Training Computational Thinking through Board Games: The Case of Crabs & Turtles

The Crabs & Turtles board game series serves as an innovative, unplugged pedagogical tool designed to introduce children aged 8 to 12 to foundational computational thinking concepts. By utilizing physical, life-size gameplay, the series aims to demystify programming logic—specifically sequencing, loops, and conditionals—without the barrier of digital interfaces. The core thesis posits that embodied, game-based learning fosters problem-solving skills that are transferable to broader STEM contexts and real-life scenarios, providing a playful yet rigorous entry point into computer science.

The suite comprises three distinct games—The Treasure Hunt, The Race, and Patterns—each targeting specific cognitive skills such as algorithmic sequencing, variable manipulation, and pattern recognition. Through a two-phase pilot study involving university students and educational experts, the games were evaluated using the Game Experience Questionnaire. Findings indicate high levels of user competence, immersion, and positive affect. Participants consistently praised the intuitive nature of the mechanics, and qualitative feedback facilitated iterative refinements to balance chance-based elements and streamline turn structures, ensuring the games remain both engaging and educational.

Spanning the design and validation of these educational tools, the research confirms that unplugged board games are a viable medium for teaching complex technical concepts. While the initial evaluations were conducted with adult cohorts to validate design feasibility, the results strongly support the games' potential for the intended primary school demographic. Future research will focus on measuring direct learning outcomes among children, building upon the established theoretical framework that links serious games to enhanced cognitive development and programming proficiency.