Bee prepared: Simulating bee vision in an educational game

Much can be learned about an animal species´ behavior by studying its visual system [1]. However, it is challenging to convey such a fundamentally visual concept in plain text - a format that is still commonly used in zoos, museums, and classrooms - and is unlikely to appeal to young observers, in partiuclar. Recent advances in computer graphics hardware and techniques enable us to simulate animal visual systems in realtime, allowing a user to explore the world from `behind the eyes´ of the species in question. We have developed a simulation of bee vision based on neuroscience and biology research using a difference-based methodology that emphasizes the key differences between the human and bee visual systems. By integrating the simulation into a serious game, we are able to enhance the simulation´s impact, while at the same time engaging users in an entertaining and memorable experience. We conducted a user study to evaluate the impact of our educational game, and found that it was successful in stimulating a significant increase in knowledge regarding bee vision.