Poly & Mer | Why Science

What is Poly & Mer?

Adventures with Poly & Mer is an interactive learning technology platform that implements the scientific process of problem solving in an educational based gaming structure. Our technology combines the power of the “cloud” with the best learning practices, curricula and interactive media for the modern classroom of today! Adventures with Poly & Mer integrates science, literacy and technology to build users’ skills for scientific inquiry as well as writing, reading, speaking and listening skills as recommended by U. S. National Science Education Standards.

This versatile education resource can be utilized in the classroom or in concert with after-school educational programs.

How Does It Work?

Adventures with Poly & Mer is powered by a proprietary technology system developed by Why Science®. Our STEM focused education modules in conjunction with the application of our learning technology encourages active student participation while delivering measurable outcomes. The platform encourages both technology based learning and in classroom activities to ensure an active Hands-On & Minds-On learning experience.

Within the platform, we have created a series of distinct STEM learning modules. Each module is highly targeted in terms of subject matter and within each module students will engage in very specific learning experiences that are relevant to that specific module. Further each module is tightly aligned with the most current standards practices.

What is the Experience?

Adventures with Poly & Mer is comprised of two distinct areas, one for “players” (students) and a second area for “facilitators” (teachers and instructors).

How Do Students Use This?

The player facing portion is structured in such a way that each education module provides a subject based rich learning experience while also introducing and reinforcing core scientific processing skills – these same skills can then be applied to a wide variety of other subjects going way beyond what are typical STEM subjects.

This learning experience is further enhanced by the use of custom animation, video, a vibrant digital library, a learning community and reward based point system.

How Do Educators Use This?

The facilitator facing portion provides each instructor with a comprehensive student performance dashboard from which facilitators can monitor and track the player progress in real time, allowing facilitators the opportunity to provide real time tutoring specific to each players needs. Further, within the facilitator facing portion there are additional teaching materials specific to each module that provide the facilitators with more background resources to help engage the facilitator and empower them by explaining the underlying process. In addition each learning module has a series of additional questions, learning tools, library assets and rich media that the facilitator will have access to in order to encourage greater participation by all players.

Who Are Poly & Mer?

Poly & Mer are virtual STEM educators designed to provide guidance supporting the creation of Hands-On & Minds-On learning environments which foster the progressive development of science process skills and Learning-to-Learn skills while students learn content. These fun animated characters represent what we might consider “holistic STEM parents/instructors” and their role within the game is multi-faceted.

In the player facing portion of the portal that is geared towards students Poly & Mer will provide a variety of roles all of which will help encourage successful outcomes for student participants. When a student enters a new module, Poly & Mer will provide initial instructions and also to provide a framework for the new module. Later, as a student is further inside a module Poly & Mer will continue to offer guidance, but they will also serve to pose questions and to present challenges.

What Are the Benefits?

Ignite a passion for learning
Develop in demand 21st Century learning and thinking skills sought by employers
Master the Art & Science of problem solving
Utilization of technology to provide modern learning experiences
Increase your performance in Science, Engineering and Mathematics

What Do I Need To Get Started

Our cloud based e-learning version requires nothing more than a modern web browser.

How Much Does It Cost?

Adventures with Poly & Mer is currently in a Beta-Test mode. Organization and schools interested in participating in our pilot study please contact us.

Can I Customize Poly & Mer?

Poly & Mer will launch with a select number of rich learning STEM modules. By end of 2012 we will be opening up our platform to allow for third party contributors.

How Do I Get Started?

Make sure to sign up here to receive more information and to request participation in our pilot program.