Engaging Students Through Gamified Digital Learning Curriculum

Neil Garg, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry, and a group of UCLA students developed the app, Backside Attack, to help students learn the SN2 mechanism, a key concept for organic chemistry. The app mixes both games alongside assessment pieces to ensure that students can translate what they are learning to how they may be assessed in a course.

Digital Resources

Backside Attack Game

Backside Attack on the App Store

The game focuses on the SN2 reaction, which is often one of the first reactions students learn when studying organic chemistry. The SN2 reaction is great for educational purposes, as it provides a forum for students to learn about many common variables associated with chemical reactions, such as leaving group ability, nucleophilicity, steric factors, and solvent effects.

A screenshot from the game Backside Attack, showing a chemistry set and a timer.

Digital Enablement

Gamified learning tools can make learning more engaging and enjoyable by incorporating elements of play, competition, and achievement. This mode of learning can allow students to have greater engagement and motivation. 

Active Learning Formative Assessment & Practice

Implementation Effort:

Light

Subject:

Chemistry

Use Case:

Assignment Assessment