"Big Green Help" Game Could Expand Show's Reach to More Children

"Big Green Help" is the newest multiplayer online game from the Nickelodeon children's programming network, and it looks like a game that could have a very significant impact on the current generation of kids. The game's main idea is centered around a new, very popular kid and student centered pro-environmental movement. The game helps to not only encourage kids to become more environmentally friendly through minor actions, but also helps to show how easy it is to help the environment to new children who have not yet been exposed to the programming.

Nickelodeon has run this initiative since Earth Day of 2008, and it has quickly become one of the most popular "reality" TV shows for young children all around the United States and world. Through showing practical ways that children can help save the world that they live on, children interpret what they learn on the show and put it to use in their own lives. The entire "Big Green Help" initiative has easily been one of Nickelodeon's most influential ever, and through the release of a multiplayer online game, Nickelodeon hopes to influence children who have not yet seen the show or joined the initiative.

The game is based around four major core concepts. The first of these is "Slow The Flow." This concept explains to children how much energy, resources, and other highly valuable materials are being wasted every day. This is probably the concept that is focused on the most within the television show.

The second core concept is "Recycle and Precycle." It states that a person should try to recycle as much as possible, while purchasing and obtaining products that have been created from previously recycled materials. Most children are taught the importance of recycling at a young age, but many seem to neglect that you can purchase items created from previously recycled materials.

The third concept is "Grow the Green." While many college students may get a nice laugh out of this one, the concept stresses the importance of growing plants and trees of all kind wherever possible. It makes a lot of sense, but I question how many young people will take the initiative to go out and plant a tree, with the exception of earth day.

Finally, the last concept is to "Curb The Car." Again, it seems a bit difficult for children to follow this one, because many are too young to drive.

The game seems like it could be a moderate success, especially for big fans of the reality tv show. How much of an effect will it have on people who have never seen the show before? That is yet to be seen. As it stands though, the game looks like it could make a solid influence on many elementary and middle school level students, and is (at the very least) a step in the right direction. Check out the game at the Nickelodeon website!

More Information: http://www.nick.com/minisites/biggreen/index.jhtml#