Bruco: a video game to learn the periodic table

Background: Elements symbols, groups, periods, and other periodic table-related topics are of fundamental importance in science, but it can be a bit of a taxing subject to learn at times. By combining video games with teaching, the topic could be turned into fun. Methods: In this regard we decided to write a program under the basis of the universally known game snake, called periodic caterpillar (in Italian called BRUCO). The gameplay is intended to help students cooperate. In this purpose, we also designed a joystick interface which is more comfortable for primary-grade students. Use case: Teaching in the classroom by game-based learning is the major usage of this research. We present the usage of this game in two different ways. One student/person play alone to understand their own proficiency with a periodic table. Another one is a group of students/people who can participate and play to exhibit their interpersonal skills. Conclusions: Bruco could prove highly useful for teaching chemistry to school students in a cooperative way. It may also be useful as a refreshment in a research laboratory-like environment and in the classroom.