by Natalie Murray ‘18

Children of all ages had taken advantage of the warm summer afternoon, wandering around parks with their phone, sliding or vigorously tapping the screen. They were all playing Pokémon Go, a newly released app that quickly became a cultural phenomenon – one that even extended to some adults, like Science teacher Mike Miehl. Though he was at first critical of the app, he eventually tried it and was instantly obsessed.

“I personally love it. I think it really exemplifies the scientific experience, what with all the different ways you have to try to catch the Pokémon and determine their worth based on their height, weight, and powers,” said Miehl. “Plus, it’s fun!”

Miehl became so enthralled with Pokémon Go that he even included it in his AP Chemistry curriculum. His students frequently receive assignments such as “Battle with 4 different people,” “Catch 5 Pokemon” “Have control of a gym,” or “Evolve 3 Pidgeys to Pidgeottos by Wednesday.”

Though it may seem as if Pokémon and AP Chemistry are completely unrelated, Miehl argues that Pokémon Go causes students to implement higher-order thinking skills and also fulfills one of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that teachers are required to complete.

“The NGSS ‘HSPS 1-4’ is about students creating a model to illustrate the release or absorption of energy,” stated Miehl. “And Pokémon matchups are all about energy levels.”

He has also planned a field trip to the Olney Swim Center, which is famous for its many Pokéstops. Though the technical purpose of this field trip is to conduct pH testing on the pool water, Miehl confesses that he really intends to do a group Pokéhunt. Not only are students grateful for the upcoming field trip, but also for his extra-credit assignments. Miehl awards homework passes or bonus points on tests when students catch rare or powerful Pokémon, like Pikachu, Snorlax and Vulpix.

Students, like junior Sophia Morales, are overwhelmingly happy with the Pokémon-centric assignments. “Honestly, if it weren’t for Mr. Miehl’s Pokémon homework, I’d be failing AP Chem,” said Morales.

However, Miehl’s obsession with the app has had some negative aspects. He even pulled over to catch a Scyther and an Eevee, causing him to arrive five minutes after the first period bell. Despite these incidences, Miehl continues to play, and is currently a level 24 on Team Mystic.

“Of course I won’t stop playing! What are they going to do, force me to delete my Pokémon Go account?” laughed Miehl.