Gameplay

Purpose: This is a simulation game designed to familiarize engineering students with the complex task of designing and constructing seasonal ice roads in arctic regions. These roads can only be built seasonally and require preparation and careful planning that considers weather conditions, terrain and staging of materials. Tasked with navigating the intricate balance of budget constraints and the unpredictable variables, players work through a realistic decision-making process. The game offers experience in strategic planning and resource management that challenges students to develop cost-effective ice road designs that withstand the harsh arctic environment. Students explore the process of designing an ice road with the ability to quickly iterate their design choices, with the goal of delivering on-budget projects without compromising safety.

Scenario: The player is tasked with planning the construction of an ice road across the tundra from a gravel pit near the Dalton highway to a gravel pit approximately 9 miles away. The planning takes place on a hex-based map featuring wet sedge, tussock tundra, lakes, and a river. Each type of terrain has a different cost to build on, and the player needs to regularly route their path through lakes to gather the water needed to construct the ice road. Once the player has determined their route, they have to manage their budget and time so that the road costs less than $1,000,000 and takes less than 60 days to complete. This can be balanced by using a large crew or a small crew for a construction, and large crew or a small crew for gravel hauling, and deciding whether it’s worth it to pre-pack the needed supplies. Once the player is happy with their plan, they can send a code to the instructor that can be entered into an instructor version of the game for grading.

Learning Objectives

• Apply engineering principles to ice road planning and construction.
• Analyze existing terrain (wet sedge, tussock tundra, lakes, rivers, highways) and craft a design accordingly.
• Create and optimize a plan to come in under budget for the project.
• Apply decision making skills regarding terrain navigation, budget allocation, crew management, and material staging.
• Submit a construction plan