Walden, A Game

Walden, A Game is a first-person simulation of the life of American philosopher Henry David Thoreau during his experiment in self-reliant living at Walden Pond in 1845. Players must survive by building a cabin and finding food and fuel. At the same time, in the beauty of the woods and the Pond, players experience reflective play as they experience living in nature over the course of a New England year.

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Product Description

Walden, A Game is available for Microsoft XBox, Mac/PC on Steam, Mac/PC on itch.io, and for Playstation 4.

Time needed to complete the game experience: 6-7 hours. (Students can experience Walden in less time)

Rating: Common Sense Media Rates this game as appropriate for ages 10+.

Common Sense Media also has the game review available, which is specifically for educators. They recommend the game as best for Grades 8-12.

Curriculum Guide

Lesson 1: Playing a Serious Game (Media Literacy)
Lesson 2: Henry David Thoreau: A Life in Context (United States History, Environmental Science)
Lesson 3: The Hudson River Painters (Visual Arts, Art History)
Lesson 4: Modern Writing about Nature (English Language Arts)
Lesson 5: A Wild Lens: Learning to Record Nature (Science, Language Arts, Art, Math)

Preview Curriculum Guide

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Related Resources

Gaming Walden, Learning Thoreau, a interview with game developer Tracy Fullerton, includes educator feedback about teaching with the game.

Sustainable Development Goals

Journeys in Film supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more about teaching with UN SDGs. This curriculum guide connects to the following SDGs.

Lime green background. 15 in white in the upper left hand corner. Life on Land next to the number. White art centered on the green background features a tree with silhouettes of 3 birds.

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