Taken from reflection utilized in Drexel University Graduate Program

I wanted to develop a lesson more relatable to the children's motivations. This course, as well
as others with our professor, have been perfect as I realize that many of the kids I work with
love play video games. If I could incorporate video games into a physics lesson, I felt there
would be good odds for an enthusiastic and engaged classroom. I was led to a game titled
Zelda: Breath Of The Wild as a method to teach potential and kinetic energy to the kids. I’m a
big fan of the series and through reflection and thought I realized the POTENTIAL it had (pun
fully intended). There’s a tool in the game called stasis which allows you to fill an object with
potential energy but after a certain amount of time the energy will be released in kinetic form.
After giving a brief lesson on the basics of kinetic and potential, I had students interact with the
video game where they would build potential energy in things like boulders and mine carts
amongst many others, launching them into the air or trying to direct them towards enemies. It
didn’t talke long for the kids to understand the concept. One made a good point saying, “Oh! It’s
like someone saying unleash your potential! It means your capability being shown!”

The next day, I was able to get some very positive feedback from the kids. They had some great
ideas for the use of video games in physics both similar and unique to my own. For instance I
recommended using racing games to teach speed, velocity, and acceleration, but then another
student recommended using a sports game with football instead. It was a great and motivating
time for all of us overall. I think it’s opened up many doors and lessons for next year for sure.