Ask A Biologist, a longstanding educational initiative by the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University, has unveiled its newest interactive educational game, “Beat the Heat,” just ahead of the summer season. Tailored to impart essential knowledge about staying safe in hot environments, this bilingual game seamlessly merges enjoyable interactive elements with vital educational material.
Charles “Chuck” Kazilek, the executive director of K–12 outreach in the School of Life Sciences, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, emphasizing the importance of educating children about heat safety amidst global temperature increases. “Beat the Heat” leads players through diverse heat safety scenarios, offering an immersive journey where they navigate challenges while embodying customizable avatars.
From deciding when to hydrate to choosing appropriate sun protection, players learn fundamental heat safety principles through engaging gameplay. Developed in collaboration with ASU experts specializing in heat safety, including Ron Dorn and Jennifer Vanos, the game received funding from a U.S. Department of Education grant to Dorn and the Arizona Geographic Alliance.
Karla Moeller, an executive educational outreach coordinator, highlighted the efficacy of interactive learning in addressing heat-related health risks and enhancing student engagement. Afton Scow from Mesa Public Schools praised the game’s effectiveness in teaching heat safety to third graders.
“Beat the Heat” aims to equip the younger generation with essential heat safety knowledge amid rising temperatures. Educators and parents are encouraged to integrate the game into teaching resources and daily activities to promote heat safety awareness. Additionally, grade-four-through-eight lessons co-teaching STEM science and English language skills will be developed by Arizona Geographic Alliance teachers and shared on their website.
Accessible for free on the Ask A Biologist website, “Beat the Heat” can be played on any device without requiring app downloads.
