Gamifying the Earth Sciences: How VENZ Aligns Curriculum with Real-World Preparedness
Volcanic Explorer NZ, or VENZ, is a digital game developed for volcanic education. VENZ was designed in collaboration between Beneath the Waves and the HIT Lab, combining expertise in science communication and educational game design.
This collaboration brought together a strong foundation in volcanic and Earth systems education with innovative digital development practices to create an engaging, curriculum-aligned learning experience for students across Aotearoa. By working closely together, the teams ensured that the game not only reflects accurate scientific knowledge and civil defence guidance, but also intuitively delivers that content.
The game aligns closely with New Zealand’s Nature of Science and Earth Systems science learning objectives, such as communicating and engaging in science. The game allows students to apply their developing scientific understanding to real-world contexts, serves as a foundation to facilitate preparedness strategies both in class and at home, and allows students to explore how geological processes affect communities and how proactive preparation can reduce risk with the game and accompanying learning materials.
Volcanic Explorer NZ comprises 6 microgames, each with a dedicated learning goal and playstyle. Each game takes between 5 – 10 minutes to play and uses local New Zealand art styles and elements to connect the game to Aotearoa. An accompanying teacher guide and student materials provide background on civil defense guidance and curated online resources, discussion prompts for pre- and post-game reflection (e.g., “What would you pack and why?”), and suggested class and home activities, such as creating real grab bags for emergencies.
In both official and unofficial testing, VENZ has been well-received by teachers and students alike. Designed for play on both high-end PCs and lower-end Chromebooks, as well as iPads, the game’s graphical design means schools of any kind can enjoy it.
Results from studies with VENZ have thus far shown that students enjoy the game for several reasons, including gameplay they are already familiar with and a simple, easy-to-learn playstyle. Teachers showed they enjoyed how the game could reinforce or encourage learning about volcanic topics, support the nature of science and key competencies, and help them facilitate a collaborative classroom space.