Teaching sequence

Work through this resource material in the following sequence:

5 minutes

Tune In: Understanding Earth Hour

10 minutes

Find Out: Brainstorm your game

40 minutes

Take Action: Game creation

5 minutes

Reflection

Learning intentions and success criteria

Students will:

understand the significance of Earth Hour and the basics of climate change
communicate environmental issues creatively through game design.

Students can:

explain the importance of Earth Hour
design an engaging and educational game that effectively informs players.

Tune In: Understanding Earth Hour

Step 1

Watch the following video with your students, briefly summarising WWF’s global initiative, Earth Hour.

Could an Hour change the world? - (youtube.com/watch?v=PivAqlCBL2o)

Step 2

Invite students to share their thoughts about this environmental initiative. You might ask students to describe Earth Hour in their own words and discuss the benefits of global participation in the world’s largest community-driven climate change campaign. Reiterate to students that the core focus of Earth Hour is switching off lights to show a commitment to taking action.

Find Out: Brainstorm your game

Step 1

Divide students into small groups (three to five students per group). Once into groups, explain to students that they will brainstorm ideas for a game.

Step 2

Provide students with the details about the activity as per the following table:

Target audience	Each game should have a target audience. For example, ages 10+.
Suggested game formats	Board game: Players could move pieces around a board, answering questions or completing challenges related to climate change and Earth Hour. The game could include penalties for environmentally harmful actions and rewards for sustainable practices. Card game: Players could collect or trade cards that represent different environmental actions or impacts. Students could create a list of environmental actions or impacts. Digital game: Using an online game platform such as Kahoot, Quizlet, or Blooket, students can create questions that target learning about climate change and sustainability. Role-playing: Players take on roles such as environmental activities or policymakers and navigate scenarios involving sustainable choices. Students use storytelling to engage players and highlight the real-world implications of their actions.
Purpose	The game should be designed to align with three key messages: Earth Hour: A global movement for the planet, encouraging individuals and communities to turn off lights for one hour to raise awareness about climate change. Climate change: Human activities leading to global warming and its effects on ecosystems and human life. Actionable steps: Individuals and communities can take practical actions to reduce environmental impact. For example, reducing energy consumption, recycling and using renewable resources).

Step 3

Allow each group 5 minutes to brainstorm their idea using the Student Worksheet.

Take Action: Game creation

Step 1

Direct students to the Student Worksheet to begin creating their game. Depending on their game requirements, provide students with the needed materials and any assistance they require.

Step 2

After 15 minutes, check student progress and respond to any questions or concerns they may have.

Literacy extension: Allocate another lesson for students to play and assess the games in class! Students can evaluate the games based on creativity, accuracy of information, engagement, and the effectiveness of the three key messages. They can also provide feedback to their peers.

Reflection

Arrange the seats in a circle and ask the students

What went well?
What didn’t go well?

Go around the circle to allow each student time to respond and reflect.

Earth Hour - Game Design for Climate Awareness

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Summary

Lesson Guides and Printables

In this lesson

Earth Hour - Game Design for Climate Awareness

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Summary

Lesson Guides and Printables

In this lesson