Based on the award-winning film, the game aims to teach students the ecosystem services provided by raising cattle on grasslands.
Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE), a national Check-Off funded program that aims to build public trust in the way beef cattle are raised in Canada, is excited to announce the launch of its first gamified learning initiative being delivered into Canadian classrooms this month.
The Guardians of the Grasslands Game is based on the award-winning short documentary released in 2019. The game is an online grazing simulation connected to curriculum outcomes for students in grades seven through 12 in subjects such as Science, Social Studies and Practical Arts. Participants learn how cattle promote carbon sequestration and provide wildlife habitat through rotational grazing on native grasslands. By moving cattle at the right time, and leaving enough grass behind, players earn carbon points and attract numerous species of wildlife to their land. Other stewardship practices, such as using off-stream watering systems, are also featured along with invasive weeds that must be managed through grazing or avoided for toxicity concerns.
“We know that student learning through gamification is an increasing trend,” comments Amie Peck, who manages the PSE program. “We have had excellent uptake of the Guardians of the Grasslands film in classrooms, alongside resources previously created with Agriculture in the Classroom Canada and the Canadian Cattle Foundation. Now with the game, we have a unique experience for students from every background to imagine themselves as land stewards and discover how different decisions result in changes to the ecosystem.”
“Ontario’s grasslands, pastures and wetlands are ecologically critical places beef farmers play a key role in conserving,” says Jack Chaffe, Chair of Beef Farmers of Ontario. “We are proud to connect Ontario classrooms to the sights, sounds and ecological benefits of having cattle on the land by putting students in the virtual boots of the stewards who manage it.”
This project was made possible through the Youth Literacy in Agriculture funding grant provided by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) with the Government of Alberta, as well as financial contributions provided by PSE, the Canadian Cattle Foundation and Ducks Unlimited Canada. In-kind sponsorship of the game was provided by Birds Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Additional versions of the game are available and aligned to curriculum for British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. A French game will also be available by late September 2023.
Play the Guardians of the Grasslands Game today at www.gotggame.ca.
If you have any questions, please contact Amie Peck at pecka@cattle.ca.
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