Isotopolis Racer is a science-themed game that imagines what it would be like if atomic nuclei could “race” through the FRIB accelerator on their way to creating rare isotopes.
About the game
Developed by the GEL Lab at Michigan State University, Isotopolis Racer introduces players ages 10 and older to concepts used in real accelerator science.
You guide a nucleus through an environment inspired by the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), learning how ionization, acceleration, and beam interactions work.
Gameplay overview
In Isotopolis Racer, players:
- Choose an element to serve as their nucleus “racer”
- Steer into ionization beams to remove electrons and increase maximum speed
- Navigate through acceleration rings for energy boosts
- Avoid other nuclei traveling in the beam
- Reach and collide with the target to generate new isotopes used in scientific research
The goal is to complete the acceleration process efficiently while learning how nuclei behave inside an accelerator.
Play Isotopolis Racer
The game is available for computers, tablets, and phones.
About the original Isotopolis
The original Isotopolis is a puzzle-style game that guides players through simplified steps of how FRIB researchers create and identify new isotopes on the Chart of Nuclides. Players select beam particles, send them into target nuclei, and observe how new isotopes can form.
