1. What is the relationship between the use of educational computer games and math and science misconceptions held by middle school students?
2. What is the relationship between the use of educational computer games and learning outcomes specific to different ability groups?

Literature Review and Rationale for Game Development

An extensive literature review narrowed the research teams' focus to the following:

• The impact of  gaming on student learning and the educational process
• Learning the key elements necessary to enhance understanding in science and math
• Addressing misconceptions is a major issue in learning science and math
• Learning objective(s) of teachers are a key element of educational gaming
• Understanding the project as research and proof of concept

Research and Design Challenges

This study also addresses the following game research and design challenges identified in 2006 by the Federation of American Scientists Summit on Educational Games.