The Jumping Java Frog Game
The Jumping Java Frog Game
is an interactive 2-D Java applet that teaches children about simple frog
behavior (eating, jumping, survival) as well as simple projectile motion.
The goal of this game is to teach biology and physics in an integrative,
interdisciplinary manner, and to motivate students to learn through the
use of an entertaining and challenging medium. You can read the instructions
for playing, or if you would like to jump right in and start playing the
game, simply click on the screen shot above.
There are two major modes of operation in this game. The first mode is the skill development mode where the student learns about angular measures, weight, force, and parabolic trajectories. The student is taught how to make a frog jump in an optimal manner using a minimum amount of energy. In the process, the student develops an understanding of simple projectile motion. The second mode is the survival game in which the student uses the skills he/she has developed to help a frog eat and survive. The student wins points for eating flies (thereby increasing their energy store) while at the same time must avoid being eaten by predators (in this case, birds). When threatened by a bird, the student must make the frog jump into a pond. If the frogs misses the pond, it becomes disabled for a certain number of seconds before jumping again. If the frog eats too much food, it becomes too massive to jump efficiently. Likewise, if the frog eats too little, it becomes weak and unable to jump effectively.
Learning activities
Design Components