How I Use It
Osmos is a physics-based game where students are controlling an organism. The goal in Osmos is to get as large as possible by absorbing other floating organisms. It's a solid game for students to work through levels and learn the laws of physics through this game. The game also plays soft relaxing music as students float around trying to become larger. I first tried Osmos as an enhancement to demonstrating the game in front of the class and was going to introduce descriptive writing. It became very clear that once engrossed in the game students were unable to make the transfer to writing. The game takes time to explore and students do need to understand the laws of physics to continue.
Osmos is an incredible science tool that allows students to play a game as they advance through various physics puzzles. The music is relaxing, and the game holds the attention of middle school students. I would encourage students to use the game in and out of the classroom. As students become more comfortable with Osmos, I would cross connect the physics they have learned to their scientific and technical writing.