BBC Bitesize has partnered with Roblox to create its first curriculum-linked educational experience on the platform, developed with support of the Roblox Community Fund. Planet Planners has launched on Roblox.
The heart of Planet Planners on Roblox is a decision-making exercise, where players learn about human and physical geography across topics like ‘Tectonic Hazards’, ‘Coasts’ and ‘Population Migration’, balancing needs of the population, economy and environment. Whether learning solo or with others, students can dive into realistic, global scenarios that bring their experiences to life, taking a virtual field trip to the diverse environments in locations like Central Africa, Northern Europe and Southern USA. The game is mapped to the relevant geography curricula for 11-14 year olds in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as having cross-curricular links to literacy, numeracy and computing. It is also mapped to science and social science standards for the K-12 curriculum in the US.
Users can play Planet Planners on the Roblox website
Planet Planners on Roblox is a decision-making game with geographical thinking at its core, it also develops essential skills like teamwork, time management, resilience, critical thinking and strategic planning and supports aspects of the science, citizenship and PSHE curricula. BBC Bitesize have worked with the Roblox Education team to develop the experience. The partnership forms a crucial part of BBC Children and Education’s strategy to serve both entertaining and educational content where young audiences are.
Planet Planners on Roblox allows players to make choices and then tangibly see and feel the impacts of these through changes to the visual environment and the core metrics of social health, the economy and the environment.
Alongside the Planet Planners on Roblox game, BBC Bitesize for Teachers is supporting educators to use game-based learning in the classroom. It is launching a series of geography classroom resources linked to each of the Planet Planners on Roblox experience scenarios, which have been developed in partnership with the Geographical Association. There is also an accompanying set of video resources supporting teachers to use game-based learning. BBC Bitesize is also working in partnership with Digital Schoolhouse to develop further resources.
Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education, says: “At BBC Children’s and Education, we believe in the power of learning through play. It’s a cornerstone of our content strategy — combining entertainment with education to spark curiosity and build essential life skills. Our partnership with Roblox brings together our storytelling and educational expertise with the creativity and interactivity of gaming.”
Adam Seldow, Senior Director of Education Partnerships, Roblox says: “Education has been in Roblox’s DNA since day one, and we believe that when learning is immersive and fun, it can also be meaningful. Working with the team at BBC Bitesize, we’re excited to see Planet Planners empower young people to explore critical global issues such as weather and climate, while developing valuable skills that will support them in the classroom and beyond.”
HM4