Cell Command

In Cell Command, students embark on a series of exciting missions aboard a microscopic "cell ship." At the outset, students operate a single station (e.g., the "ribosome station"), but eventually command all the ship's functions (e.g., duplication, membrane, mitochondria, golgi complex) simultaneously. Successfully completing missions (e.g., mitigating the "cellular crises" that emerge when wounds need healing or muscles need flexing) earns "cell experience" that allows students to upgrade their cell ship, their skills as commander, and the skills of their crew.

This game is designed to be used in inclusive science classrooms that have a diverse range of students (e.g., average and above average students, students with high incidence disabilities, English language learners, and students who struggle with reading). It is designed using the Universal Design for Learning framework, strategically aligned to key state standards, and formulated to integrate seamlessly with existing curricula.

(The research reported here was supported by the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program contract ED-IES-10-C-0023 to Filament Games. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of the Institute of the U.S. Department of Education.)