FOUNTAINS: Table-Top Simulation Game on Acculturation Strategies

The simulation game FOUNTAINS was designed to help young students understand that we have more than one way for ethnic groups to tackle the task of becoming acculturated to the context in which they have chosen to live. The design principles and process are described in more detail in this issue. While its original objective was to explore cultural integration strategies, the game may also be used for other purposes. Although the FOUNTAINS was designed to be used in upper secondary schools in the context of regular learning activities it can also be played with younger learners and naturally also with university students and adults. The suggested number of participants is 12 to 18, but the game can also be played with as few as 6 or as many as 24 participants. The operational rules of the game are quite explicit. The participants' rules are available in Dutch, English, Estonian, German, Hebrew, Italian, Russian and Spanish. The game-kit includes a set of simple cardboard shapes that are easy to make. FOUNTAINS needs no computer support and is playable in regular classroom settings. Guidelines for both in- and post-game debriefing are outlined in this article and the written rules for the players are included.