
- Multiple exposures to reading is good.
- Choice is good, but not overwhelming choice.
Grounded in scientifically-based reading research, and supported by a highly regarded educational advisory team, MP429 harnesses the power of technology and children’s natural attraction to gaming platforms to create a compelling media-based intervention. Children participate in self-directed missions through a browser-based virtual world where they see, hear and practice strategies for excavating information from text to solve problems. The game can be played in a variety of settings. For use in school settings, there is a corresponding Classroom Applications Guide that provides teachers with classroom activities, additional reading materials and websites.
MP429 is devoted to supporting early readers with educational tools to help develop comprehension and 21st century skills to succeed in our increasingly demanding society. Using creative storytelling, innovative techniques, and a well-researched educational curriculum, MP429 enhances the way children approach the pursuit of information — laying the groundwork for a lifetime of learning.