Game-Based Learning with Project A.C.R.E.

Project Summary

Project A.C.R.E. is a team of faculty, staff, and students that develop research-based serious educational games to promote agroecosystem literacy, enhance understanding of sustainability, and increase awareness of STEM careers relevant to agroecosystems.

Middle School

High School

Classroom Instruction

After-School Instruction

At-Home Instruction

Life Sciences

Multidisciplinary Sciences

Technology

Engineering

Game

Lesson

Video

Systems Thinking

Informed Decision Making

Food

Energy

Water

Science Standard:

MS-LS2-4 MS-LS2-5 MS-ESS3-3 MS-ETS1-2 HS-LS2-6 HS-LS2-7 HS-ESS3-3 HS-ETS1-1 HS-ETS1-3

Use this Resource with...

Prairie Protector - Video Game

The Sandhills and other grasslands in the Great Plains are currently threatened by what is being called "the green glacier"-- a slow but steady encroachment of invasive tree species into ecosystems which have traditionally been dominated by grasses and wildflowers. These invasive species not only threaten the habitat of native wildlife but also threaten the livelihood of ranchers who depend on the vast grasslands to feed their livestock. In Prairie Protector, test your skills at defending the High Plains from this threat!
Materials
- Prairie Protector digital game (external website link)
Prairie Protector - Lesson Set

The following four lessons are provided to connect the Prairie Protector digital game with broader learning objectives.
Materials
Prairie Protector - Video Tutorial

Need a quick start guide before playing the game? Watch the video below to see a quick walk-through tutorial led by game developer, Conner Lunn, in which he explains a bit about the game and provides some useful tips.
Prairie Protector - Supplemental Materials

The following resources provide more information about the phenomenon at the heart of the Prairie Protector digital game-woody encroachment in the Great Plains- and its social, economic, and environmental impacts.
Materials
AgPocalypse - Video Game

Farming is a balancing act. Are you ready to take on the challenge of maximizing production while using limited resources like land and water? Play AgPocalypse to test your skills!
Materials
- AgPocalypse Video Game (external website link)
AgPocalypse - Lesson Set

The following lessons are provided to connect the Agpocalypse gameplay scenarios with broader learning objectives.
Materials
- Student and Teacher Resources (Google Drive)
AgPocalypse - Tutorial Videos

Need a quick start guide before playing the AgPocalypse digital game? Watch the video tutorials below led by game developer, Chloe Lehnert, in which she explains a bit about the game and provides some useful tips.

Prairie Protector - Video Game

Prairie Protector - Lesson Set

Prairie Protector - Video Tutorial

Prairie Protector - Supplemental Materials

AgPocalypse - Video Game

AgPocalypse - Lesson Set

AgPocalypse - Tutorial Videos