MS-ESS3.C-2

Mini City

Experience Awakening - Our open-world educational game

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Game Info for Teachers

COMBINED RATING

3.7 Stars

TEACHERS (82)

3.7

STUDENTS (21152)

3.8

LENGTH

16 Minutes

GRADES

CAPABILITIES

iPad Support

Description

In this game, you will simulate the impact of human population growth and observe ecological changes as the global population increases. You are tasked with developing a city that addresses the needs of the residents, while also reducing the city's impact on the ecosystem. In each level you have different goals to reach, as you research new technologies to reduce pollution, greenhouse gas production, and waste.

Vocabulary Words

CFCs

coal

solar

LEDs

hybrid car

desalination

sustainable

pollution

smog

coal

finite

population

per capita

commerce

pesticides

Instructions

Play through this interactive game to learn about Increasing and Decreasing Human Impacts on Earth Systems. Suitable for Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8.

Main Concepts

There are advantages and disadvantages to using wind power.

There are advantages and disadvantages to using solar energy.

There are advantages and disadvantages to using coal.

The human population has increased significantly in the last two hundred years.

Scientists and engineers can develop new ways to address the negative effects of natural resource usage.

Scientists and engineers can design new processes, technologies, and materials to sustain the quality and supply of natural resources on Earth.

Lawmakers can reduce the negative effects of natural resource usage by prohibiting the use of certain resources while providing mandates and incentives for the usage of others.

Individuals and communities can reduce, reuse, and recycle in order to manage the use of natural resources and energy.

Humans depend on natural resources for nearly all of their life functions.

Examples of non-renewable energy resources are: coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear power.

Examples of renewable resources are: biomass, wind, wave, hydropower, geothermal, and solar energy.

As the human population increases, so does its use of Earth's resources.

A wide variety of human activities directly and indirectly affect Earth's ecosystems and the organisms within them.

Discussion Questions

Before the Game

In this game, your goal is to build a ecologically friendly city. What are some technologies cities can use to prevent damage to the environment? As an area becomes more populated, how does that area change? What effect would an increased population in an area have on the environment?

After the Game

Choose 3 of the "Research" items from the game. Using the internet, explore what each means and explain each technology and regulation. Which upgraded building did the most to reduce pollution? Which buildings were the worst polluters? Which buildings resulted in highest per capita consumption? What were some things used to help reduce the consumption of power? As the population of your city increased, describe the effect on 3 elements of the simulation (water, waste, power, industry and commerce.)