They argue that rather than learning by listening to lectures or reading textbooks, students can learn science by exploring and solving problems in realistic environments. Their early MUVE, River City, is set in a historical town in the late 1800s, where residents are becoming ill.
The students take on the role of 21st century scientists who travel back in time to help the mayor identify the cause of the illness.
Ketelhut (2007) found that embedding science inquiry curricula in River City could act as a catalyst for
change in middle grade students’ self-efficacy and learning processes.