A 3D Chemistry Escape Room

In order to enhance the interest in learning theory and to enhance understanding in a scientific subject like chemistry, gamification methods can be helpful. In this work, a 3D virtual Chemistry Escape Room game – the “ChemScape” – will be presented. It is designed as a realistic looking laboratory. Hidden chemical tasks will help the participants to solidify chemical knowledge in a game-based setup.
In the beginning of 2023, the project for the designing of a 3D laboratory has been started. The room was programmed with Unity 3D and around 10 chemistry tasks hidden in the laboratory - connected via especially designed door-openers (like n:n-connections, number – and color codes, sliders, …) - were implemented. Only by solving a task, the subsequent task will be available for continuation.
In the process of solving the escape room tasks apart from theoretical questions, also virtual chemistry experiments have to be performed using different virtual instruments (e.g. scales) and applying chemical theoretical knowledge (like nomenclature, knowledge of the pH, ..).
In 2024, a database will be programmed to transfer the “ChemScape” escape room with only one set of tasks connected to certain places and objects in the laboratory, to a dynamic escape room game. Learning possibilities will so be expanded enormously.
Additionally, a virtual rat will be designed to give hints if a participant stucks and needs help.
First user tests have already been performed. In the near future, the “ChemScape” will be tried out in chemistry lectures and will be used as well for other activities like for example congresses with especially chosen tasks (e.g. to the topic of Hydrogen for the planned congress in the upcoming November in Upper Austria at the University of Applied Sciences).