Save The Turtle: A Maze Puzzle Design to Raise Awareness

An Entertaining Solution for Teaching Children about Plastic Pollution

"Save The Turtle" by Zagazoo Busy Bag is a unique and engaging design that aims to educate children aged 4 to 8 about the harmful effects of plastic pollution on sea turtles. Through a maze puzzle game, children learn about the dangers of plastic and the importance of protecting the environment. The puzzle consists of four square pieces and a frame, made of durable MDF wood. Accompanied by a printable booklet, the game challenges children to solve quizzes by guiding a sea turtle through a maze to a safe place, while avoiding plastic bottles and bags. Each quiz reinforces the idea that plastic is harmful to sea turtles, as they often mistake it for food and suffer dire consequences. One of the strengths of "Save The Turtle" is its ability to combine education with play. By repeating and solving multiple quizzes, children not only learn about the dangers of plastic pollution but also develop a deeper understanding of the issue. The game encourages them to change their behavior and become more conscious of their plastic usage. The design team, led by Marina Adel Zaghloul, Co-Founder of Zagazoo, recognized the importance of making the game accessible and engaging for young children. To overcome the challenge of a maze puzzle being too difficult for 4 and 5-year-olds, stickers with different sea elements were added to the maze pieces, making them more identifiable. Additionally, the game includes two different levels to cater to a broader age bracket, making it suitable for a wider range of children. The "Save The Turtle" puzzle is not only educational but also environmentally friendly. While the game is not 100% eco-friendly or recyclable, it is entirely plastic-free, aligning with the mission of raising awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution. The puzzle is accompanied by small wooden pieces, including two turtles, two bottles, and two plastic bags, each measuring 10 mm x 10 mm x 3 mm. The packaging itself is a pouch measuring 280 x 250 mm. The project started in April 2019 in Cairo, Egypt, and was launched in August 2019. Since then, "Save The Turtle" has gained popularity and become one of the best-selling products from Zagazoo. The design has received recognition for its innovation and practicality, winning the Iron A' Design Award in the Toys, Games, and Hobby Products Design category in 2020. This prestigious award is given to designs that meet professional and industrial requirements, integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics. "Save The Turtle" is an excellent example of how design can be used to educate and inspire young children to become environmentally conscious. By combining entertainment with education, this maze puzzle design encourages children to take an active role in protecting the environment and saving sea turtles from the harmful effects of plastic pollution.