Matter of Scale: A Card Game for Size and Scale Reasoning in Biomaterials Science

ABSTRACT

Biomaterials science and nanotechnology encompass phenomena spanning many orders of magnitude, yet size and scale remain persistently challenging concepts for students and the general public alike. Informal science learning tools that make these concepts accessible through play and peer discussion offer a promising avenue for broadening engagement with biomaterials beyond formal educational settings. Here we present Matter of Scale (MOS), a card‐based learning game designed to support size and scale reasoning through intentional card design and modular gameplay. The deck consists of 52 object cards and 34 challenge cards spanning the nano, micro, macro, and mega scales. Object cards integrate multiple representations of scale: powers of 10, SI units, a scale bar, illustrations, and descriptive blurbs, linking objects to their scale‐relevant properties. Challenge cards and three gameplay modes scaffold proportional reasoning, visualization, and scenario‐driven discussion. Evidence from predominantly undergraduate STEM participants ( n  = 84) in voluntary gameplay sessions indicates that features providing direct numerical anchors, particularly scientific notation and object images, were rated most useful, while features requiring continuum interpretation showed greater variability. Engagement was consistently high: 96% agreed the cards supported reasoning about orders of magnitude and 94% would recommend MOS to other students. Qualitative reflections revealed eight themes; understanding relative size and comparison (52.9%), connecting scales across the nano–micro–macro–mega continuum (30.7%), and cognitive challenge and metacognition (23.5%) emerged most frequently. Participants also spontaneously described scale‐dependent material properties and visualization across scales, outcomes directly relevant to biomaterials science and nanotechnology. Together, these findings indicate that MOS offers a flexible, low‐cost tool for broadening public engagement with size and scale concepts central to biomaterials science and nanotechnology.