“Crystals and zombies”: a teaching board game involving chemical connections concepts

Abstract

Playful activities are very promising teaching resources in Chemical Education. The present work aimed to understand the implications of using a board game as a possibility to boost pedagogical practices in the teaching of chemistry. The game "Crystals and Zombies" was applied into a class of 20 students attending the second year of High School. Results demonstrated that the game was effective as a pedagogical tool, in order to verify the learning of scientific concepts related to the theme. Furthermore, the activity provided motivation and integration of students in a collective construction of the knowledge in Chemistry necessary to overcome the challenge incited by the game. This playful activity also contributed to break biased views, through which many students see the chemistry, thus enhancing their interest in the discipline.