I have enjoyed over the past week playing a number of video games requiring differing levels of skill and engagement. One of the more simple and fun games I played is “Recycle Roundup” which is found on the National Geographic Kids website, https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/games/. This website has a number of video games appropriate for younger children, especially students in elementary school. The National Geographic Kids games focus on science, nature, and animals. The website also includes quizzes for students to test their knowledge on a variety of different topics.

Recycle Roundup, https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/games/action-adventure/article/recycle-roundup-new, is a fun and engaging video game for younger students. The game has a socially conscious environmental theme for student learning, with colorful graphics and cheerful music. The game is single-player and requires players to direct Gus the Gorilla to pick up various items in a public park that may or may not be recyclable or compostable and to place them in one of three containers: 1. Blue (recyclable items: cans, bottles, paper, cellular phones, cardboard); 2. Green (compostable items: banana peels, leaves, carrots, teabags, eggshells); or 3. Red (trash/non-recyclable items: broken dishes, empty toothpaste tubes, used diapers). Some items may be either recycled or composted. Players earn points by placing items in the correct containers. The game lasts for two minutes, and at the end the game informs the player how many items were put into the correct or incorrect containers, and how many pounds or kilograms the player had Gus the Gorilla recycle or compost. Depending on how well the player did, a message will be given at the end, such as “Fantastic Job!” or “Good Job!”

The game is fast-paced and relies on a student’s speed and accuracy, so quick thinking and fast reflexes are essential to earning higher scores. Though the game is single-player, students can compete by comparing their individual scores on the game. I found the game fun and easy to play with lively graphics and animation. The game provides simple instructions for players. This game would be well-used as a supplement to a classroom unit on the environment and the importance of recycling and composting. Even students not particularly interested in environmental topics will enjoy learning about recycling and composting through this video game with its lively animation, graphics, and music.

As a video game primarily directed toward younger students, “Recycle Roundup” does not offer players opportunities to co-design the game. The game is close-ended, with no opportunities for student customization or for progressive, more challenging levels of the game. The game has no smart tools or moments for collaboration with other students. Yet, video games should be fun and appealing for students, and on this basis “Recycle Roundup” succeeds in giving younger students an enjoyable activity as they are learning about the importance of protecting the environment.