top of page
Writer's pictureLyneth Crighton

Empowering Girls for Climate Action: A Game Jam Experience



On Thursday, 30th March, an exciting and empowering event took place, aimed at raising awareness about Sustainable Development Goal 13 - Climate Action. The event brought together enthusiastic grade 7 and 8 girls for a game jam, where they collaborated and showcased their creativity and coding skills to address the pressing issue of climate action. In just four hours, the girls crafted amazing Microsoft MakeCode Arcade games, utilizing their talents to communicate important messages about sustainability.


With the objective of promoting sustainable practices and climate awareness, the game jam provided the perfect platform for girls to express their ideas and contribute to a global cause. The participants gathered with a shared passion for environmental issues, eager to make a difference through their coding abilities and creative minds.


The game jam fostered an environment of collaboration, as the girls were divided into mixed-grade teams to encourage diversity of perspectives and experiences. They harnessed the power of technology, utilizing the OneNote Class Notebook to collaborate seamlessly and develop their game concepts. This digital tool facilitated teamwork, allowing for the exchange of ideas, assets, and code snippets.


Armed with coding knowledge and guided by mentors, the girls embarked on the exciting journey of developing their Microsoft MakeCode Arcade games. This user-friendly platform empowered them to bring their imaginative visions to life, while addressing the crucial issue of climate action. The games became vessels for important messages about sustainability, educating players about the need for environmental responsibility and inspiring them to take action in their daily lives.


The creativity and dedication demonstrated by the girls were truly awe-inspiring. Through their games, they tackled various aspects of climate action, ranging from raising awareness about renewable energy and reducing waste to highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity. Each game was a unique representation of the girls' commitment to a sustainable future, reflecting their deep understanding of the challenges our planet faces.


At the conclusion of the game jam, the girls had the opportunity to rate their own games. This self-assessment process not only provided valuable feedback but also enabled them to reflect on their individual achievements. The ratings were a testament to their growth, showcasing their evolving skills and the impact of their games as tools for change.


Here is the link to the game they judged as the best: https://arcade.makecode.com/76556-81799-06124-79897


If you would like to run a Hackathon at your School, here are my presentation, timings and rubric documents.



Comments


bottom of page