Below are a variety of online simulations that I have used with my classes. These simulations are also known as "serious games" or "games for change", because they explore some of the most pressing social and environmental issues we are currently facing. Here is an excellent overview of the genre of "serious games" by Asi Burak, Co-President of the non-profit organization "Games For Change":
With each simulation link below, I have uploaded a worksheet or assignment to be used with the game. Many more "serious games" can be found on the "Games for Change" website (www.gamesforchange.org).
Energy
Electrocity: http://www.electrocity.co.nz/
ElectroCity
is a fun and educational online game that simulates, in a very simplified way,
energy management. ElectroCity allows
players to create their own city and explore different approaches to energy and
the environment.
| electrocity-worksheet-revised.doc |
Enercities: http://www.enercities.eu/
EnerCities
is about energy sources and the
balance between people, planet and profit. Can you create a metropolis that
stands the test of time?
| enercities-sim.doc |
Energy City: http://www.jason.org/digital_library/8239.aspx
Craft
an urban energy portfolio that balances economic, social, and environmental
issues...all while negotiating with stakeholders and generating enough power to
support a growing population. Do you have what it takes to successfully lead a
city toward a sustainable energy future?
| energycity-sim-scanned.pdf |
Windfall: http://www.persuasivegames.com/games/game.aspx?game=windfall
Windfall
is a strategy game about building wind farms to create clean energy profitably. You need to fulfill a specified energy offset
goal as quickly as possible by building turbines smartly. You can research
locations carefully for the best wind conditions, and to avoid upsetting the
local citizens by building turbines in undesirable places.
| winfall-online-simulation-wind-energy.doc |
Global Poverty
3rd World Farmer: http://www.3rdworldfarmer.com/
3rd World Farmer is a simulation that illustrates the
plight of poor farmers in unstable and impoverished countries. Players take the
role of a desperate farming family and attempt to survive as long as possible
while contending with disasters, wars, poor medical care, and unfair prices.
| third-world-farmer-worksheet.doc |
Ayiti - The Cost of Life: http://ayiti.newzcrew.org/ayitiunicef/
Ayiti: The Cost of Life is a game that challenges its
players to manage a rural family of five in Haiti over four years and keep them
healthy, get them educated, and help them survive.
| ayiti-worksheet.doc |
3rd World Farmer and Ayiti - Comparative Review Assignment:
| 3rd-world-farmer-ayiti-review-assign.doc |
| 3rd-world-farmer-ayiti-rubric-new.doc |
Environment
Stop Disasters: http://stopdisastersgame.org/en/home.html
Disaster prevention awareness on a grand scale. This game from the UN ISDR tackles the very real issue around the world of saving lives and
reducing the financial impact that natural hazards cause when they turn
into disasters.
| stop-disasters-assign.doc |
Catchment Detox: http://www.catchmentdetox.net.au/
Play Catchment Detox to see if you successfully manage a river catchment and create a sustainable and thriving economy. It's an online game where you're in charge of the whole catchment. You get to decide what activities you undertake - whether to plant crops, log forests, build factories or set up national parks. The aim is to avoid environmental problems and provide food and wealth for the population.
| catchment-detox-sim.docx |
Fish Forever: http://oneocean.cbc.ca/biosphere
In Fish
Forever, the object of the game is to create a profitable and sustainable
fishery.
| one-ocean-fish-forever-sim.docx |
Climate Challenge: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/hottopics/climatechange/climate_challenge/
In Climate Challenge, the player takes on the role
of the President of Europe, choosing policies to reduce carbon dioxide
emissions from 2000 to 2100. The player has to balance emissions reductions
with making sure there is enough electricity, water and food for the people,
whilst also managing their spending and trying to remain popular with the
electorate.
| bbc-climate-challenge-online-sim-micro.doc |
Mission Migration: http://web4.audubon.org/states/ny/ny/missionmigration.html#
(NOTE: This simulation is best geared towards younger students) In the spring and the fall, many birds fly long distances in search of food, water, shelter and space: the same basic things that you need to survive. Along these routes, they encounter many different types of habitats, from country and forest to neighborhoods and big cities, and at times, encounter dangers from both natural and manmade hazards. In this game you will try to help your flock migrate safely by learning how choices you make each and every day around your home, school, and neighborhood can affect the fate of these migrating birds - in both positive and negative ways.
| mission-migration-sim-worksheet.docx |
Global Conflict
On the Ground Reporter (Darfur): http://www.radiodabanga.org/darfurgame/english/game.html
When no one else is available to get on-the-ground reports from Darfur (Sudan), you’re the person they call. Explore various villages to begin to understand the people, explore the history and culture, and gain a firsthand look at some of the root causes of the hostilities in Darfur. The information you uncover could turn into a rich and compelling news story.
| on-ground-reporter-darfur-sim.docx |
Child Soldiers: http://www.globalconflicts.eu/
More
than 25.000 children have been abducted to serve as child soldiers in local armies
in Uganda. Why is this happening and how can justice best be ensured? You arrive
in Uganda on a dry and dusty road. You work for the International Criminal Court
and are sent on an assignment in Uganda, to meet with the feared leader of the rebel
Lord´s Resistance Army, Joseph Kony. Two decades of brutal civil war between government
forces and the LRA has driven 1.7 million people into camps. Since 2006, the
Ugandans have tried to negotiate peace with Kony. Now the ICC has put out arrest
warrants for him but he refuses to talk peace. Can you make him change his mind?
| child-soldiers-assign-new1.doc |
| child-soldiers-sim-analysis-questions.docx |
Pax Warrior: http://paxwarrior.com/home/index.php
For
this online simulation you will be assuming the role of General Romeo Dallaire,
the Canadian who was put in charge of the UN mission to ensure peace in Rwanda
in 1994. Your objective in PAX Warrior
is to prevent the genocide in Rwanda and to protect your own troops by reaching
the 10th stage of the decision-making process.
| pax-warrior-assign.doc |
Child Soldiers and Pax Warrior - Comparative Review Assignment:
| paxwarrior-globalconflict-review-assign.doc |
| simulation-comparison-review-rating-scale-new.doc |
Migration
Against All Odds: http://playagainstallodds.com/
Against All Odds is about the global refugee experience from the time
people are forced to leave their countries of origin to the beginning of
their new life abroad. A series of short challenges illustrates the
complexity and danger of the refugee experience.
| against-all-odds-simulation-assign-new.doc |
Homeland Guantanamos: http://www.homelandgitmo.com/
Homeland
Guantanamos is a game designed to spotlight the inhumane conditions faced by
300,000 people in immigrant detention in the U.S. as a result of unfair DHS [Department of
Homeland Security] policies. Players assume the role of an undercover
journalist who must uncover the true story of an immigrant who died in ICE [Immigration
and Customs Enforcement] custody under questionable circumstances.
| homeland-guantanamos-sim.doc |
| homeland-guantanamos-sim-anskey.doc |
Civic Action
Karma Tycoon: http://www.karmatycoon.com/
Karma Tycoon is an online strategy game in which players solve community problems, such as homelessness, in cities across the US. Players learn the ins and outs of the not-for-profit world as they apply for grants, receive donations and have to manage their budget efficiently.
| karma-tycoon-sim-questions-new.doc |
Serious Game Proposal Project
For this project, students go through the initial stages of planning and designing a serious game (without actually producing a game). Students use the "Games for Change Toolkit" as a framework for their proposal. The attached assignment is for a unit on Economics in Canadian Geography, but it could be modified for any unit.
| 2010-2011-serious-game-proposal.doc |
| 2010-2011-serious-game-proposal-rating-scale.doc |
