Game 4: Climate quest

Basic Information

Age range: 12–18 years (youth), 60–75 years (elderly)
Number of players: 2–6 teams (4–5 members each)
Duration: 2 hours

Primary focus of the game: Participants should solve riddles and complete activities focused on climate change while racing to finish the trail first.

Materials

  • Trail map with six stations
  • Task cards for each station (riddles, trivia and challenges)
  • Scorecards
  • Smartphone or stopwatch

How to play

  • Teams start at the trailhead. Stations can be natural landmarks or stops marked on the map

Start the Game:

  • Teams complete challenges at each station before moving to the next

Tasks:

Station 1: Climate trivia- Players should answer 10 multiple-choice questions on climate change. Each player or team will have a set of 10 multiple-choice questions about climate change, its impacts and solutions. Players must choose the correct answer from the options provided. (10 points for each correct answer. The game master will score based on accuracy, with bonus points awarded for teamwork in discussing the answers if the game is played in teams).

Station 2: Eco-shelter- Players should build a model shelter from natural materials. Players will gather natural materials (twigs, leaves, stones…) to create a small shelter model. The shelter should be designed with climate resilience in mind, such as protection from wind or rain. (20 points for creativity, stability and the use of sustainable materials. The game master will evaluate the design and how well the shelter reflects eco-friendly building concepts).

Station 3: Sea level rise- Players navigate a “flooded zone” using stepping stones, symbolizing the challenges posed by rising sea levels. The game master will set up a “flooded zone” using stepping stones (real or imaginary). Players must cross the zone by stepping only on the stones, simulating the challenges of rising sea levels and coastal flooding. (15 points for successfully crossing the flooded zone without stepping off the stones. The game master will award bonus points based on teamwork and how participants help each other navigate the challenge).

Station 4: Renewable hunt – Players identify three examples of renewable energy sources in the surrounding area (example: sunlight, wind, plants…). Players will look for examples of renewable energy in the environment, such as wind, solar power, or bioenergy sources like plants. They should list three examples they find. (10 points for each correct example of renewable energy found. The game master will evaluate the completeness of the examples and reward creativity if participants identify less obvious sources of renewable energy).

Station 5: Sustainable meal – Players use pictures on a task card to identify climate-friendly, sustainable foods. Players will be given pictures of various foods and they must identify which items are sustainable and climate-friendly. Foods that are plant-based or have a lower environmental footprint are preferred. (15 points for correctly identifying three climate-friendly foods. The game master will assess the understanding of sustainability in food choices and how participants explain their selections).

Food cards: pizza, broccoli soup, sausages, noodles, tomato salade, chicken steak, tuna salade, potato stew, French fries, rice pudding, mushroom pasta, oatmeal with fruit, ratatouille…

Rules:

  1. Teams self-score after each station using the task cards
  2. Bonus points: +10, +5, and +3 for the first three teams to finish

Youth-Friendly Add-Ons

  • Include fun facts on task cards about climate change

Key takeaways:

After the implementation, start the conversation with participants about the experience they just had. Check with them what were the most valuable learning points for them.

Questions for debriefing:

  1. How was it for you?
  2. Were the rules of the game clear and simple?
  3. How this activity contributes to your understanding of the climate changes?
  4. How can we protect from the winds and other challenges in the nature?
  5. What can we do to prevent the floods?
  6. How can we prepare a sustainable meal?
  7. Did you manage to cooperate with other team members?
  8. Was this a result of a teamwork?
  9. What did you learn from younger/older team members?
  10. Did you manage to have fun on the way?

Resources:

Climate Change Quiz

  1. What is the primary cause of climate change?
    • A) Volcanic eruptions
    • B) Solar flares
    • C) Human activities
    • D) Natural climate cycles
  2. Which gas is the most significant contributor to the greenhouse effect?
    • A) Oxygen
    • B) Nitrogen
    • C) Carbon dioxide
    • D) Methane
  3. What is the term for the long-term average increase in global temperatures?
    • A) Global cooling
    • B) Global warming
    • C) Climate variability
    • D) Ozone depletion
  4. Which of the following is a consequence of climate change?
    • A) Rising sea levels
    • B) Decreased air pollution
    • C) Increased snowfall
    • D) Lower global temperatures
  5. What is the main source of carbon dioxide emissions?
    • A) Deforestation
    • B) Ocean currents
    • C) Volcanic activity
    • D) Fossil fuel combustion
  6. What phenomenon results from the Earth’s atmosphere trapping heat?
    • A) Acid rain
    • B) Greenhouse effect
    • C) Ozone hole
    • D) El Niño
  7. Which international agreement aims to limit global warming to below 2°C?
    • A) Kyoto Protocol
    • B) Paris Agreement
    • C) Montreal Protocol
    • D) Rio Declaration
  8. Which sector is the largest source of methane emissions?
    • A) Agriculture
    • B) Transportation
    • C) Industry
    • D) Waste management
  9. What is the term for a large-scale atmospheric pattern that affects climate over several years?
    • A) Weather pattern
    • B) Climate anomaly
    • C) Climate system
    • D) Climate variability
  10. Which of the following actions can help mitigate climate change?
    • A) Reducing fossil fuel use
    • B) Increasing plastic production
    • C) Expanding deforestation
    • D) Increasing industrial emissions