WWF Cocoa Jungle
Rainforest Education Using Virtual Reality
Together with schools affiliated with WWF Belgium, we have developed an educational virtual reality (VR) tool to teach about rainforest conservation. Playfully, children discover the effects of cocoa farming on biodiversity and working conditions. Make sustainable choices and protect Odile and Adom's jungle!
Virtual Reality in Education
Education and the way we learn are constantly evolving. Digital tools such as serious games and "immersive experiences" can increase motivation to learn and, in turn, improve academic performance. Students are encouraged in a playful way to think independently and acquire new skills.
With this VR tool, children can explore a virtual environment using a tablet or phone. This allows them to learn about the rainforest in Africa in an interactive and visual way, and discover how they can make a positive impact themselves.
Here's how it works
Meet Adom and Odile the elephant. Adom’s mother works on a cocoa plantation in West Africa. Chocolate is made from the cocoa beans that grow on trees. Students learn about Adom and his mother’s living conditions and must make the right choices in the game. Will they be able to give Adom’s mom a fair wage? Then Adom can go to school!
Odile the African forest elephant lives in the jungle and is a good friend of Adom. Unfortunately, her habitat is getting smaller and smaller because of the many cacao plantations. Could things be different? Make choices in the game and experience the impact of cocoa farming on humans, and on nature!
Interactive learning about biodiversity
With Adom and Odile in the cocoa jungle, elementary school students aged 7-14 can work independently or together. Students discover the importance of rainforests for biodiversity, the impact of cocoa farming on people and nature, and also learn what they themselves can do for more sustainable cocoa farming.
Virtual reality is an innovative form of education, both for teachers and students. It is interactive and helps develop various skills, enabling children to process and retain information more effectively. The game presents different scenarios based on choices, allowing children to explore multiple perspectives. After all, what exactly is the difference between an ecological and a non-ecological plantation...?
“Children were standing in line!”
"Thanks to this virtual reality experience, we can take children on a journey to a cacao plantation in Africa. By making their own choices during the game and immediately experiencing the impact of those choices on the local community and the environment, the story of sustainable cocoa farming really comes to life. It’s an inspiring and educational experience that stays with children and encourages them to think about sustainable choices."
— Laura de Kort, coordinator, WWF Belgium
Play Adom & Odile in the cocoa jungle
The game is free to play on the Scenebrook platform. To experience the game as intended, play it with VR headset or a device with AR capabilities.
Are you a teacher? To expand on how to use the game in the classroom, there are several topics to discuss during class, such as working conditions, cocoa, and sustainable plantations. Contact WWF-Belgium for advice on educational opportunities.
Would you also like to create a VR or AR experience with a nature and climate theme? Send us a message:
