Chemical Element Lotto: A Captivating Guessing and Cultural Game Inspired by the Mexican Lottery

Abstract

To create meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences, game-based learning has gained popularity for fostering sustained learning across all age groups. In response, the "Chemical Element Lotto" was developed as an adaptation of the traditional Mexican game "Loteri ́a" to help students familiarize themselves with the periodic table. Beyond promoting diversity and multicultural engagement, this game encourages the identification of chemical elements in the periodic table and understanding of their most important applications and properties. The game, available in English and Spanish, also highlights the history and etymology of the elements' names, as well as their abundance on Earth and in space. The effectiveness and engagement level of "Chemical Element Lotto" was assessed through a study involving 63 undergraduate students from the Facultad de Qui ́mica at Universidad Nacional Autońoma de Mexico (UNAM). Pre-and postexaminations were conducted to evaluate the students' familiarity with the periodic table elements and their basic characteristics before and after playing the game. The methodology used has been validated with a Table of Specifications (TOS) and results showed significant improvement, as evidenced by a Student's t test analysis. Additionally, Likert-type and User Engagement Scale surveys were administered to assess the game's playability, content, usefulness, and engagement. The findings suggest that the "Chemical Element Lotto" initiative was well-received by the student population, demonstrating its potential as an effective educational tool.