“ECO-LEVEL”: a board game for the comprehension of ecological interactions – Costa Rica’s case study

The activities conducted during the “Field School 2025” initiative in Costa Rica, organized by Foreste per Sempre ODV association in collaboration with UNIMORE, have been essential for the foundation of this thesis. This project combines field experience, education, and scientific communication in order to develop a game-based learning initiative. Specifically, it regards the creation of the board game “ECO-LEVEL,” which focuses on biodiversity and ecological balance, based on information collected in Costa Rica. The aim of this project is to enhance participants' understanding and raise awareness about the various relationships among flora, fauna, and human environment through a game-based learning strategy. The Game Science Research Center, part of the Marco Biagi Economy Department UNIMORE, will also support this project as it promotes a scientifically-based game with educational objectives, particularly for high school students.