Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2005

Abstract

Coronary heart diseases (CHD) are one of the primary causes of deaths in the United States. It is commonly accepted that certain factors, such as a cholesterol high diet, increase the risk of coronary heart diseases. As a consequence, people should be educated to adhere a diet low in low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol). ln order for children to become familiar with these facts, educational computer games can be employed to raise some awareness. This poster describes an educational museum exhibit that serves this purpose. ln a game-like environment, children can practice their navigation skills, while learning about the various types of blood cells and particles within the blood stream. A geometric model of the arterial vascular system of the heart has been developed, which considers vessels of different sizes. An interactive ftythrough using a standard game controller facilitates the exploration of the interior structure of the vasculature. A blood flow simulation including several different particles within the blood stream allows a player to explore their functionality. This computer game has been deployed as an interactive museum exhibit for children. The primary age group addressed by the science museum where it was displayed is 4-9 years. With proper guidance by the museum personnel and the instructional material provided at the exhibit the game is also suitable for slightly younger and much older children.

Comments

Presented at the The Sixth University of California Systemwide Bioengineering Symposium, Santa Cruz, CA.

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