Augmented Reality: Pokémon GO

'Pokemon Go' Player Caught

Pokemon have definitely made a comeback in the last few years. In 2016, Pokemon GO became a big hit with Pokemon fans and even those who are not familiar with the Pokemon world. As a current third grade teacher, I hear and see Pokemon cards, toys, and stuffed animals everyday. I have heard of the Pokemon GO game and decided to download it this week and see what it is all about. 

What is Pokemon GO?

Pokemon GO is an augmented reality game where users explore the real world and use the mobile app to catch hidden Pokemon creatures. These Pokemon creatures can be collected, trained, evolved, and used in battles. Pokemon go is available for both Google and IOS devices. 

How to use Pokemon GO?

When first downloading the game, users must create their account and avatar. Once the avatar is created, the user will see an augmented reality map on their phone. This map is very similar to the users real surroundings, roads, lakes, etc. In order to move their avatar and collect Pokemon creatures, the user must physically move. This encourages users to get out and exercise in their area. In order to catch a Pokemon creature, the user simply flicks their finger on the screen in order to throw the ball at the creature. 

How to use Pokemon GO to Support Student Learning:

  • Digital Storytelling: Students capture images of Pokemon around the school, home, or neighborhood and use those images for a digital storytelling project. 
  • Data Literacy: Students can track the date and time of their activities and use this data for averages, time, graphing, analysis, and more. 
  • Geography: Students can use Google Maps along with Pokemon GO to practice map skills, draw scaled maps, track their routes, etc. 
  • Podcasts: Students can create podcasts on their experience playing the game
  • Video: Create a video tutorial that teaches people how to play
  • Writing: 
    • Daily journal entries/logs
    • Personal narratives and reflection
    • Students can practice writing directions on how to play
    • Game reviews
    • Character descriptions for their Pokemon
    • Persuasive writing on why they should or should not be able to play
  • Math:
    • Calculate distance traveled
    • Calculate elapsed time using the activity log.
    • compare the weight and height of different Pokemon
  • Science:
    • Pick a Pokemon creature and write about it's a habitat, diet, environment, adaptations, etc.
    • Pokemon can evolve- what is evolution? 
    • In the game you can incubate eggs- what is incubation? 
    • Learn about habitats around us

Check out These Videos about Pokemon GO:


Helpful Links for Using Pokemon GO in the Classroom:





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