Co-Create EcoTrade:
collaborative learning for sustainable VET education
Find out more about the project:
Program: Erasmus+
Key action: Partnerships for cooperation and exchanges of practices
Action Type: Small-scale partnerships in Vocational Education and Training
Project Reference: 2024-2-ES01-KA210-VET-000283809
Start Date - End Date: 01/03/2025 - 28/02/2026
Duration: 12 months
Our role: Partner
Topics
- New learning and teaching methods and approaches
- Green skills
- Inclusion, promoting equality and non-discrimination
The Co-Create project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, aims to innovate vocational education by introducing a game-based tool that focuses on international trade and sustainability. It seeks to engage students, empower VET educators with new teaching strategies, promote environmental responsibility, and foster the inclusion of disadvantaged and migrant students in the learning process.
The project will result in a fully developed board game, improved teaching methods through educator training, increased student motivation and participation, enhanced understanding of sustainable trade practices, and the successful inclusion of disadvantaged and migrant students in both the game creation and learning processes.
Background
EcoTrade is an Erasmus+ project that brings together educators and students from Spain, Italy, and Greece to design an educational board game focused on international trade and sustainability. The aim is to enhance engagement in vocational education and training (VET) by integrating game-based learning, green skills, and inclusive teaching practices.
Through co-creation workshops, pilot testing, and international collaboration, EcoTrade empowers VET trainers to adopt innovative methods while helping students understand the economic, social, and environmental impact of global trade and transportation.
Key outcomes include a print-and-play board game, a trainer’s guide, and inclusive teaching tools designed to be adaptable across classrooms and learning environments.
Objectives
1️⃣ Increase student engagement in VET
🎯 Design a board game that transforms how students learn about international trade and sustainability - interactive, practical, and fun!
2️⃣ Empower VET educators with new tools
🧑🏫 Train teachers to co-create and use game-based methods, giving them the skills to develop their own educational resources.
3️⃣ Promote green skills and sustainability
♻️ Integrate environmental, social, and economic sustainability into the game, helping students understand the real-world impact of global trade.
4️⃣ Foster inclusion and diversity
🤝 Actively involve students from disadvantaged or migrant backgrounds to ensure co-creation is inclusive, empowering, and representative.
The SCIBORG board game
The game is designed for 3 to 4 players and consists of five phases of the research process. The first two phases (Observation, Question) serve as game preparation, involving the distribution of cards and the selection of the bonus card. The following three phases (Hypothesis, Experiment, Conclusion) are the main gameplay phases, where cards are selected. The goal in each of these three phases is to form the longest possible chains of cards. The cards are linked together using symbols that represent the components of each research phase.
After each phase, players present their research findings in the form of a story. Chance cards can add or subtract points. At the end of the game, the bonus card is redeemed, and the total points are calculated.
Research Cards
Build your research using these three types of cards:
Hypothesis
Experiment
Conclusion
Each set simulates a core step in the scientific method.
Total Cards: 120+
Chance Cards
Introduce unpredictable bonuses and challenges! These cards can accelerate your progress or test your adaptability.
Types: Hypothesis, Experiment, Conclusion
Bonus Objective Cards
Earn extra points by completing thematic science-based side missions. Character Cards Every player becomes a unique scientist with a special ability. Diversity: A wide range of characters to encourage inclusivity and roleplay
Player Boards
Organize your research and track your progress through the Hypothesis, Experiment, and Conclusion phases.
Quantity: 4 boards (1 per player)
Score Sheets
Used to record player progress, points, and research success.
Download the cards by clicking the flags:
Rulebook: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Gameplay
The WHAT IF Rulebook is the cornerstone of the game, providing clear and concise instructions to ensure an engaging and seamless gaming experience. It’s designed to make the game accessible for all players, whether they’re seasoned board game enthusiasts or newcomers to the world of democratic simulations.
What’s Inside?
- Simple Setup Instructions: Step-by-step guidance on preparing the game for play, making it easy to get started.
- Comprehensive Rules: Detailed explanations of the gameplay phases, voting mechanisms, and scoring system.
- Illustrative Examples: Clear examples to help players understand the flow of the game and navigate any tricky scenarios.
Why the Rulebook Matters
The Rulebook transforms a deck of cards into a dynamic and thought-provoking experience. It’s crafted to be user-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy the game while learning about the democratic process.
Download the cards by clicking the flags:
Trainer’s Guide: elevating the educational experience
The WHAT IF Trainer’s Guide is a powerful resource for educators, youth workers, and facilitators who want to maximize the game’s educational potential. This guide is tailored to support trainers in leading meaningful discussions, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering a deeper understanding of democratic principles.
What’s Included?
- Facilitation Tips: Advice on guiding discussions, managing group dynamics, and keeping players engaged.
- Scenario Insights: Background information on the game’s topics to help trainers provide additional context.
- Adaptation Options: Suggestions for modifying the game to suit different group sizes, timeframes, or learning objectives.
- Prompts for Reflection: Questions to spark meaningful conversations about the game’s scenarios and outcomes.
Why the Trainer’s Guide Matters
This guide ensures that WHAT IF is more than just a game—it’s a transformative educational tool. By equipping trainers with the resources they need, it creates an environment where participants can explore complex ideas, engage in thoughtful debate, and develop their understanding of civic participation and decision-making.
Together, the Rulebook and Trainer’s Guide turn WHAT IF into a versatile and impactful experience, perfect for classrooms, workshops, and community events.
Download the cards by clicking the flags:
Digital Play: Play SCIBORG on Tabletopia
Partners
ITM Miranda,
Spain
Dracon Rules Design Studio,
Greece
Training 2000,
Italy
Latest news about the project
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Project Reference: 2023-3-AT01-KA210-YOU-000179226