Aquation: The Freshwater Access Game
Deals with ecology // geography // science // technology development
  freshwater resources, global water trade, systems thinking
Intended for elementary school // middle school // high school
Available on Web // Android // iOS
Cost free
   
Developed by Smithsonian Science Education Center and Filament Games (external)
Website at https://ssec.si.edu/aquation (external)
Play this game!
on its own website

Aquation: The Freshwater Access Game

Choice, strategy, balance, and . . . water equity? Parts of the planet are struggling to get enough water. Use each region's wealth to build pipes, desalinate water, and conduct research to bring water where it's needed most. Monsoons, dry spells, disease, and even cursed lawn sprinklers can help or hinder your progress. Manage your wealth and water carefully to solve the world's water crisis!

  • Take actions to balance global water resources.
  • React to global events.
  • Make discoveries through research and recruit investors to share in the profits.
  • Review and reflect on your strategy.
  • Build, upgrade and use desalination plants to create fresh water.
  • Play in the classroom or at home.


Scorecards

Expert Reviews
By scientists and teachers
13 / 15
Fun
4 / 5
Learning
5 / 5
Science
4 / 5
Player Reviews
By everyone else (and you!)
13 / 15
Fun
4 / 5
Learning
5 / 5
Science
4 / 5

Expert Reviews

Melanie Stegman

Melanie Stegman
I am a biochemist, making games to teach the invisible bits of cell biology.

Global effects of our actions can be difficult to fully comprehend. Why is it that we can pipe fresh water where ever it is needed? What constraints are holding us back? How technology would help? What scale are we talking out: what are the distances across country tries and how much water do we need. Technology is described in general terms, and no prior knowledge is required to play.

Aquation gets us started thinking about these concepts. Aquation makes the whole globe our area of concern and gives us limited funds to place technology and try different strategize to optimize the amount of water each nation has. The game gives players strategic thinking points and help. The game play is similar to strategy board games you may be familiar with.

Can you supply the water every country needs with the funds available? I haven't succeeded myself yet, but I have only played a few times for 10 minutes at a time. I bet your students --and you--- can figure it out in 15-20 minutes... If you try several strategies.

Let us know when you succeed!

Fun rating: 4 out of 5

Learning rating: 5 out of 5

Science rating: 4 out of 5

Total:

13 / 15

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