Simulations and games are uniquely positioned to help educators realize this new approach to science instruction by enabling
learners to see and interact with representations of natural phenomena and facilitate their development of scientifically
correct explanations for these phenomena [50]. One of the key strengths of serious games is that they can allow
students to observe, explore, recreate, manipulate variables, and receive immediate feedback about objects and events that
would be too time-consuming, costly, or dangerous to experience first-hand during traditional school science lessons [67].
Nevertheless, it is clear that incorporating this type of technology haphazardly or in isolation can be ineffective [6,29]. The
implementation guidelines offered by Smetana and Bell [61] are timely and prudent: innovative technologies should supplement
and enhance (not replace) other modes of instruction, such as hands-on labs and activities currently included in many
inquiry-based science programs.