Climate+Change+Games

Friday March 30th

Initital Thoughts: Governments know that climate change is real and is possibly the greatest threat and challenge to humanity. So you have to wonder, why don't they do more about it? Two of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases are transportation and energy production. So why doesn't the government make driving less desirable through taxation, or provide real alternatives? Why not convert ALL energy production to greener forms of energy production like wind or hydro electric? It is these thoughts that form our question for the week: **Can society still function while maintaining balance with the environment?**

One of the greatest tools scientists have in the struggle with climate change is simulations. Simulations allow us to make predictions and test plans to help us make intelligent choices. Researchers use simulations all the time and today, so shall we.

Games are a form of simulation. A great deal of research shows that play based learning is one of the most effective ways to learn new material and encourage thought on a particular topic. Today's CCF will test that theory. You will play 3 games that help provoke thoughts about our question of the week.

The first is about creating a sustainable society and making all the decisions about a developing town. How do you promote growth AND reduce your impact on the environment? Each attempt to develop your city consists of 150 turns. You are given a grade at the end. Use the teacher code below to send your score to Tait and Jones. You may submit higher scores on subsequent tries. Your highest score will be recorded on TUESDAY APRIL 3rd! [] Teacher Code - BT27159

The second is more in depth and puts you in control of the European Union. You must make policy decisions to continue to develop the Union while considering your impact on the environment. If you make too many unpopular choices you will be voted out of office and lose the game! []

The third game is the simplest. Can you provide sufficient power and not break the budget? This is the same problem governments face all the time. [] POST YOUR PHOTO OR EMAIL TO brandon.tait@tdsb.on.ca

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