3 How to use the different tools

3.3 The ACT-Game

3.3.1 Description and goals

The ACT-Game is a combined board - card game with online extensions. It consists of 4 phases, called levels, and is designed in such a way that individual elements can be taken out and played. Players can use their smartphones or tablets and access online information by scanning QR codes printed on the cards and tables. Even though it is a cooperative game, one team will win in the end to motivate the pupils to get involved and contribute their best.

The online elements and team interaction are supported by the project's online platform.

Goals of the ACT-Game

This game is not only meant to encourage young people to get involved in society with their ideas, but also to give them the necessary tools to do so. In a playful way, they deal with burning socio-political issues and train skills that they need to ACT as responsible citizens:

Empathy, to recognise needs

Openness, to be able to explore new paths

Leadership, to guide others without dominating them

Prudence and responsibility to make courageous decisions.

The ability to relate to others who do not share the same opinion.

Communication skills to really get in contact with others.

Basic information:

• The class is divided into teams of five members. The teams play autonomously.
• All materials can be downloaded from the project website.
• For some tasks pupils will need a smartphone.
• The game is played on four levels. Each level is different.

Level 1

On level 1, each team develops an exciting starting situation (a problem to be solved) with the help of four drawn cards. Afterwards, the teams present their story to the class and receive points for it.

Level 2

To solve the problem of their initial situation, the teams need the help of the avatars. They have to match condition cards correctly to the basic need it belongs to. The QR-code on each card leads to the solution.

Level 3

ACT – Phase: Each team member has become an expert in a particular basic need through the super power card they received at level 2. This team member takes the lead in the related Action so that together they can find a good solution to the problem in their initial situation. You find detailed information to this phase below.

Level 4

• Evaluation: The individual teams present the solutions they have found to the class and receive points for this again. The winner is the team with the most points.