Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 as a Performance Based Learning Tool Under Common Core State Standards for Middle School and High School Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) 2011

The RET project for 2011 at the University of Arkansas was to continue research in the area of computer simulation video games to provide students and teachers a meaningful method of Performance Based Learning (PBL) addressing Common Core State Standards (CCSS) while maintaining the previous objective of introducing and recruiting students in grades 6 through 12 to the field of Industrial Engineering.This was accomplished through a competition called The IE Challenge (https://sites.google.com/site/iechallengecompetition/).The IE Challenge competition was originally designed as an RET project to provide an engaging format for middle school and high school students to learn fundamental aspects of Industrial Engineering and is now being improved and refined to help teachers and students stay relevant under CCSS.The IE Challenge has been held for the last five years at the University of Arkansas and has been increasing in student participation each year.The students compete in teams of two in either the junior (grades 6-8) or senior division (grades 9-12).Each team is sponsored by a mentor teacher whose role is to guide the team through the project requirements and be a resource for the students in times of need.