Can playing Pokemon Go help with Math and Science Skills?

1. 94

   Kenna McHughposted 8 years ago

   Can playing Pokemon Go help with Math and Science Skills?
   
   Through the use of the GPS (global positioning system), the game determines your position on earth with more extremely complicated mathematical principles.  Mathematical principles are also used in buying characters and building a Pokemon Deck. 
   
   

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2. 87

   Paxashposted 8 years ago

   I really don't see how, which isn't to say that playing it is useless. I personally use it as a motivator to get out of the house and go walking every day.
   
   But the fact that the game uses GPS doesn't have any effect on the player, and the only math involved is figuring out how many you need to catch to get an evolution. That's just basic arithmetic.

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   1. 94

      Kenna McHughposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Pokemon does get people outside, moving around. If the GPS does really acquire math, then the basic counting aspect is good. At least people will learn the basics and not get short changed.

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3. 99

   CYong74posted 8 years ago

   If only.
   
   Other than walking, and finger flexing, I doubt it benefits much in other ways.

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   1. 94

      Kenna McHughposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Interesting, it would be nice if it did help teach math or physics.

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   2. 99

      CYong74posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      It might teach biz skills, as in concept, promotion, audience retention etc. But these are skills far from elementary & suitable only for older players.

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4. 61

   walmart cherposted 8 years ago

   perhaps playing pokemon go improves a person's memory and organizational skills, which are useful when doing math and applying the scientific method.  but i fail to see how it teaches biology, chem, physics or any real math beyond counting stuff.  it think it's mostly good for nintendo corp, and sort of good for your butt.

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   1. 94

      Kenna McHughposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      That is good to know.  It does get people outside.

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5. 94

   melbelposted 8 years ago

   I'm both a science major (chemistry) and a Pokemon Go player. There is nothing wrong with playing a game for fun, but I don't see how this particular game is helpful for math skills.
   
   The counting in the game is fairly limited. In fact, I don't really recall counting at all. I do know it's good to have an idea of how many pokeballs one has before they go looking for Pokemon versus going to Pokestops.
   
   I enjoy the game, but there are no real math or science skills that I can really say are in the game. Even strategy is fairly straightforward.
   
   As for complex mathematical principles going into the GPS of the game, there is a lot of math and science that go into building a game that are never really seen or understood by the player. The GPS part of the game offers no mathematical learning skills benefit to the player.
   
   Perhaps the card game requires more strategy which would help with critical thinking skills, but with Pokemon Go... I'm going to go with a no.
   
   Enjoy the game, there's nothing wrong with playing a game, but there are other ways to gain math and science skills.

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   1. 94

      Kenna McHughposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Great answer. I am glad you enjoy the game. You are right, there is nothing wrong with playing a game.

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