Impact Report on Climate Hero Card Game

Target Group: 150 Children (Aged 4-12)
Duration of Study: 3 months
Location: Schools and Indoor Play zones (Dhaka)

Objective of the Study:

To evaluate the impact of the Climate Hero card game on children’s environmental awareness, behavior, and social interaction by engaging them in environmental education through play.

Methodology:

1. Pre- and Post-Game Knowledge Assessment:
   A set of questions measuring environmental knowledge was administered to children before and after playing the game.
2. Engagement Tracking:
   Observed the frequency of game play and participation levels during each session over three months.
3. Feedback from Educators and Parents:
   Surveys were conducted with 30 teachers and 70 parents to gather qualitative feedback on the game’s effectiveness.

Findings:

1. Increased Awareness and Knowledge:

• Pre-Game Knowledge (Initial Survey):
  On average, children scored 38% on a quiz assessing their knowledge about climate change, pollution, recycling, and biodiversity.
• Post-Game Knowledge (After 3 Months):
  After playing the game several times, children’s average score increased to 83%.
  Key Learning Areas:
  • Climate change: 72% increase in awareness
  • Recycling: 77% increase in understanding
  • Biodiversity: 63% improvement in knowledge

2. Engagement and Participation:

• Game Play Frequency:
  • 87% of children played the game at least twice a week.
  • 65% played the game daily outside school hours.
• Game Formats Used:
  • Matching cards: Most popular (78% of children).
  • Mission cards: Promoted team collaboration and problem-solving (70% participation).
  • Eco-quiz cards: Helped with factual knowledge (60% engagement).

3. Educator and Parent Feedback:

• Teachers:
  • 84% of teachers found the game easy to integrate into classroom activities.
  • 85% of teachers felt that it enhanced students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of environmental issues.
• Parents:
  • 78% of parents were impressed by how the game sparked curiosity in their children about the environment and encouraged independent learning.
  • 80% suggested that the game could be expanded into more educational settings to foster environmental literacy.

Key Outcomes:

• Improved Environmental Knowledge: Significant increase in children’s understanding of Environmental, climate change, pollution, and recycling.
• Increased Engagement: High participation rates and excitement, with children playing the game regularly and learning in a fun, interactive way.
• Behavioral Shifts: Positive environmental behaviors at home and in school, including recycling, waste reduction, and increased eco-conscious habits.
• Enhanced Social Interaction: Improvement in teamwork, communication, and empathy, as children worked together to solve environmental challenges.
• Long-term Impact: Parents and teachers observed a lasting enthusiasm for environmental topics, suggesting that Climate Hero has long-term educational value.

Recommendations:

• Scale-Up the Program: Expand the game to more schools and community centers, reaching a wider audience of children.
• Game Customization: Consider adapting the content to reflect specific regional environmental issues to make it even more relevant to local contexts.
• Further Research: Conduct follow-up studies over a longer period to track sustained behavioral changes and deeper knowledge retention.

Conclusion:

The Climate Hero card game has proven to be a highly effective tool in enhancing environmental education for children. It successfully increases awareness, encourages positive behavioral changes, and fosters a deep emotional and social connection to environmental issues. With its interactive and fun approach, the game plays a vital role in inspiring the next generation of eco-conscious individuals.