By Devansh Chandgothia, Liden, Liam Liden, Ryuta Kure, & Shonda Kuiper (Grinnell College)
Abstract
Defenders is a web-based game with corresponding investigative laboratory modules that effectively teach statistical thinking and the process of scientific inquiry to undergraduate students. The game player chooses between different types of medicines, turrets, and upgrades to defeat viruses that are spreading throughout the world. Corresponding student lab handouts and interactive Shiny apps focus on using visualizations and hypothesis tests to determine which medicines are most effective. By completing these lab modules, students develop a richer understanding of the challenges of drawing conclusions from a p-value.