Stop Disasters game: lesson plan from Digital Alternatives

This lesson plan uses the Stop Disasters simulation game as a core activity to help students explore how decision-making can mitigate the effects of disasters. Students (aged roughly 11–18, around B2+ English level) work in pairs: one plays the game and the other gives instructions and records results. Before playing, they brainstorm types of disasters, create mind maps, and prepare to use conditional language (first and third conditionals) to discuss future and hypothetical planning decisions. During gameplay, they pause periodically to swap roles, discuss strategy, and record their decisions and consequences (e.g. “If we build a hospital here, we’ll save more people”).

After the simulation, students compare outcomes, reflect on what worked or didn’t, and use conditional language to suggest alternative decisions (“If we had built an early warning system, more people would’ve evacuated”). The plan includes extensions (replaying with different choices, role-plays, writing letters or reports) and encourages linking the simulation to real disasters in students’ own regions. The aim is to develop critical thinking, collaboration, vocabulary, note-taking, and grammar skills in a meaningful, contextualized way.