Digital Tools For a Greener Future: Inspiring young planet Protectors through engaging apps

With so many apps right at our fingertips, teaching the next generation the importance of caring for our environment is more accessible and engaging than ever. Here are some Apps and games that not only educate but inspire players to be little planet protectors.  

Planet Protectors is brought to you in partnership with the Stark Tuscarawas Wayne Recycling District

Ansel and Clair: Little green island is a great introduction to the way our decisions have a direct impact on the world around us. 

• Description: An interactive simulation game where players have their own island to build and care for. They’re presented with 18 levels of environmental challenges to be solved.
• Educational Value: The interactions within the game show kids first hand how human choices have a direct impact on plants, animals and ecosystems- introducing them to new eco-related terms and ideas along the way.
• Age recommendation: 7+
• Cost: $5 (can be found on amazon)

PBS Kids: Plum Landing introduces players to a wide range of environmental factors, species interactions and so much more. 

• Description: Plum Landing is a free website that offers games, videos and even outdoor lessons that are all rooted in environmental education.
• Educational Value: Through the various games and activities, kids learn about topics such as biodiversity, ecosystems and food webs. The games are fun and educational while helping familiarize kids with the science of the world around us. The activities and lessons give them hands-on experience to deepen their understanding of certain eco concepts. 
• Age recommendation:7+ 
• Cost: FREE

iBiome: Changing Ice engages players in learning about climate change and gives them the knowledge to make steps toward making a real difference. 

• Description: iBiome is an exploratory game that introduces kids to climate change. Players have the opportunity to conduct experiments to help them understand how species depend on each other, build a web of life and dive into the science behind global warming.  
• Educational Value:While playing this game, kids get the opportunity to explore both the Arctic, Antarctic and tundra while seeing first hand how climate change is impacting its inhabitants. By showing players how daily choices like recycling, transportation and food choices make direct impacts on the environment, hopefully steering them toward making green decisions in real life. 
• Age recommendation: grades 3-8
• Cost: $5.99 (in the apple app store)

It’s no secret that kids love a good game. Incorporating interactive apps and games, like the ones above, into your kids’ video gaming/ screen time is a great way to spark or fuel your kids’ interest in the environment. 

If your family is interested in diving a little deeper into recycling or reducing waste, visit https://www.timetorecycle.org/blog/ now. The Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Recycling district has a variety of blog posts that aim to provide the reader with a deeper understanding of recycling. Whether you’re not sure what can be recycled, not sure where to recycle or just not quite sure how to get started- they’ve got you covered! 

The Recycling District assures safe and sanitary disposal of solid waste for the residents of Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne Counties. Their goal is to reduce reusable or renewable wastes from entering landfills within the district. The Solid Waste District accomplishes this through the development of residential and industrial programs that educate, promote, provide, implement, and improve recycling opportunities that will preserve landfill space now and into the future. Visit www.timetorecycle.org for more information.

Sources: https://www.commonsensemedia.org