Project Description
How might ACT data encourage children and young people to appreciate and engage with Canberra’s environment and biodiversity?
In order to appreciate environment and biodiversity we first need to instill an inquisitiveness and exploration thought process in kids.
Gamification is considered a positive nudge in boosting engagement and creating interest (https://datasmart.ash.harvard.edu/news/article/boosting-engagement-by-gamifying-government-1122).
We have used ACT biodiversity data to create an interactive game - "Julu - the explorer girl" for kids and adults to instill interest in our native wildlife. Julu loves our outback and travels through our beautiful terrain and meet several animals which she absolutely love.
She knows that several of our beautiful animals are endangered and threatened due to erratic weather patterns, urbanization and diseases, so she wants to touch and cuddle every animal she meets while having fun at the same time.
The game serves as a prototype of how we can present out data , facts and information about our flora and fauna in a enjoyable and interactive way. This will encourage kids (and adults) to understand the biodiversity as well as factors threatening them. This can then be translated in real life biodiversity interest.
Hope you will help Julu meet all her friends.