News Summary
iCivics, in partnership with Colonial Williamsburg, has launched ‘Investigation Declaration,’ a free online game designed to educate students on the Declaration of Independence and Enlightenment ideas. The game engages players with puzzles and strategies while offering analysis of freedom and democracy. Available in English and Spanish, it also provides tracking tools for teachers and aligns with educational standards. This initiative highlights the evolution of civics education and has been recognized with a prestigious award for its effectiveness and engagement.
Williamsburg, Virginia – iCivics, in collaboration with Colonial Williamsburg, has launched a new free online game titled “Investigation Declaration.” This interactive game is aimed at teaching students about the Declaration of Independence and the Enlightenment’s impact on concepts of freedom and democracy.
“Investigation Declaration” combines puzzle and strategy elements in a learn-as-you-play format, allowing students to delve into historical content while engaging in gameplay. The game is accessible for free in both English and Spanish, broadening its reach to a diverse group of learners.
The game has been recognized with the prestigious Field Day’s 2025 GEE! Award in the Formal Games category, highlighting its effective engagement of players while teaching complex historical concepts. Judges commended the game for its ability to maintain player interest while facilitating learning about pivotal ideas such as natural rights and social contracts.
In addition to the gameplay, teachers are equipped to track student progress throughout the game. They can also encourage student participation in the Civic Star Challenge, offering potential prizes as part of the educational experience.
Mia Nagawiecki, the senior vice president of education at Colonial Williamsburg, noted that this game represents a significant advancement in extending historical education to students through innovative and engaging methods. By allowing students to assume the role of “Agent 6,” they are tasked with restoring corrupted files related to freedom and democracy, effectively immersing them in the educational process.
Moreover, the game illustrates how Enlightenment ideas spread from Colonial Williamsburg to various countries, enriching students’ understanding of history’s global impact. Louise Dubé, CEO of iCivics, emphasized the necessity of evolving civics education to resonate with today’s younger generation.
The creation of “Investigation Declaration” aligns with current educational trends focusing on technology’s role in enhancing historical learning experiences. By integrating these modern methods, the game aims to make learning history more interactive and accessible to students across different learning environments.
The curriculum design of the game is aligned with a variety of educational standards, facilitating its integration into classroom settings. This strategic alignment ensures that educators can easily incorporate the game into their teaching plans, thus enriching students’ learning experiences in civics and history.
Since its founding in 2009 by the late Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, iCivics has been dedicated to improving civics education in the United States. The launch of “Investigation Declaration” marks another step forward in this mission, providing an engaging platform to educate young people about their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
The collaborative effort between iCivics and Colonial Williamsburg demonstrates a commitment to enhancing historical education through modern technology and engaging gameplay. The initiative promises to make history more captivating for a new generation of learners, fostering a deeper understanding of democracy and civic engagement.
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WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
