Innovative Learning: Guardians of the Grasslands
The younger generation has a consistent trend of showing negative sentiments towards the beef industry (and agriculture in general). But they show high trust scores towards technology. So we knew if we wanted to positively engage with this demographic, we'd need a delivery they understood - and trusted.
Amie Peck, Director of Guardians of the Grasslands
From Documentary to Digital: CCA's Leap into Interactive Learning
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) has always been committed to educating the public on the crucial role cattle play in maintaining native grasslands. Building on the success of their award-winning documentary “Guardians of the Grasslands” which highlighted the benefits of cattle grazing on ecosystems, the CCA brainstormed a more engaging way to create trust in the communities.
The Challenge: Transforming Awareness into Action
While the documentary successfully raised awareness, it lacked the interactivity needed for deeper engagement. To truly educate and empower Canadian youth, the CCA needed a way for individuals to actively participate in grassland management rather than just passively consuming information.
The Solution: Grasslands Gamified
Partnering with Two Story Robot, the CCA developed the “Guardians of the Grasslands” virtual game, simulating real-life grassland management to teach players about grazing intricacies and the environmental impact of cattle.
Two Story Robot: The Perfect Partner
“We approached three different firms before signing with Two Story Robot. Not only did they feel the most genuine and passionate about the project, but they had a strong background in educational programming.”
Amie Peck, Director of Guardians of the Grasslands
Two Story Robot played a crucial role in realizing the CCA's vision. Their exceptional efficiency, expertise, and clear understanding of the educational objectives and environmental message made them the perfect partner.
- Seamless Collaboration: Open communication ensured the game reflected the desired educational content and interactive experience.
- Authentic Passion: The team rallied behind the project, demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and creativity in building the game.
- Innovative Expertise: Two Story Robot's expertise in game development was evident in the final product, balancing realism and simplicity for the student audience.
Key Features of the Game:
- Target Audience Shift: Originally aimed at the average Canadian, the focus shifted to youth and students due to funding requirements.
- Interactive Gameplay: Players choose characters and manage paddocks with varying grass conditions (overgrazed, resting, or ready to graze). The goal is to move cattle at the right time to optimize grazing and earn carbon points, attracting wildlife and earning wildlife points.
- Educational Alignment: The game aligns with curriculum outcomes, making grassland management relatable and understandable for students. It is delivered with an entire package to facilitate multiple learning styles.
- Development Simplification: Simplifying the game while maintaining accuracy was challenging. Decisions like excluding snow and limiting cattle to yearlings kept the game relevant and straightforward.
Impact and Success: Making Learning Memorable
- Teacher Praise: Educators lauded the game for its uniqueness and educational value, serving as a cost-effective alternative to on-farm visits.
- Nationwide Expansion: Initially funded by the Canadian Agriculture Partnership and tailored for Alberta, additional funding from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership has made the game available nationwide, with local variations for relevant context and wildlife.
- Future Growth: The game has been translated into French to reach a broader demographic, and intends to roll-out into museums and community science centres.
Because of Guardians of the Grasslands:
- Personalized learning experiences based on geographic location.
- Enhanced student engagement with interactive content.
- Greater awareness and understanding of grassland preservation.
- Availability in both English and French to cater to a diverse audience.
Guardians of the Grasslands has continued to impress the demographic it serves, winning multiple awards and gaining significant traction in the agriculture space.
National new coverage
CTV Alberta & SaskatchewanCTV AtlanticCBC
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