Workshop on Serious Games

Don’t call it “Just another board game”

Board games to introduce science contents and skills

Workshop with Dr. Luana Silveri

Abstract:

Board games offer a unique lens to analyze how play can foster a deeper understanding of the complex nature of science beyond sustainability and the practice of some key skills such as system thinking and future scenario building. What are the structural elements of a game that can be used to introduce specific scientific content, and which elements encourage players to practice particular skills?

In this workshop we will analyse board games as instructional artifacts, and focusing on the interface between play and pedagogy, we will explore how games can vehiculate scientific contents, impart critical knowledge and cultivate key skills, essential for tackling future challenges.Through the analysis of two case studies of educational games designed to introduce the ecology and the complexity behind Sustainable Land Management, participants will examine game mechanics, content integration, and the balance of educational and entertainment objectives. By the end, analysing the results from the YouTopia research experience, some helpful hints about how to design and implement a game-based experience, potentials and critical points of this approach, will be presented and discussed.