SavannaScapes Game

Name: SavannaScapes Game
Brand: SimplyFun

by SimplyFun

ScienceGrades 2–12

About This Curriculum

A wildlife and ecosystem strategy board game based on the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem where players create habitats by matching animal tiles with grassland, woodland, wetland, and dryland environments.

What makes it unique: Scientifically accurate ecology game developed with real Serengeti ecologist Dr. Meredith Palmer that teaches keystone species concepts through strategic gameplay

SavannaScapes Game: Ecosystem Strategy Board Game for Wildlife Education

SavannaScapes is a tile-placement strategy board game that teaches players about the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem through matching 80 different species with their appropriate habitats. The game combines wildlife education with strategic thinking as players compete to create optimal ecosystem layouts.

Best for

Homeschooling families and classrooms seeking an engaging supplement to ecology and wildlife studies, particularly when studying African ecosystems with students grades 2-12

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 2 concerns · 3 neutral

Knowledge RichStrength

The game provides substantial factual knowledge about African wildlife and ecosystems through 80 species tiles and detailed habitat information.

Includes a Serengeti-Mara Fun Facts booklet with information about the ecosystem and each habitat type, plus 17 animal types for each of the four habitat categories

Scientific VocabularyStrength

The game builds scientific vocabulary through exposure to numerous animal species names and habitat terminology.

Children learn dozens of different animal species by name and acquire knowledge about grassland, woodland, wetland, and dryland habitat terms

Teacher TrainingConcern

The game includes basic instruction materials but lacks comprehensive teacher training for educational implementation.

Comes with an instruction guide and online video explanation, but no specific guidance for educators on maximizing learning outcomes

Direct InstructionConcern

The game lacks explicit science instruction, relying instead on incidental learning through gameplay and the included fact booklet.

Learning occurs primarily through game mechanics and reading the Fun Facts booklet rather than structured science lessons

Ngss AlignmentNeutral

The game addresses some NGSS concepts related to ecosystems and habitats but is not designed as a comprehensive standards-aligned curriculum.

Covers ecosystem relationships and habitat requirements which align with life science standards, but lacks the systematic coverage expected in formal curricula

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The game provides some retrieval practice through repeated exposure to species and habitats during gameplay, but lacks systematic review.

Players repeatedly encounter the same animals and habitats across multiple rounds, reinforcing recognition and recall

Hands On IntegrationNeutral

The game provides hands-on learning through tile manipulation and strategic placement, but lacks traditional science lab activities.

Players physically select and place wildlife tiles to create habitat grids, requiring tactile engagement with the learning materials

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, vanillajoy.com