Signal: A Neurotransmission Board Game.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience Education
• Game-Based Learning

Background:

• Traditional pedagogical approaches may not fully engage students in complex neuroscience topics.
• Action potentials and synaptic transmission are fundamental concepts in introductory neuroscience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a board game, "Signal," for teaching core neuroscience concepts.
• To assess the game's impact on student knowledge and transferable skills.

Main Methods:

• Development of a collaborative board game simulating synaptic transmission.
• Students utilized cards with proteins and molecules to construct a functional synapse.
• Evaluation through post-game surveys assessing knowledge, application, and skill development.

Main Results:

• Students reported increased content-specific knowledge and improved application of concepts.
• The game fostered transferable skills such as communication and critical thinking.
• Students found the game to be an enjoyable and effective learning experience.

Conclusions:

• The board game "Signal" is an effective and engaging tool for reviewing neurotransmission fundamentals.
• This game-based learning approach can enhance understanding in neuroscience and biology courses.
• Collaborative game design promotes deeper synthesis of complex biological information.