The main objectives of the project were to: a) Create a Teacher Manual based on state-of-the-art knowhow from practitioners on how to use the Net Zero Game business-climate game in an educational setting. b) Create a White Paper based on real life experience in the classroom with game-based education and game creation to inspire potential future creators of educational games – e.g. teachers and other educators - to address societal challenges by creating and using simple (and complex) games themselves.
One way to prepare society for the fundamental change needed to create a sustainable economy is to educate and train its young citizens, present them with facts and provide them with an introduction to the business jargon presented in mass media, books, and reports so they can participate in the democratic process on all levels and functions in society. The growing effects of climate change, loss of biodiversity and resource scarcity will require societal change and new technical solutions based on new scientific research. In Natural Sciences, students often struggle to understand and apply science topics, and have difficulties imagining or realizing their importance and application in real life. Inside a business context, it is easier to call their attention, showing some direct applications of scientific and technological knowledge. We see an urgent need to combine business and climate in a language that students from +14 years can understand and enjoy – which is a board game. We also wanted to increase the curiosity of teachers in general to apply game-based learning and even get them to make their own games.