Kids care deeply about our planet. Now they can build real-world knowledge about geography, ecosystems, and human impact — all while playing one of their favorite platforms: Roblox. I couldn’t wait to invite some kids, parents, and teachers to check out Planet Planners, a collaboration between BBC Bitesize and Roblox that blends fun, teamwork, and global problem-solving.

A Game With Purpose: Planet Planners in Action

Best for ages 9–14 or grades 4–8, Planet Planners drops players into fast-paced, real-world scenarios that mirror challenges our planet faces today. Players “suit up” with hats and backpacks, then travel to locations around the globe to tackle problems like preparing for a volcanic eruption, restoring a coastline after a tsunami, or reducing urban traffic congestion.

The gameplay is part simulation, part strategy. Kids have to listen to different stakeholders, weigh their requests, make choices within a budget, and act quickly before time runs out. Their goal: to find solutions that balance environmental, social, and economic needs.

It’s an impressive mix of creativity and consequence. One wrong decision, and a small problem can spiral fast — just like in the real world.

From Oregon Trail to Roblox: Learning That Sticks

As a parent, the decision-making reminded me of the games I played growing up — Carmen Sandiego and Oregon Trail — where every choice mattered. Planet Planners brings that same thoughtful gameplay into the Roblox universe, but with a modern twist: bite-sized bursts of information that help kids understand the science and geography behind their missions.

Players quickly realized that knowledge equals power. I overheard comments like, “Wait, how do seismic sensors work?” or “What happens if I spend too much on flood walls?” The curiosity was contagious. Kids wanted to learn more so they could make smarter choices in the game.

For those new to Roblox, the controls were intuitive, and teamwork came naturally. Helping sea turtle hatchlings on a Central American beach became a group favorite — equal parts heartwarming and urgent.

Strategy Meets Sustainability

One of the biggest surprises? How much budgeting influenced learning. One player spent freely to solve every issue instantly — until their funds ran out. That led to an honest reflection: “I wish we could just fix everything, but I never thought about how to pay for it.”

Planet Planners tracks the impact of each choice across three pillars: environmental, social, and economic health. Watching those scores rise and fall helped kids see the ripple effect of their decisions — and why compromise is often key to sustainability.

A Classroom Hit: Bringing Science and Social Studies to Life

The teachers I asked to demo Planet Planners immediately saw the potential. They reported that the game connects really well with classroom units in Earth science, geography, civics, and economics. Students practiced vocabulary like erosion, plate tectonics, and infrastructure without even realizing it — they were too busy trying to save the planet.

One teacher shared, “My students thought it was such a treat to play video games at school. Meanwhile, I was thrilled they were using the vocabulary from our erosion unit!”

The group play option was another hit. Kids collaborated, debated, and celebrated wins together. Teachers loved how the game encouraged communication and critical thinking.

Replay, Reflect, and Try Again

After each mission, players can review their results and replay scenarios to see how different choices change outcomes. That reflection piece really stood out. As one teacher said, “We can’t always redo our choices in real life, but this lets kids see how even one different decision can change everything.”

Teachers also appreciated how Planet Planners prompts players to reflect on their outcomes. Players can replay scenarios and adjust their approach. While we can’t always do that in real life, it’s empowering for kids to see how approaching even one decision differently can change an outcome.

Ready To Try It?

If you’re a teacher or parent with kids who loves Roblox, this is one game worth exploring together. Watch the game trailer and jump into Planet Planners — a fun, fast-paced way to learn what it really takes to care for our planet.

BBC Learning Hub