Project Website: https://exoplaid.co/

We were inspired to create this game because, as a team of six individuals from different professions who share a passion for exploring the world, we noticed gaps in traditional education. We believe that complex topics like space exploration and exoplanets can be taught in a more engaging and accessible way. Our goal is to make learning fun and effortless, allowing children to explore these fascinating subjects through play, and filling those gaps in education with creativity and curiosity.

At first, a child should select the type of planet he/she wants to play as a character. It could be Terrestrial / Super-Earth / Gas Giant / Neptune-like, and also learn the core feature of this type of planet as its superpower. Children will associate themselves with this type, so they will remember them better.

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After that, the user will see the star system menu with some planets, each planet representing an educational step (either theoretical comics or a practical game).

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1. "Direct Imaging" Theory Comics

upload_image.18:04:50.165885 It describes to children, that you can't take a photo of the star with its planets, as it's too bright, so the tool named coronagraph is used to cover the star, so the planets appear:

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2. "Take a photo" game to practice Direct Imaging

A child sees a star, but it's too bright. There is a coronagraph attached to the cursor:

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Once the user covers the star with a coronagraph - the exoplanets appear!

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3. "Radial Velocity\Wobbling" Theory Comics

upload_image.18:21:11.912881 Here children learn the principles of finding the planets with radial velocity/wobbling effect as if the stars could dance. If there is no planet around - they will spin around themselves, dancing alone. However, if they have a pair (an exoplanet) - they will be spinning around the common center of mass for the system. Bigger planets will push stars further from this invisible point.

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4. "Dancing Star" quiz to practice Radial Velocity

A quiz to guess if there is a planet, based on the star dance moves around the common center of mass:

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5. "Transit Method" Theory Comics

upload_image.18:37:38.525856 Here our platform teaches the kids, that exoplanets can be spotted if they go in front of the stars, so their brightness drops a bit:

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6. "Hide and Seek" game to practice Transit Method

A task here is to catch the planet by clicking on it when it appears in front of the star. So they remember the concept of transit in this way:

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Our target audience:

Players: Children aged 8 and above, the game is designed to be educational and engaging for kids in this age group.
Buyers: Parents and educators, who are looking to introduce children to Exoplanet science concepts.

Here are the main advantages of the exoplanet game on the market:

Immersive Learning
Children play as a planet character, exploring and interacting with other planets. This approach makes learning about exoplanets fun and natural, as they gain knowledge without even realizing they are being educated.
Engaging Gameplay
Through comic-style storytelling, the game is visually appealing and light-hearted, keeping children entertained while learning complex space concepts in a simple, playful way.
Educational Value
While primarily designed as a game, it offers a rich learning experience in astronomy, helping kids discover the wonders of distant planets.
Unique Concept
Playing as a planet and meeting other celestial bodies is a unique and captivating way to explore space, setting it apart from more traditional educational tools.
English Language
The game’s use of English makes it accessible for children looking to practice or improve their language skills while exploring science topics.

Here are potential applications/markets for the exoplanet game:

Classrooms
Teachers can use the game as an interactive tool to introduce astronomy concepts in science lessons, making learning more engaging for students.
STEM Programs
The game fits well into STEM education programs, helping children explore space and planetary science in a fun, hands-on way.
After-School Activities
It can be part of after-school or extracurricular programs focused on science, fostering curiosity about space exploration.
At Home
Parents can use the game to encourage learning at home, combining entertainment with education for children interested in space.
Language Learning
Since the game is in English, it’s ideal for non-native speakers looking to improve their language skills while learning about exoplanets.
Planetariums and Science Centers
It can be offered as a digital interactive experience in museums or planetariums, enhancing visitors’ understanding of astronomy.

2024 NASA Space Apps Challenge

ExoPlaid