It’s a neat simulation of how viruses spread through a population. Given the recent outbreak of swine flu in several countries, when and where this game is played should be handled with a fair degree of sensitivity.

That said, any resource that can take something dull like the spreading of viruses and add excitement to it makes for better lessons which is better learning which is better teaching.

Being sponsored by the energy company Chevron, there are, understandably, some issues of bias. Yet this remains an intriguing introduction to the choices made when we use power. Whether solar power, gasoline, or hydro power, there are costs involved in these decisions and I think this game does a decent job of reflecting that. It should prove as an interesting jumping off point for a discussion on energy use, environmentalism and stewardship.

If you team Energyville with a few rounds of ElectroCity you might have a great class period. In ElectroCity you also need to keep your city powered, but this simulation offers fewer types of electricity but more of other things like building, powering and paying for city amenities like farms, camp grounds, docks or ski hills. Between the two these sims you’ve got a great start for thought provoking class discusion.