Virtual Booth

Haber Quest is an innovative educational board game enhanced with technology, specifically designed to deepen students’ understanding of the Born-Haber cycle in thermochemistry. In this game, players take on the role of a metallic element, such as sodium. They must complete each step of the Born-Haber cycle—atomization, ionization, electron affinity, and lattice formation—to form a stable ionic compound eventually. The process is then repeated for the companion anion. The board features a central roller that acts as a die, determining player movement. Each square contains a QR code that links to conceptual questions, problem-solving tasks, or “fate and chance” events that test and reinforce students’ thermochemistry knowledge. This combination of gamification and digital interactivity transforms abstract chemistry content into an engaging and accessible learning experience. Classroom implementation of Haber Quest among pre-university students revealed a significant increase in post-test performance, highlighting improved comprehension and retention of the Born-Haber cycle compared to traditional instruction. The game promotes active learning, critical thinking, collaboration, and fun, making it a powerful tool for chemistry educators seeking to improve both engagement and academic outcomes.