BOARD GAMES ON THE PATH TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Maria Raquel Antunes; Aurora Moreira; Catarina Schreck Reis

doi:10.60543/ijgsi.v3.n1.02

Maria Raquel Antunes UC Exploratório Centro Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5260-0337
Aurora Moreira UC Exploratório Centro Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet (University of Coimbra) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0625-6309
Catarina Schreck Reis UC Exploratório - Centro Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra Science Museum of the University of Coimbra Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6752-6475

DOI: https://doi.org/10.60543/ijgsi.v3.n1.02

Keywords: education for sustainability; environmental education; board games; STEAM; living labs.

Abstract

The response to global Anthropocene challenges requires a reimagined science education, shifting its goal from supplying human capital with skills and capabilities in specific areas toward educating scientifically literate citizens who can make informed sustainable choices (Gough, 2021; Luttenberger & Mandić, 2022). Aiming to contribute to such change, this article explores the intersection of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education and education for sustainability (EfS), emphasizing the need for innovative frameworks and tools to facilitate a transition toward a more sustainable future. As gamification emerges as a powerful mechanism for engaging learners, fostering scientific literacy, and driving sustainable practices, this article presents an original framework that leverages the synergies between these areas and supports the design of three STEAM educational board games addressing environmental education for sustainability.

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Author Biographies

Maria Raquel Antunes, UC Exploratório Centro Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra

Maria Raquel Antunes graduated in Biology- educational branch (1999) at University of Coimbra and has subsequently worked as a teacher in the area of Natural Sciences (Biology and Geology). She has a Specialization in Environmental Engineering, a Post-Graduation in Tourism Management and is currently a PhD student at Universidade de Aveiro, investigating Knowledge Management for Open Innovation in Scientific and Educational Tourism. Her main areas of interest focus on Open Innovation and Circular Economy, particularly in Food Sustainability. As a member of the educational department at the UC Exploratório Centro Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra, is responsible for structuring plans and frameworks for educational projects, producing educational content and tools. Performs similar functions as a member of the team designing and implementing the great, a nationwide project for Turismo de Portugal, that aims to raise awareness of tourism as a support for the integral development of citizens and territories.

Aurora Moreira, UC Exploratório Centro Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet (University of Coimbra)

Aurora Moreira has a degree in Biology (University of Coimbra), a master's degree in Communication and Education in Science and a PhD in Didactics and Training (University of Aveiro), having carried out a post-doctorate in Science Communication. She has professional experience as a teacher in the area of Natural Sciences (Biology and Geology) for basic and secondary education and in Biology Education at the University of Coimbra, as a Guest Assistant Professor. In terms of research, the main areas of interest focus on science education and science communication. She is a member of the directors’ board of the UC Exploratório Centro Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra, where she coordinates science educational programmes and projects for promoting scientific culture, mainly aimed at school audiences.

She is a member of Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet (CFE) from the University of Coimbra

Catarina Schreck Reis, UC Exploratório - Centro Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra Science Museum of the University of Coimbra Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra

Catarina Schreck Reis has a PhD in Biology from the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the University of Coimbra, Portugal, having carried out two post-graduations in Science Communication and Management, at the University of Aveiro and at the University of Coimbra. Parallel with her academic training, she coordinated several projects to promote scientific culture for young children. She also worked at the Coimbra Environment and Quality of Urban Life Ombudsman's Office and as a teacher of Natural Sciences.

Presently she is a member of the directors’ board of the UC Exploratório - Science Center of the University of Coimbra, and of the Science Museum of the University of Coimbra, where she coordinates projects for promoting scientific culture and science education. She is also a Guest Assistant Professor in Biology Education at the University of Coimbra and a member of Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet. Her main areas of interest are the promotion of science education and scientific literacy.