Eco-Metropolis - Sustainable City Simulation

What Exactly Does It Do?

Eco-Metropolis is a three-level city-building simulation game that educates players about sustainability through interactive gameplay. Each level introduces increasingly complex sustainability concepts tailored to different age groups, allowing players to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical context. Players take on various roles, such as urban planners and environmental engineers, to design a sustainable city using real-world environmental data.

How Does It Work?

upload_image.08:06:56.778180

Gameplay Structure:
- Level 1 (Ages 12-14):
  - Focus: Basic sustainability principles.
  - Mechanics: Guided gameplay introduces players to concepts such as recycling, conservation, and urban green spaces through simple tasks and quizzes.
  - Objectives: Players learn about the importance of sustainable practices in city planning.
- Level 2 (Ages 14-16):
  - Focus: Intermediate sustainability strategies.
  - Mechanics: Players engage in hands-on activities that require them to make decisions based on resource management and environmental impact, such as designing parks or waste management systems.
  - Objectives: Deepen understanding of urban planning principles and the consequences of urban development.
- Level 3 (Ages 16-18):
  - Focus: Data-driven decision-making.
  - Mechanics: Players utilize real datasets from NASA and other sources to analyze environmental factors and optimize urban planning decisions. They must evaluate the impact of their choices on sustainability metrics like carbon footprint, water usage, and biodiversity.
  - Objectives: Foster critical thinking and analytical skills in relation to real-world sustainability challenges.

upload_image.08:08:01.332148

Role-Based Learning:
- Players assume roles that reflect real-world job responsibilities, such as Urban Planner, Transportation Manager, Waste Management Specialist, and more. Each role comes with specific tasks and challenges, enhancing the learning experience.

upload_image.08:09:34.342871

Real-World Data Utilization:
- Players access and integrate datasets from sources like NASA Earthdata Worldview, MODIS, and UAE Government datasets to inform their city planning decisions. This encourages a deeper understanding of the environmental issues that cities face today.

Benefits

Educational Value: Eco-Metropolis transforms complex sustainability concepts into engaging and accessible learning experiences, making it suitable for diverse educational settings.
Skill Development: Players develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills as they work through urban planning challenges.
Awareness Raising: The game fosters an awareness of environmental issues, encouraging players to become proactive in sustainability efforts.

What Do You Hope to Achieve?

Engagement in Sustainability: Inspire a new generation of leaders committed to sustainable urban development by making sustainability education enjoyable and impactful.
Practical Application of Knowledge: Equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to design resilient and inclusive cities in the real world.
Encourage Innovation: Stimulate creative thinking and innovation in addressing urban challenges and promoting sustainability.

Tools and Technologies Used

Coding Languages: Python for game logic and mechanics.
Development Software:
Data Sources: Real-time datasets from NASA, UAE Government, and various other environmental resources to enhance gameplay realism.

Links

Final Project Video: Project Video
GitHub Repository: Eco-Metropolis Project
Figma Prototype: Prototype Link

Eco-Metropolis aims to create a unique educational experience that merges entertainment with sustainability awareness, preparing players to face the challenges of urbanization and environmental stewardship in the future.

2024 NASA Space Apps Challenge

Innovisionaries