Abstract Hydrological processes such as rainfall–runoff generation are inherently complex and often difficult to teach, particularly to students without prior background or interest. To address this challenge, we developed the gamified rainfall–runoff model SplashTune, using the educational programming language Scratch to support intuitive and exploratory learning of watershed hydrology (https: //global‐hydrodynamics. github. io/gameₑ/). The model visualizes rainfall, infiltration, surface and subsurface flow, and runoff to river through particle‐based animation, emphasizing visual clarity and interactivity. Players manipulate land surface conditions, including land cover and soil moisture, to match simulated hydrographs with predefined targets, mimicking parameter tuning in hydrological modeling. A scoring system based on Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency provides immediate feedback and encourages repeated trial‐and‐error exploration. A workshop with high school students in Japan demonstrated the model's educational effectiveness. Pre‐ and post‐questionnaires revealed notable gains in understanding of both basic and complex hydrological concepts. Game‐based interaction was particularly effective in enhancing quantitative understanding, such as peak timing and soil moisture effects, compared to traditional lecture‐style instruction. Participants also reported that the gamified model made learning more enjoyable and memorable, especially due to its visual clarity, interactivity, and score‐based feedback. This approach fosters the development and communication of perceptual models of hydrological processes, enabling learners to refine their understanding through interactive simulation. Beyond classroom use, such tools offer potential to promote shared hydrological literacy and engagement across educational, policy, and public domains. Our findings highlight the value of combining scientific modeling with game‐based learning to support both conceptual understanding and inclusive participation.
Yamazaki et al. (Fri,) studied this question.