Watch Deli Connell and guest presenter Carl Johnson from DHI Water New Zealand demonstrate how to play the inaugural New Zealand Aqua Republica Eco Challenge 2016 in this recorded webinar.
Background to the game
Carl is the technical lead behind the development of the New Zealand version of Aqua Republica Eco Challenge 2016. This serious game is an extracurricular learning event for ages 11–17. Youth around the country will try their hand at balancing the needs of human populations with those of the environment and compete to be regional and national winners.
The game features a bird’s eye view of a water catchment, based on real-life modelling, where the player acts as the catchment manager applying system-wide approaches to integrated water resource management.
Nature of science
Modelling in science is an important aspect to predicting future impacts from different scenarios. Managing water catchment usage is vital to conserving groundwater.
Video tutorials
This webinar will talk you through some of the important aspects of how to play the game and provide you with tips and insights on how to achieve high scores alongside the best possible learning outcomes in the Kaitiakitanga challenge week. It also prompts teachers to broaden their thinking incorporating scientific and cultural aspects and choosing to use the game as a teaching tool. Note that there are two videos of this session.
Great webinar – clear and interactive. Thank you!!
Teacher
See this other webinar An introduction to Aqua Republica that explores a range of Science Learning Hub resources to support Aqua Republica participants with the background knowledge required to achieve the best possible learning outcomes and high scores in this national serious game. It also prompts teachers to broaden their thinking incorporating cultural and scientific aspects and choosing to use the game as a teaching tool.
I like that there is an ‘environmental’ activity for the computer ‘geeks’... My kids aren't into plantings and that ... but they love computers :)
Teacher
Slideshow
View the slideshow presentation (full screen is best) – this provides additional support for the video tutorial and includes information and help on:
- Aqua Republica 2016 – dates to remember
- logging in and getting started
- how to play
- tips and hints
- how to sign up to play
- sponsors.
How do I register my school or teams to play?
The AquaRepublica serious game is now offline.
I need more information
- Webinar 1 – An introduction to Aqua Republica
- Webinar 3 – Reflecting on Aqua Republica Eco Challenge 2016
- Aqua Republica Eco Challenge 2016 – article
- Gaming for learning – article
- Gaming and virtual learning – Pinterest board.
Activity idea
In this activity, Aspects of sustainability, students explore the relationship between people and the environment. They learn about the environmental, social, cultural and economic aspects (components) of sustainability in the context of the Waikato river.
Useful links
Water games is a collection of different games addressing various water challenges.
TKI has further information about gaming for learning.
Check out our Gaming and virtual learning – Pinterest board.
