Teaching Science through Dragon Games

STEM is a popular acronym. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are important foundation stones on which the Industrial Revolution expanded. But, education has to keep pace with changes in society. That is the key to ensuring all round progress.

Berk's Vikings

Image Credit: http://www.schoolofdragons.com/how-to-train-your-dragon/game-guide/berks-vikings

With all the educational software around, it is difficult for parents to pick suitable games for kids. They need to be age appropriate and the content must be rich. When the School of Dragons game was launched I was skeptical about the whole thing. I mean dragons and science - how could that be a working combination? The Viking World was from an ancient time, so what was the point of teaching science in that time?

Well the School of Dragon world is from Viking times, but they do have a fun way to teach science. In fact they try to align the science quests to Next Generation Science Standards curriculum. They bring about a natural need to investigate a science topic. Over time the Viking world has been fleshed out with new worlds and islands, all set in olden times.

The whole School of Dragons games are designed around dragons as pets. The relationship is one of love and respect. Both the TV serial and the games enter the picture after dragons and people are friends. In this hugely successful MMORPG game, players get a dragon, which they play with and train. The fun of exploring with science games is something else. The excitement of getting a dragon and training itself is terrific, but then to go out together on quests is super exciting.

Teaching science is not easy. Through a quest, whenever the 'sciency' stuff is taught, it has to be crisp and short or kids skim over it. Characters have to be funny, or kids don't stay with the game. The quests have to be fun, adventurous and must teach without being preachy. A tall order indeed.

Here are three important characters from the game:

1. Phlegma the Botanist
She keeps an eye on the farm and helps young Vikings understand the living world.

2. Gobber the Belch
Gobber is a dragon slayer who has now turned into a trainer in the School of Dragons. He trains young Vikings in all things dragon.

3. Hiccup
He is the undisputed master in all things dragon in the Viking world. In fact he is the one who persuades his father who is the village chief to live peacefully with the dragons. He sets up the Dragon Training Academy, and is the last word on all things dragons.

Designing games which can hold he attention of young people is not easy. It is all the more difficult when science has to be taught and in a way which will fit the ancient world of Berk.

Riders of Berk – All About DreamWorks’ Dragons

We have always been fascinated with dragons. Something about these winged creatures elicits reactions of awe and fascination among kids and adults alike. No surprise, then, that one of the most popular American computer-animated TV series revolves around these fire-breathing wonders! Yes, we’re talking about ‘DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk’! 

Riders of Berk – A Quick Synopsis 

Based on the 2010 blockbuster ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, ‘Dragons: Riders of Berk’ picks up from where the movie left off. It bridges the gap between the first film – HTTYD – and its sequel ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’, slated for a June 2014 release. The series premiered in September 2012 on Cartoon Network. ‘Riders of Berk’ features most of the cast from the hit film, including Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, T. J. Miller, and David Tennant. While the movie sees Hiccup successfully establishing peace between the Vikings and dragons of Berk, the TV series follows Hiccup’s journey, travails, and challenges that such a situation brings with it. 

In this show, Berk also sees the establishment of a unique Dragon Training Academy, helmed by Hiccup. The academy serves to help Vikings adapt to and understand their new companions – the dragons! The series highlights the various trials that Hiccup and the rest of his friends must face – from dragons that cannot be trained to new enemies who threaten to shatter the harmony between Vikings and dragons. 

Riders of Berk: Meet the Vikings 

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III: Son of Stoick the Vast, Hiccup was first the misfit who couldn’t slay a dragon. Now, he is the leader of the Dragon Academy who helps all the kids tame and train dragons! 

Stoick the Vast: The leader of Berk’s Hooligans, Stoick is both intimidating and caring! A valiant warrior, his sole objective is to care for all the inhabitants of Berk and keep them safe. 

Astrid Hofferson: Fearless, striking, and confident, Astrid is the second-in-command at the Dragon Academy. Hiccup’s close friend and love interest, she is shown to be tough but caring. 

Gobber the Belch: Berk’s blacksmith, Gobber is also Hiccup’s mentor. With an enviable knowledge on dragons and an impressive reputation as a dragon slayer, he becomes the veterinarian once peace is established between dragons and Vikings. 

Fishlegs Ingerman: While Fishlegs is generally afraid of putting himself in any kind of dangerous situation, he loves learning everything about dragons. While Hiccup chooses riskier routes, Fishlegs prefers to bury himself in books. 

Snotlout Jorgenson: An overconfident, vain bully, Snotlout is constantly trying to woo Astrid. While he believes he is a great warrior and dragon rider, his skills are average at best. 

Bucket: One of Berk’s farmers, Bucket is named after the bucket that he wears on his head, the result of a blow to his head while battling a dragon. Having suffered a memory loss, Bucket requires constant supervision. 

Mulch: Another Viking farmer, Mulch is independent and intelligent, a contrast to the soft-hearted Bucket. He is responsible for producing and collecting food for the village. 

Alvin the Treacherous: The primary recurring antagonist of the series, Alvin is both impatient and merciless. He aims to capture Hiccup and displace Stoick to become the chief of Berk. 

Mildew: Spiteful and a recluse, Mildew’s hatred towards dragons is extreme. While he is disliked by most Berk residents, he is clever and patient and can swing people’s opinions in his favor. 

Riding high on the success of DreamWorks’ hit animated film ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, ‘Riders of Berk’ was received enthusiastically by fans and critics alike. All eyes are now glued on ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’, the much-awaited sequel of the hit first installment. Going by DreamWorks’ track record, this one’s sure to be a winner as well!