Using Pokemon to teach science

A new in-school program uses basic characters and themes from Nintendo's Pokîmon Diamond and Pokîmon Pearl videogames to teach elementary and middle school students about science.

Nintendo of America, The National Institute of Aerospace, and Nortel LearniT have partnered for the new educational tools.

Now through December, a variety of printable lesson plans and classroom activities developed by NIA are available to students and teachers online.

"We're honoured to have our characters take what sometimes may seem like dry topics and help make them come alive for students," said Nintendo of America's George Harrison.

"The collaboration provides an opportunity for children to learn 21st century science using 21st century tools with characters they're familiar with."

Pokîmon are already currently used in online math, science, and language arts via the Pokîmon Learning League.

"We are thrilled to offer educators a resource program that utilises popular characters to enhance the learning experience for students in fields of study that will only grow more crucial as we move forward in the 21st century," says Robert Lindberg, president and executive director of the National Institute of Aerospace.

The National Institute of Aerospace is a non-profit research and education institute headquartered in Hampton, Virginia, USA.