“FoodKahoot! lessons, designed as a gamified model to support learning about sustainable food system transformation in schools, were piloted in Tampere this autumn. The online app proved to be a useful tool, containing both educational material and activating questions, and the competitive spirit engaged students and focused their attention on the issue.
The “FoodKahoot” lessons (RuoKahoot! in Finnish) included educational material produced by EcoFellows on sustainable food production, healthy and sustainable food choices, and minimising and using bio-waste. In addition to nutritional recommendations and knowledge about sustainable food, the materials aimed to influence attitudes and misconceptions, such as the idea that vegetarian food is unsuitable for building muscle. The materials also introduced the concept of a planetary diet.
The students who took part in the lessons ranged from 9 to 18 years old and, surprisingly, the same game worked across the age range and could potentially work with adults with some minor modifications.
The game was well received in the classrooms because Kahoot! was familiar to the students. Students were usually excited to play, even if they didn’t know the subject. The app was easy to implement because it’s an online application that doesn’t require students to download the app onto their phones.
A class of students participating in the FoodKahoot! lesson.
Students in the app and ready to play
Gamification supported concentration – the variation between game and information parts helped students to maintain their concentration throughout the game.
The variation in the level of the game was also important. As the questions varied from easy to slightly more challenging, everyone seemed to get at least some experience of success, which motivated them to continue the game. The maximum duration of a game-based lesson seems to be 40 minutes, so that all students can concentrate on the topic.
Overall, the pilot project received positive feedback from teachers, many of whom said they had learned new things from the game. In the future, the City of Tampere plans to use RuoKahoot! as part of sustainability education in schools.
Introducing the concept of a planetary diet to the class
Guess which of these are vegan
What fertilisers can be made from bio-compost?
Guess which of these are vegan
Author and images: Sanna Teinilä, Project Manager, EcoFellows, Tampere, Finland