EcoBuilder

EcoBuilder is an educational game for middle school students with basic biology and ecosystem knowledge. The goal of the game is to build and maintain a healthy ecosystem.

The learning objectives are for players: to understand that ecosystems are complex and interconnected; to understand that a balance between different types of species (producers, consumers, etc.) must be maintained so that the ecosystem thrives; to understand the importance of biodiversity; and to understand how invasive species (or non-native species) can quickly multiply and drive out or harm native species.

Formative feedback is given via points and alerts based on trophic level diversity, biodiversity, and the presence or absence of invasive species. Players are assessed based on their collector's log, a worksheet they fill out as they play through the game, and graded on a rubric based on their understanding of the learning objectives.