Aquation: The Freshwater Access Game

Name: Aquation: The Freshwater Access Game
Author: Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Institution

TRUSTED

Expert-developed at a research institution

For:General Public & Enthusiasts

Free

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App Summary

Aquation: The Freshwater Access Game challenges players to solve global water shortages by managing regional wealth, building infrastructure, and reacting to random events. The Smithsonian Science Education Center created the game with a Youth Access Grant to illustrate the complex factors influencing freshwater availability. Players can explore how their strategic choices about wealth, research, and technology impact water equity for different regions around the world.

App Screenshots

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Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism

This educational strategy game from the Smithsonian Science Education Center simulates the complex challenges of global freshwater distribution. The game's core mechanism tasks players with managing regional wealth to address water scarcity. The interface facilitates strategic decisions, allowing users to build infrastructure like pipes and desalination plants, invest in research, and react to dynamic global events such as monsoons and droughts. The objective is to balance water resources across different regions and solve the simulated water crisis.

Development & Context

The game was developed by the Smithsonian Science Education Center to explore the topic of global water equity.
The news coverage notes that primary funding for the project came from a Youth Access Grant provided by the Smithsonian Institution.
It is available across multiple platforms, including a website for desktops, mobile apps for tablets and smartphones, and a text-alternative version.

Intended Use & Scope

This game is intended for students and educators for use in both classroom and home settings. Its scope is to serve as an educational resource that introduces concepts of global resource management, strategy, and water equity. This description is based on publicly available information and news coverage, not on peer-reviewed research on learning outcomes.

Studies & Publications

1 publication

Peer-reviewed research associated with this app.

Non-Evaluative Reference

Games and simulations in the classroom: How interactive media can demonstrate scientific phenomena and enhance the educational experience

Seymour et al. (2021) · Smithsonian Science Education Center

Referenced in academic literature; no direct evaluation of the app

Digital games and simulations have emerged as critical tools in modern education, a trend accelerated by the shift to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This white paper explores the efficacy of interactive media as a supplement to traditional pedagogical instruction, highlighting its role in developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and systems thinking skills. It distinguishes between "games," which typically have defined goals and fantasy elements, and "simulations," which model real-world phenomena for open-ended inquiry. The authors demonstrate how these tools align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by enabling students to model complex or inaccessible scientific events—such as particle interactions or global water usage—and engage in iterative design. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the necessity of incorporating Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) principles into digital design. It outlines strategies for ensuring technological equity, such as multi-platform support, colorblind-friendly interfaces, multilingual options, and offline alternatives, ensuring that all students can effectively engage with scientific concepts.

In the Media

Aquation Is New Smithsonian Game About The Worlds Freshwater Crisis

The Smithsonian developed Aquation: The Freshwater Access to address the world's water crisis through strategic gameplay that teaches players about water equity and resource management. The game challenges players to "use each region's wealth to build pipes, desalinate water, and conduct research to bring water where it's needed most" while navigating obstacles like monsoons, dry spells, and disease. The Smithsonian unveiled this educational game in November 2017 as a tool for teaching about global freshwater challenges.

EdublogsRead article

Aquation: The Freshwater Access Game

The Smithsonian Institution developed Aquation: The Freshwater Access Game to address global water equity through strategic gameplay where players manage regional wealth to build infrastructure and conduct research. The game challenges players to "balance global water resources" while responding to events like monsoons, dry spells, and disease that can impact their progress. Primary funding was provided by a Youth Access Grant from the Smithsonian Institution's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Education and Access.

SiRead article

Aquation: The Freshwater Access Game

The Smithsonian Science Education Center developed Aquation: The Freshwater Access Game to address global water equity challenges, using strategic gameplay where players manage regional wealth to build infrastructure and conduct research. Players must navigate real-world obstacles including "monsoons, dry spells, disease, and even cursed lawn sprinklers" while balancing resources to solve the world's water crisis. The game launches on desktop, tablet, and smartphone platforms with primary funding from a Youth Access Grant from the Smithsonian Institution's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Education and Access.

SiRead article

Aquation, learning how manage water resources while you play

Developers created Aquation: The Freshwater Access to teach children aged 10 and upwards how to properly manage the planet's water sources in a sustainable way, using strategic gameplay where players develop water supply strategies for different regions. Players can choose to "promote research in wealthiest countries" or "build pipes or desalination plants in countries with greater resources," winning when they achieve balance in water availability. The app displays strategic guidance messages that invite players to review their approach and consider options like building centrally located desalination plants or using wealthy regions for research.

GreenappsandwebRead article