High school students can stop the evil plans — and earn an American history credit — in Conspiracy Code, a new online course that takes place as a game.

The course is available through Florida Virtual School, an Internet-based public school that offers more than 90 courses.

Teacher David Wilson, who describes his role as “an underground handler,” said the game appeals to many students who wouldn’t normally enjoy the subject.

The course, new this year, is project-based instead of test-heavy, although there are mid-term and final exams.

Students start off with an introduction to a woman at Collusion Café. She’s a persuasive conspiracy theorist who enlists help to stop the bad guys.

The characters representing the student — Eddie Flash and Libby Whitetree — go through missions in which they gain powers and collect clues. Students keep notes in a “conspiracy log” and play mini games to reinforce what they’ve learned. The clues contain the lessons in the form of videos, maps, interactive timelines and personal stories from history.

Wilson said students tend to be drawn to ideas of conspiracy, codes and secrecy, especially in an era of Dan Brown thrillers and movies like National Treasure.

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Like a game, but worth high school credits by Hannah Sampson

From the Miami Herald