Activity: Democs - The game to play to have your say

Excited about the nano-future? Worried about the fish? Here's a chance for students to make their voices heard - while also having fun.

Big Picture on Nanoscience's online activity is based on the format of Deliberative Meeting of Citizens (Democs), a card game developed by the new economics foundation (nef).

Democs enables people to find out more and express their views about complex topical issues such as nanotechnologies, stem cell research and GM food. It also involves recording public opinion, which can inform policy makers.

In this game, specially adapted for post-16 students, students work in groups to find out more about nanoscience and nanotechnologies, think about a selection of case studies (from a transhumanist's enthusiasm for human enhancement, to a physicist's fears about environmental impacts), and mull over some key issues.

At the beginning and end of the activity, students vote on how nanotechnologies should be regulated. Final opinions can be submitted to nef and may be used to influence local or national decision-making.

When and why to play Democs
Learn how students will benefit from the game, and when and where to play it.

How to play Democs
Find out how the game works with this taster.

Compare your views
Collated results will appear here, so students can compare views with those from other schools and colleges.

Download teacher feedback form [Word 260KB]
Don't forget to give us your feedback, so that:

students' views are counted
people who play Democs know what other players think
nef can know what needs to be improved.

Alternative activities
Have a look at other activities on nanoscience that can be used in the classroom.

Democs is produced by the new economics foundation, an independent 'think-and-do tank'.