Board Games

I-Think’s board game shows that complex contemporary issues can be taught through play-based, collaborative problem-solving. This scalable resource ensures that every student has access to impactful skill building.

Board Game Interest Form

“Can I have one to take home and play again?”
— Student

Think Different. Play Different.

I-Think Different is a collaborative board game that brings real-world problem solving into the classroom and your home. Inspired by Integrative Thinking from the University of Toronto, it challenges students to navigate the tension of the issues that matter most to them. Students leverage tensions to tackle issues using cards, filled with knowledge and diverse viewpoints.

To play, students use cards with content knowledge about the issue and informed viewpoints from different perspectives that are paired to identify big ideas that lead to novel solutions. Small groups pitch their solutions to an audience who awards a winning team based on empathy, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration.

I-Think Different Board Game:
Pick-up, play, and spark big ideas.

Teachers and families need ready-to-use ways to dive into the issues young people care about most. I-Think Different, is a pick-up-and-play game for Grades 5–10 that sparks creativity, builds connections, and turns real-world challenges into active learning. Without chances like this, students tune out. With play on their side, they engage, imagine, and find hope through action.

“Many students who are often quiet during collaborative learning, were engaged, participating and invested. I can easily build on the learning and momentum from this game in my teaching. I didn’t know my students knew this much about social media.”

- Teacher, Grade 5

I-Think Different
About Social Media

I-Think’s first game focused on engaging students in problem solving about social media use. Each player starts with a real scenario: a Grade 5, 8 or 12 student facing a challenge with social media, and inviting the class to solve it together. With 3 scenario cards and unlimited perspectives, every game-play is different and sparks meaningful conversations. Each round challenges students to see issues from new angles, make sense of the struggles and opportunities they face, and build healthier habits.

If you want a copy of the game, join our notification list and we’ll be in touch when they’re available again.

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We thank the Waterloo Catholic District School Board for choosing to work with us. Together we created the first I-Think Different game. Their rigour, creativity, and enthusiasm for innovative approaches made them remarkable partners.

Why Play?

5 reasons for playing I-Think Different About

1. Skill building can be fun.

By playing, students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities that extend far beyond the classroom. These transferable skills serve them beyond the classroom and prepare them to think differently about real-world problems throughout their lives.

2. Seamless implementation makes everyone happy.

This fun, accessible game eliminates implementation barriers by requiring zero training or preparation time. Educators and students can pick it up and start playing immediately, making meaningful learning experiences instantly available in any classroom setting. (Though you should read the instructions before playing with students!)

3. Play is good for well-being.

Studies reveal a growing mental health crisis among young people, with rising rates of hopelessness and anxiety directly linked to feelings of powerlessness to create change. I-Think Different directly addresses this crisis by helping students discover their agency and capacity to make meaningful impact, transforming passive learning into empowering action that restores hope and engagement.

4. Playing is good for learning.

Play-based learning activates the brain's natural reward systems, promoting creativity while building schemas. Playing transforms how students process and retain knowledge, making complex learning more accessible and memorable.