The Game of the Sea: card games

Games are a proven tool for learning at all ages and in many contexts. They increase the
attractiveness of learning processes through arousing interest and enhancing motivation, and aid
with the development of social skills. Educational games provide teachers with different approaches
to teaching. ‘The Game of the Sea’ is an interdisciplinary board game, specifically designed to teach
its players about the marine environment, regardless of their age. Through its 68 sections, coloured
according to particular topics and organised as a fish shape, players encounter a wide range of
questions and activities. Through playing this game, players acquire a broad knowledge of science,
the marine environment and its importance, and literature. The game uses an interdisciplinary
approach with question cards on a variety of topics (including maths, physics, biology, chemistry,
art, etc.). A total of 222 players (111 children, aged 11–15, and 111 adults, aged 18–72) tested the
game. These players were enrolled in different formal and non-formal educational contexts and
had different educational backgrounds. For a qualitative analysis of game sessions (participant
observation), researchers acted as game moderators and, while doing so, made subtle observations of
players playing the game. On top of this, the value of the game, as a didactic tool, was evaluated
with a test that players took before and after the game. After playing the game, knowledge of the
marine environment, increased in both children and adults, with a slightly higher increase in children.
Therefore, ‘The Game of the Sea’ is suitable for teaching all ages about the marine environment.
Further, this game can impart to its players the importance of the marine environment and the
importance of protecting this environment.