Engaging Classrooms

New Zealand is a country with several active volcanoes that are close to populated areas. Therefore, they pose a risk to local communities, including children. Through educational games, children can learn about volcanoes in a safe and engaging way. This study aimed to discover how a physical game can be used by teachers and children within formal educational settings in New Zealand. This study reports on co-design methods used to develop the collaborative game 5-Minute Volcano, along with learning materials designed with and for teachers, into a resource that aligns children's learning needs with teacher expectations. Data collection included observations of gameplay, teacher interviews, and child-friendly questionnaires to discover how teachers and students can use serious games to foster learning about natural phenomena, such as volcanoes, in their classrooms. Data was processed through a thematic analysis, where six main themes were identified, based around collaboration, communication, curriculum competencies, need for guidance, localized context, and the role of the teacher.