The National Science Foundation is funding a project at N.C. State University [pictured above] to develop a video game that helps improve computer science knowledge retention in middle school kids.
The NSF called the $US1 million grant to State necessary in light of the decline in students enrolled in the so-called STEM fields – science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The NSF noted that projections say American high tech employers will have more computer science job openings than can be filled by competent graduates.
The funding is meant to create a game that encourages students to pursue a career in computer science. The lead researcher at State also built one teaching scientific concepts to fifth graders.
This is all well and good, but if we’re talking about a computer game designed to spur video gamers’ interest in the applied sciences, and encourage them to enroll at a university that teaches them, I think the NSF should pay EA Sports a couple million to make State the preseason No. 1 every year in NCAA Football.
State Gets $US1 Million Grant for Educational Game [Game Politics]
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