March 2025
Game-based Learning and Sustainable Development Goals 6 & 15
Game-based learning
Game-based learning (GBL) is an educational approach that integrates games or game-like elements into the learning process to enhance engagement, motivation, and knowledge retention. It can be implemented through digital games, board games, simulations, and gamified activities that align with learning objectives. Teachers can use platforms like Kahoot!, Minecraft: Education Edition, and Scratch to create interactive experiences where students solve challenges, apply critical thinking, and collaborate with peers.
The benefits of game-based learning include increased motivation, improved problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of complex concepts through experiential learning. GBL also fosters creativity, teamwork, and perseverance, making learning more enjoyable and effective for students of all ages.
SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation & SDG 15: Life on Land
Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), "Clean Water and Sanitation," aims to ensure access to safe and affordable drinking water, proper sanitation, and hygiene for all. It addresses water scarcity, pollution, and inefficient water management while promoting the sustainable use of freshwater resources. SDG 6 emphasizes the need for investment in infrastructure, wastewater treatment, and ecosystem protection to secure clean water for present and future generations.
Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15), "Life on Land," focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. It aims to combat deforestation, desertification, and biodiversity loss while encouraging the conservation of forests, wetlands, and wildlife. SDG 15 also highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats and ensuring the sustainable management of land resources to support both environmental health and human well-being.
Both goals are interconnected, as healthy ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining clean water sources, and access to clean water is essential for sustaining life on land. Achieving SDG 6 and SDG 15 contributes to a healthier planet, resilient communities, and long-term sustainability.
A Game-based learning activity
A Wakelet collection with games about Water and Life on Land
STEP 1: In the plenary session, students watch the videos "Understand Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Secondary)" and "Life on Land🌳SDG 15 🐻 Sustainable Development Goals for Kids" on Youtube to learn about water and life on land.
Videos link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x2Ch-aMqEY & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRtua9GpzhY
STEP 2: Students create digital games using LearningApps, Wordwall, Kahoot, Quizizz, Scratch. The main theme of the games is SDG 6 or 15, the importance of water in our lives, water resources in the world, water conservation and life on land (plants and animals). Students collaborate with our other project partners while creating these games.
STEP 3: Project partners share words, questions, and images (contents) for the games. The other partner creates the digital game using these suggestions. To plan this collaborative work, teachers fill out a table created in Google Docs.
Learning goals
To learn about threats to wildlife, deforestation, and the need for conservation efforts.
To think creatively about how to convey key environmental messages through game creation.
To enhance their technological proficiency by using digital tools, game development platforms, and basic coding languages (e.g., Scratch).
