“This is the game that should be in all schools. But adults love it too.”
That was the unshakable takeaway from our latest Election Lab Online (ELO) gameplay event. What unfolded on a cloudy April evening was more than just a virtual game night. What unfolded was a showcase of civic learning, strategic thinking, data literacy, and joyful competition, wrapped into one powerful experience.
Preparing for a Big Night in Civic Innovation
Before the game time, our team gathered on Zoom to make final checks. We were grateful the earlier Zoom crash did not impact our event. Phew! Team’s energy was high. Discussions naturally veered toward current elections (including one just happening in Canada) and public health topics like handwashing and another fun educational game we are developing.
Soon, our East Coast guests joined too. The excitement kicked up to another level. What followed was an evening of smart gameplay, great discussion, strategic decision-making, and more than a few surprises.
Game On: Election Year 2024
David, our Master of Ceremonies, set the tone with an engaging walkthrough of the Election Lab digital platform. David reviewed how to log in, find your competition room, deploy resources, and manage the game board like a strategist.
Once Aaron flipped the switch on, the race for the U.S. Presidency in Election Year 2024 began. Players dove in, some seasoned, others new, but all eager to win those precious swing states.
One of our standout players? A sharp and fearless 7th grader named Saavini. With interest in civics and experience in playing the Election lab board-game (one of her favorite game night games, by the way) she was determined to compete fiercely.
“Now I have much better odds of winning,” she said after flipping AZ and MI.
With confidence and poise, she navigated the game like a pro, and won the presidency, defeating veteran player David in a surprising and thrilling twist.
“TRUST,” she said. “I have a strategy here.” And, she did.
Strategy, Dice, and Real-World Insights
As the game progressed, players like Lucas and Stuart engaged in tight electoral battles. Insights flew as fast as the dice rolled:
“It doesn’t matter how many states you win. It is all about electoral votes.”
“These dice are not doing it for me today!” – Dan Khan exclaimed, during one of her battles.
In true experiential learning fashion, participants explored real-world concepts like campaign strategy, electoral math, and polling, while having fun. The learning was active, authentic, and sticky.
Historic Battles: 1860 and 1960
After 2024 wrapped, players jumped into Election Year 1860.
“Red starts with an edge, but Blue still has a path to victory”, Stuart reminded the group.
“Be careful what states you win”, Stuart further stated giving hints on historic strategies for Election 1860.
Tips flew. Dice rolled. Games stayed close.
Later, the group tackled 1960, where veteran players like George joined and instantly felt welcomed. Upsets, dramatic finishes, and brilliant comebacks unfolded. Even experienced players found new challenges in the historic election formats.
Feedback from Players: “This Should Be in Every School”
After the games, participants shared their thoughts in a lively Q&A session with the creators:
“I love the event cards. They made the game more unpredictable, but on the other hand, also more fair.”
Vinita, civic educator and an education researcher, noted:
“I appreciated the histograms and how you teach players to interpret them. That’s data literacy!”
And, elaborated even further:
“I can see this game in every school. It is educational. It is exciting. And, it teaches important civic and strategic skills.”
“This game is not just for students in schools. Indeed, this game is good for adults too. The conversations, the strategies, the event cards and the real-world tie-ins, it is all phenomenal.”
Why This Game Matters
This game combines Civics + Strategy + Data Literacy
Not only that, but Election Lab Game also teaches our electoral process in different election years. Election Lab uses authentic simulations to do that.
Furthermore, it supports experiential and social-emotional learning.
It also builds confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking.
The game is equally engaging for students, educators, and adult learners.
This isn’t just a game. Election Lab is a transformational learning tool. Whether it is used in a 5th-grade classroom, a high school civics or history courses, a university seminar, or a professional development workshop, Election Lab Game delivers.
Want to Bring Election Lab to Your Classroom, Event, or Organization?
We love working with schools, foundations, educators, and community leaders to bring Election Lab and its companion games to learners of all ages.
Are you ready to learn more? Would you like to schedule a demo, or get access to the game?
If so, please reach out today. We would love to connect.
How Can You Stay Connected?
Follow us on LinkedIn, Indelible Learning X, Election Lab Game X, sign up for our Events, or explore more at our website.
Let’s make civics real, relevant, and unforgettable. Let’s do it, together, one game at a time.
Because indeed, this is the game that should be used in all schools. But, it is helpful for adults, too. Thus, adults should use it too.
Date: April 16, 2025
Tags: Civics Education, Game-Based Learning, Elections, EdTech, Experiential Learning, Digital Games, SEL, Data Literacy, Classroom Innovation
Dr. Jasminka Vukanovic-Criley MD, FACP, FHM is a multiple award-winning physician, internist, hospitalist, healthcare & education innovator & Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA. She is a career mentor & advisor to numerous undergraduate, graduate & postgraduate students & faculty. As a researcher, Dr. Criley received awards from the National Institutes of Health & the U.S. Department of Education Her work focuses on creating research-driven #edtech games & digital media to improve health, civics, science education & promote healthy habits. Dr Criley is also a sought-after speaker & a founding Board member of Physician’s Weekly. She can be reached on X at @criley_md and at www.linkedin.com/in/jasminka-criley-md