about earth matters

Earth Matters helps kids and families understand the complexities of climate science through joyful and active play.

The game is an engaging experience for families, kid-teen groups, and classrooms. A metaphor for climate change, Earth Matters is played on a time and temperature grid.

blue and brown fish for Earth Matters board game
Small gray fish
Orange fish illustration for Earth Matters game

how to play

Explore a unique grid of time and temperature.

The game's semi-cooperative nature includes fun event cards, role-playing prompts, trading actions, and effect cards that push players up, down, and horizontally across the board.

Game facts - 2 to 5 players, 20 minute game play, 8+ years, choking hazard, eco-friendly
Earth Matters game board, game about climate change
arrow doodle pointing at Earth Matters game board
Link to PDF of game rules

Printed on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) paper using water-based inks.

Printed on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) paper using water-based inks.

As a sea turtle, hummingbird, mushroom, redwood tree, or cheetah, move into the future, heating up and cooling down while collecting points: Critical Habitats, Earth Treasures, and Energy Tokens.

The five game-pieces for Earth Matters

128 unique cards drive the gameplay, from testing your knowledge to making bird calls!

  • Snapshot game card for Earth Matters science board game

    Snapshot

    Snapshot cards offer an imaginative connection to nature.

  • Tell Us About game card, Earth Matters global warming board game for ages 8 and above

    Tell Us About

    Tell Us About cards invite you to share what you think.

  • Eco Action card for Earth Matters board game about climate change

    Eco Action

    Eco Action cards inspire ways we can help.

  • Act out game card with bird call activity

    Act Out!

    Act Out! cards reward silliness.

  • Event card sample from ecology board game, Earth Matters

    Event Cards

    Event cards are events with environmental impacts.

  • Holding Card sample, Rachel Carson quote, "In nature nothing exists alone"

    Holding Cards

    Holding cards are a strategy twist, with inspiring Earthy quotes.

  • Critical Habitat card example for educational ecology game, Earth Matters

    Critical Habitat

    High-value cards about vital ecosystems.

  • Current Card sample, showing global warming consequences

    Current Cards

    Challenge cards - science-based events with impacts large and small.

Meet the Creative Team:

Hand drawn rounded rectangle
Lori Mcdonald, Earth Matters tabletop science game designer

Lori McDonald

Designer

A founder of Soldier Hollow Charter School, a former art teacher and aspiring poet, she loves mountain sports and working with kids.

Rohan and Yuliia, illustrators for Earth Matters game

Rohan and Yuliia

Illustrators

Based in India, they are deeply committed to raising awareness of climate change and aiding wildlife conservation and welfare.

Leslee Dillon Viehoff

COPYWRITER

Throughout her career, Leslee has given voice to natural and organic companies that care about the planet. She is passionate about the outdoors and loves playing board games.

Press Contact

For press inquiries, please fill out the form below, and we will get back to you shortly. On behalf of the planet, thank you for your interest in Earth Matters.