MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Video games often get a bad rap as distractions, but a new study suggests they can help children develop important science skills.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed an educational video game that helps elementary school students learn about the human body, health and how to use evidence in the same way scientists do.
The game, called Virtual Vet, took seven years to develop and went through three major redesigns before the team found the perfect version for kids.
“In order for children to access this content, their math and reading skills must be supported. And that was not our original design of the game,” said Georgia Hodges, lead author and assistant professor of education, in a press release. “Our original game design was science, science, science, but we learned that you have to develop math and literacy skills first. Then you have to practice them analyzing and interpreting data. And then it’s on to learning science.”
The study, published recently in the journal Science Education, compared students who played the game with others who learned the same content in traditional classrooms.
On average, children who played went on to do better in anatomy.
In Virtual Vet, students act as assistants at a veterinary clinic and care for two cats named Cookies and Cream. One cat is healthy while the other has low energy and is overweight.
Students must collect data, make observations, test ideas, and recommend solutions while progressing through six levels with clear learning objectives.
Children receive continuous feedback and must correct any mistakes before progressing in the game.
“When you give kids feedback and give them the opportunity to try again with guidance, kids learn more,” Hodges said.
The researchers emphasized that the game should not replace teachers. Instead, students play while teachers track progress, offer support and contribute when needed.
“Don’t take the teacher out, make sure they are there to facilitate learning,” Hodges said.
More information
The Harvard Graduate School of Education has more information about video games as a learning tool for children.
SOURCE: University of Georgia press release, December 5, 2025
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