Towards Gamification of Science and Mathematics in Upper Primary Schools in Uganda

The research involved a needs assessment study for the application of gamification technology in teaching and learning of science and mathematics in upper primary (P5, P6 and P7)- typically 10 to 13 year olds. Gamification in education has been praised to create competition, critical thinking and collaborative engagement, which support construction of new knowledge, thus creating a positive learning environment. The research aim was to establish the challenging topics (hard to understand) in Science and Mathematics developing computer based gamification that would be used to support the teaching and learning. Additionally the research was used to identify the ICT training needs of the staff. It was observed that topics that relate to systems such as digestive system, blood circulation system, reproductive system were challenging in science. Challenging topics in mathematics included integers, sets and fractions.