Caduceus Quest: A serious STEM game to promote reproductive health and STEM and health career interest

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant The proposed Phase I STTR project will develop and test a serious game Caduceus Quest to engage youth in STEM learning facilitate reductions in sexual and reproductive health risk behaviors and promote asset development toward holistic long term well being Caduceus Quest will be a multi platform theory based role playing game in which players build up teams of doctors policymakers researchers youth advocates educators etc to solve medical mysteries and epidemiologic crises around the city This project will engage youth ages predominately African American and Latino living on the South and West Sides of Chicago A multidisciplinary team from Ci the Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health Ci andapos s Game Changer Chicago GCC Design Lab Resilient Games Studio and C Institute will be engaged to develop test the game prototype These partners share a commitment to using game based learning experiences to empower youth with the skills capacity and support to achieve optimal health and well being The game will be developed in conjunction with target population youth and tested by adolescent parent and educator stakeholders Surveys and focus groups will yield information about the gameandapos s usability and impact on STEM and health interest STEM and health career self efficacy and health behaviors Customer interviews will be used to determine ideal market channels in preparation for future commercialization

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE Games offer a powerful tool for engaging youth in STEM learning facilitating reductions in sexual and reproductive health risk behaviors and promoting asset development toward holistic long term well being This project will engage youth in designing Caduceus Quest a video based role playing game in which players build teams of doctors policymakers researchers youth advocates educators etc to solve medical mysteries around the city The game will be tested with additional youth parents and educators to assess usability feasibility and impact toward the aim of future development as a Phase II project