2022 Game Jam!
Game building challenge for students
Grades 3-12
The 2022 Game Jam
The 2022 Iowa Game Jam will challenge teams of 2-5 students to focus on topics that incorporate field investigation data and observations, online data resources, and investigations in a new game idea to teach others what they have learned!
This year's Game Jam is a collaborative effort between ICEC, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Project WILD, and students from a University of Iowa College of Education class about applying biological and earth sciences concepts in an educational environment. Topics include:
Game ideas are submitted via a 4-minute video to be considered for recognition. A panel of game and science experts will use a scoring rubric to determine top analog and digital games in three age categories (Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12).
Registered educators will be provided with the link to the Google form for submission of team names, game prototype description and the link to your 4-minute video.
Game Jam Registration: January 3 - February 18, 2022 Registration form here!
Game Formats
Analog game - Game must involve only non-digital components. Typical examples can include board games, card games, or role-playing games. Game must be in a playable form at the end of the event. This category is useful for either short or long events and also works for locations with limited technology.
Basic digital game - Games can be remixed from an existing game in the community or use digital game platforms (e.g., Scratch, Gamestar Mechanic, Pixel Press’ Floors and Bloxels, Roblox, GameSalad). Minecraft can be used if there is a clearly designed game experience within a Minecraft World and there is a clear goal for a player to achieve within the Minecraft world with clear constraints. Teachers can also use interactive fiction tools to create a text adventure using an aquatic theme. (Twine, InkleWriter, Episodes)
Winners Annouced for 2019 Iowa Water Game Jam!
Grades 3-5 Analog Game
1. The Nishnabotna River Game by the Science Cowboys from Sidney Elementary, Sidney
2. Land of Pollution by Team Land of Pollution from Okoboji Elementary, Milford
3. Water Pollution Pick-up Game by Kampen 2 from Taft Elementary, Humboldt
Honorable Mention
Stormlandia by the Green Team from Taylor Elementary, Cedar Rapid
Watercycleopoly, Edgewood Colesburg Elementary, Colesburg
Wateropoly, Edgewood Colesburg Elementary, Colesburg
Grades 6-8 Analog Game
1. Milk and Cookies by Team Ravioli from Decorah Homeschool Assistance Program, Decorah
2. The Wasteful Flush by DMS Water Vikings from Decorah Middle School, Decorah
3. The Game of Water Life by Justice Beaver, Interstate 35 Middle School, Truro
3. Wateropoly by The Aquas from C.F.S. Catholic School, Calmar
Honorable Mention
Water Walk by DMS 5 Drops, Decorah Middle School, Decorah
Grades 3-5 Digital Game
1. Andrew’s Game on the Water Cycle, Treynor.
Atlantis Boy by The Quarantine Zone!, Okoboji Elementary School, Milford
Grades 6-8 Digital Game
1. Water Maze by Team Walrus from St. Theresa Catholic School, Des Moines
2. The Quest to Clean the Water by the Trash Boys, Camanche Middle School, Camanche
3. Escape Rock Creek by The Pollution from Camanche Middle School, Camanche
The Water Game Jam is sponsored by the Iowa Conservation Education Coalition through an Iowa STEM Innovation Grant from the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council.