Board Game Biology: Using Wingspan in an Undergraduate First-Year Seminar Course

Abstract

We describe the use of the popular board game Wingspan in a first-year seminar course at an undergraduate liberal arts institution. We discuss implementation of the game in the classroom, classroom activities and assessments, and associated field activities. We also share student survey data on effective use of Wingspan to facilitate learning the biology of birds and how to conduct research on a scientific topic. We found that Wingspan and the associated class activities enhanced both content and process knowledge. Through surveys, students self-reported an increased awareness of birds. The honors cohort also self-reported an increased likelihood of engaging in birding as an activity. We highlight the potential benefits of game-based learning in the biological sciences, as well as potential challenges.