Storm+Tracker

**Description: **

Storm Tracker is a game of scientific study that uses hurricane stimulations to allow the player to predict the path of a storm. The objective of the game is three fold. First, predict the hurricanes path by analyzing a computer model of the storm, which shows the storm’s eye, speed, longitude, latitude, water, and air temperatures. The second objective is to use the data from the computer models to estimate the intensity of the hurricane. Finally, the player is given a list of possible cities the hurricane may affect and using the data the player must issue a warning. The warnings are filled out and the game tells the player if their prediction is wrong or right and they are then given a score. The game’s score is based on the accuracy of the player’s predictions. The game is played with a mouse and is very simple to navigate. Directions are given as the player goes though the game. The game can be accessed by going to and singing up at []. The game is free and is sponsored by National Geographic.

Below is a visual of the game:

 Host Researcher and NOAA hurricane hunter Jason Dunion serves as the "guide on the side" as students track potentially harmful storms.



Compete on the JASON Mission Center leader boards with Argonauts across the globe for the highest score!

Breaking news keeps students up to date on the situation as it progresses. How accurate was their forecast?
**My experience: ** The game was very well constructed and challenging. The more the terminology that was understood, the easer the game was. The positive aspects of the game are that it was simple to play and it offered different storms as part of its play. The graphics where simple and there was no time limit. It was difficult at first to predict who to warn and the storm’s path. However, the guide in the game does state that it is not simple to predict hurricanes. The best part of the game is that it has real world aspects with outcomes that are realistic. This game would be great to play in groups and since the report can be printed out groups can compare their outcomes with each other.

**Learning Principles used: ** **Active, Critical Learning: ** The player is actively in control and trial and error comes into play when the final storm prediction is made. **Semiotic Domains:** Learning the terminology allows the player a better understanding of what is going on during the game and it also helps game play move more smoothly. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">**Psychosocial Moratorium:** The best part of the game is that the game does not show the real world consequences, nor does it dwell on them, i.e. dead bodies, etc. **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Identity Principle: **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> The player identity in this game is that of observer and meteorologist. The game allows the player to make decisions without dwelling on the negative consequences of their decisions. Experience and learning is the main trait that the game wants to develop in the player. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">**Achievement Principle:** At every level there are different rewards given out and accomplishments made.

**<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13.5pt;">Online resources and help: ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Storm tracker can be better understood by going to website such as [], which allows the student to see a real time view of the weather. [] is a website that gives the player more information about hurricanes and allows them to play other weather games. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">[] gives the instructors objectives that are coved and an overview of the game

**<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13.5pt;">Overall thoughts: ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The game was a very good teaching tool about hurricanes without being too graphic or visually overwhelming. Concepts are presented in a way that allows the player to see the real world aspects involved in hurricane storm tracking. Best of all, the game can be applied in a classroom and allows students to see the important role science has in the real world.