Globaloria's various knowledge communities allow for a virtually unlimited amount of choices for game design topics. However, in order to compete in this year's competitions, all entries must fit either into the Civics & News or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) knowledge communities. So, students participating in classes that are not specific to one of these knowledge areas must decide how their game idea can teach a Civics or STEM concept in order to qualify for the competition.
So the challenge becomes how to decide whether the game concept fits more with Civics or STEM. This decision doesn't need to be as complicated as you might think. Many game ideas can cross between these knowledge areas with ease. Below are five game ideas that are both Civics & STEM related, and could probably be connected to other knowledge communities as well.
Topic #1. Global Warming - The idea of global warming is an issue that has received much attention from the scientific community. However, it's potential ramifications and even discussion over its existence and/or origin have made it into political discussions and news headlines around the world. A game centered around global warming would most certainly be able to be connected to both Civics and STEM with now problems.
Topic #2. Space Exploration - Some of the top scientists in the world work for NASA, and we have all been inspired by sci-fi books, television shows and movies which have us wondering what is in store for us in the far reaches of space. However, this large of an endeavor requires the backing of national governments. And, should we be successful at reaching the stars, what kind of government would be set up to keep order in the new colonies? These ideas could require the player to examine current and past governmental structures and their successes and failures in order to make the best decisions.
Topic #3. Energy Efficiency - This is a topic that is rooted in STEM ideas. Whether we are talking about automobiles, homes, or large scale "smart grids", this topic is also hot in the news. Local, state, and federal governments are constantly discussing how to make our energy usage more efficient, and whether efficiency needs to mean sacrifice of quality of living. A great blend of Civic/News with STEM would be to create a game where the player's goal is to have the lowest level of energy consumption, while achieving a high quality of life.
Topic #4. Traffic planning - What? That sounds dumb. Well, actually, this could be a pretty cool simulation style puzzle game. The object could be to engineer traffic patterns that would allow for the smoothest flow, while at the same time encouraging commerce and trade. The learning benefits are obvious from both a Civics and STEM standpoint.
Topic #5. Nuclear Disarmament - This is a hot topic in the news right now with treaties being discussed right now between the US and Russia. A game with this topic could incorporate Civics and STEM by having two types of game play stages. One where the player is in the position of a leader negotiating the details of disarmament and another where the player makes scientific based decisions on how to dispose of or use the uranium and plutonium in weapons.
These are just examples of how STEM and Civics can cross paths in games. There are many more examples. Just check your news headlines to find your favorite topic!
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