What question did this study set out to answer?

This research explores how a physics-based simulation game can serve as a learning tool for astronomy students.

February 6, 2026Open Access

Using a Physics-Based Space Flight Simulation Game as an Alternative to Classroom Learning

MTMatipon TangmatithamNational Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand

Key Points

This research explores how a physics-based simulation game can serve as a learning tool for astronomy students.
Participants engaged in the 'Space Youth Challenge' competition using the game 'Kerbal Space Program'.
Teams of 5 students developed and executed space missions based on real physics laws.
Feedback was collected from nearly 1,997 participants across three competition seasons.
Participants reported overwhelmingly positive experiences with the simulation game as a learning tool.
The competition demonstrated the effectiveness of video games in educational settings focused on physics and astronomy.
Lessons from the challenge allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical, creative ways.

Abstract

This is a poster presented at the 7th Shaw-IAU Workshop on Astronomy for Education, organised by the IAU Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE, https://astro4edu.org/shaw-iau/7th-shaw-iau-workshop/). Title: Using a Physics-Based Space Flight Simulation Game as an Alternative to Classroom Learning Presenter:Matipon Tangmatitham (National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), Thailand) "Space Youth Challenge" is a competition in which teams of 5 students use the game "Kerbal Space Program" to dream up their space missions and then execute them, according to the real laws of physics. Participants get to put the knowledge they learn in schools from physics, celestial mechanics, newton's law of motions, vectors, torque, aerodynamics, etc. into practice. Over the 3 seasons of Space Youth Challenge we have received nearly 1,997 participants from 472 teams. The responses to the competition are overwhelmingly positive and have proven that video game can also be a powerful alternative to conventional formal education in schools on top of allowing artistic freedom and teaching basic video editing skills which is arguable one of the most important skills in this era. About the 7th Shaw-IAU Workshop:The 7th Shaw-IAU Workshop took place 18 - 21 November 2025. The Shaw-IAU workshops focus on astronomy education for primary and secondary school students and teacher training both in universities and in service. This year's Education focus session on Teaching with authentic data and the Science focus is on Galaxies.More details can be found on: https://astro4edu.org/shaw-iau/Keep up to date with future Shaw-IAU Workshops and other opportunities at the IAU Office of Astronomy for Education by joining our mailing list https://astro4edu.org/mailing-list/ Follow the IAU OAE on Bluesky and Facebook under @astro4edu

AIに質問

Bookmark

View Full Paper