In a classroom setting, few things are more powerful than a sense of curiosity. When pupils feel excited to explore, uncover new things, or be surprised by what’s next, they become active participants in their learning journey.
In gamification theory, this is known as Core Drive 7: Unpredictability & Curiosity. It’s the same emotional pull that keeps us reading a mystery novel, spinning a prize wheel, or clicking into a new level of a game — the thrill of the unknown.
At Sumdog, we believe learning should feel like a journey of discovery. That’s why we design experiences that spark curiosity, invite exploration and make children want to keep coming back.
What is Core Drive 7?
Unpredictability and curiosity are about creating moments that surprise and delight — especially when the outcome isn’t certain. In the classroom, this could be the excitement of solving a tricky puzzle, seeing what happens next in a story, or finding out how your score compares to others on a leaderboard.
In discovery-based learning, pupils are encouraged to explore ideas, test possibilities, and learn through experience. When paired with elements of unpredictability, it can create powerful motivation, particularly for learners who thrive on new challenges and surprises.
How Sumdog Sparks Curiosity in the Classroom
We’ve built Core Drive 7 into the Sumdog experience to keep learners interested, surprised, and engaged. Here are a few ways we do it:
🎮 New games and game modes: Pupils never know when something new might appear — keeping them curious about what’s coming next.
🎁 Rewards and coins: Surprise rewards and chances to earn extra coins give learners an extra reason to stay focused and keep playing.
🐱 Store items and pet tricks: With hundreds of avatar outfits, accessories, and tricks to unlock, there’s always something new to earn and explore.
🚨 Unpredictable gameplay: Some games introduce randomised elements that challenge pupils to stay alert and adapt.
These design choices are carefully balanced with Sumdog’s adaptive learning system, so children stay engaged while working at a level that’s right for them.
Want to bring more curiosity into your next lesson? Log in to Sumdog and set a new topic for your class to explore today.
Teacher spotlight: Creating Excitement with Discovery-Based Learning
Ben, Grade 5/6 Teacher at Valleyview Centennial School in Canada, has seen first-hand how novelty and surprise can reignite pupils’ enthusiasm for learning. When new content is added to Sumdog, it quickly becomes a talking point in his classroom:
“The updated 3D house and avatars are a hit. Whenever a new game gets released, my students get really excited.”
This sense of anticipation is key to keeping learners curious and engaged — especially when they feel like there’s always something new to explore.
Takeaway Tips for Teachers
Looking to bring a little more curiosity into your classroom? Here are some simple ideas to try:
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Switch things up: Encourage your pupils to play a new Sumdog game or mix up the learning environment to spark interest.
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Celebrate surprises: Use mystery rewards, class challenges, or surprise shoutouts to motivate pupils.
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Encourage exploration: Let pupils choose topics they’re curious about within Sumdog — even just a small element of choice can go a long way.
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Start a class discussion: Ask what Sumdog games or rewards pupils enjoy most and what surprises they’ve discovered, it helps them reflect and stay engaged.
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