The InferCabulary game is based on a mountain climbing adventure and has three activities: Basecamp, Ascent, and Expedition.
In InferCabulary 2.0 (updated April 2020), all of the vocabulary activities are now part of a student's "climbing experience" in the game.
Activity Types
Basecamp asks a student to infer the meaning of words from 6 pictures and captions, and then build a definition. Rather than telling students the meaning of words, they must actively engage in order to complete the multiple-choice, kid-friendly definition. Carabiners are used if the student makes an incorrect selection while building the definition. A student has completed a basecamp when they have finished basecamp without using all of their carabiners assigned to this activity.
Ascent (formerly known as a Climb) is an activity where students are presented with four images and captions. They also see and hear four words. They must select the one word that best represents the common thread among the four images. When looking at the activity for a student, Completed means they have received a score of at least 80% accuracy.
Expedition is a new InferCabulary game that asks students to match the two best words within a selection of nine words. There will be one word that will not be used. These words are often synonyms, but can also be related words. This game also uses carabiners and is reported on the teacher or specialist report as "completed" or "failed."
Game Concepts
On the report Failed means a student has chosen incorrect answers to the point where all their carabiners (lifelines) were used up. Completed means a student has finished the activity and has at least one carabiner left.
Carabiners: If a student gets an answer wrong, they will use a carabiner. If they run out of carabiners, the activity will be considered Failed.
FAQS
Which words will students encounter in the game?
If no words are starred, the InferCabulary algorithm will select words based on the student grade level and progress. The algorithm automatically created a balanced mix of new words, in progress words, and learned words for reinforcement.
If you starred words in your classroom, those words will be prioritized and will show much more frequently than other words. Learn about starred words here.
When is a word considered learned?
The InferCabulary algorithm tracks each time a student encounters a word, and whether they answer it correctly. After several consecutive encounters in the game where the word is answered correctly, the word will be marked as learned for the student.