Application for the development of a Green and Smart city

"<< Background >>Cities Going Green is an engaging and educational project aims at raise awareness about environmental sustainability and encourage players to adopt eco-friendly practices. It's encouraging to see Europe taking such proactive steps to combat climate change. Transitioning to a climate-neutral continent is no small feat, but it's essential for the well-being of both current and future generations. The commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate impacts, and fostering resilience by 2050 demonstrates a holistic approach to addressing this global challenge. These efforts not only set an example for other regions but also contribute significantly to the broader international effort to mitigate climate change.Integrating education on climate change into curricula is crucial, and it's heartening to see efforts being made to ensure that young people are informed about this pressing issue. It's understandable that the topic can evoke feelings of fear and anxiety, especially for children, so creating a safe and engaging context for learning is essential.The CitiesGoGREEN initiative presents a way to leverage gamification and STEM education to teach children about environmental consciousness. << Objectives >>The goal of the project was to develop an educational tool to instil environmental consciousness in players/children, aged 10-12. By simulating real-life city planning scenarios, the game imparts essential knowledge about eco-friendly practices, resource management, and sustainable decision-making. The immersive experience encourages players to apply the acquired knowledge in their daily lives, fostering a sense of responsibility towards creating a greener and more sustainable world.City Building game allows players embark on a journey to create and manage their own virtual cities, with the ultimate goal of achieving high ""Green"" values, such as Air Quality, Recycling, Water Quality, and Life Quality.The CitiesGoGREEN initiative presents a way to leverage gamification and STEM education to teach children about environmental consciousness. By allowing them to simulate the development of ""Green Cities,"" the game not only raises awareness about climate change but also empowers students to actively participate in finding solutions. This hands-on approach can inspire creativity and innovation while instilling a sense of responsibility for the environment.<< Implementation >>During the project realisation, there were implemented and developed all foreseen outcomes. The consortium developed the theoretical framework (PR1) with the composition of learning outcomes which were the basis for the development of the app. It was conducted a desktop research and it was followed by focus groups in all partner countries to 3 target groups (Teachers, Pupils and Experts). All the results from both the focus groups and the desktop research were collected and presented in the aggregate report. Next part was the brainstorming session in order to finalize the elements of the topics which were used for the game design. In the second phase (PR2) of the project there was a composition of all the details about the game that are required before the development of the app (Game Design). During this phase the consortium composed the building blocks, theory, decisions, rules of the game and points system. The process of designing the game was composed of the composition of templates of the building blocks, theory, decisions, rules of the game and points system, then designing the game based on the created templates and finalizing the game design after partners' workshop where the partners reviewing in detail all the elements of the game design. After finalising the game design, it was translation into national languages of the outcome. Last phase was dedicated to the app development. Partners developed the apps as well as the the beta version of the app which was tested in the piloting phase by the partners and the pupils. During this phase OMEGATECH worked on the development of the game while ECECT worked on the development of the IoT project templates that connect to the game API. During this phase, the teachers took part in online 2-day class in order to be prepared about the app so they can lead the pupils during the pilot testing. Improvements were made to the app based on the feedback of partners, pupils and teachers. There were also conducted ME in each country.<< Results >>There were developed 3 main project results: PR1. Theoretical framework (EN)PR2. Game design: Composition of Building blocks, theory, decisions, rulers of the game and points system (EN, PL, ES, EE, GR) PR3. Development of the Application (EN, PL, ES, EE, GR) INTANGIBLE results are: 1. Participation of 55 Teachers (assumed of 20) in focus groups and implementation of 5 focus groups 2. Participation of 101 pupils in focus groups 3. Participation of 28 (expected 25) experts in focus groups in activity 4. Participation of 88 (expected 75) people in the multiplier events.In the pilot testing there were involved 120 pupils and 25 teachers.The application is available from downloading from Google Play Store Cities Going Green - Apps on Google Play. It is possible to scan the QR code from the project website https://citiesgoinggreen.projectsgallery.eu/results/#IO3."