EU Power Tower

Build a wood tower and learn about the structure, functioning and values of the EU.

Young people and adults alike are often embarrassed when asked about the EU. But a large game of Jenga ­­â€“ a tower of wood blocks to be built and re-arranged – is a game that everyone loves to play. The game we have developed is a combination of a wood block tower and a card-based quiz, where the EU is at the heart of the issues. We tested this game as a fun way of learning with young adults and seniors as well.

Developed by Nevelök Háza Egyesület, Pécs, Hungary

The game uses wooden bars and paper cards.The game uses wooden bars and paper cards.

 

Various types of cards are used, here a multiple choice question. Various types of cards are used, here a multiple choice question.

How does it make the EU more tangible?

People playing the Power Tower game start thinking about core facts of the European Union. The facts as such may seem “dry” and “boring” as such, but the setting, with a group of people seated around a table, and juggling with the wooden bars to transform and grow the tower, is a pleasant experience. People start to discuss the questions asked on the cards and thus get a positive “European” experience.

This group of players uses a standard sized "Jenga" game. In our main version in our community centre in PĂ©cs (Hungary), we prefer using a giant set of wood blocks to build the tower. This group of players uses a standard sized "Jenga" game. In our main version in our community centre in PĂ©cs (Hungary), we prefer using a giant set of wood blocks to build the tower.

 

More fun with larger bricks: our self-made wood blocks are attractive both for juniors and seniors.More fun with larger bricks: our self-made wood blocks are attractive both for juniors and seniors.

 

Download materials

Downloadable materials include printables for the playing cards.Downloadable materials include printables for the playing cards.

 

English

Set of cards (print and cut them)

Instructions (pdf)

Solutions and colour codes (pdf)

Hungarian

Set of cards (to print and cut)

German

Set of cards (to print and cut)

The German set of cards is already outfitted with the correct back colours. Print it doubled-sidedly, with print setting "mirror on short side".

Similar designs for other languages will be published shortly (this note published on 2 April 2024).

 

More information about the game

This stack of presentation slides gives further information about the game (in English).

However, the best and most universal introduction can be found in our book of reports about the game development.