exploring societal implications of nanotechnology

Note: The following presentation gives a brief overview of the NanoVenture rules. However, this presentation is not comprehensive. Players are encouraged to read the rules completely before play, or to consult the rules during game play for additional information.

Length of presentation: 10 minutes

Exploring Societal Implications

of Nanotechnology

Developed byUW-Madison MRSEC

Interdisciplinary Education Group

New Technologies

• Hard to foresee all potential uses, benefits, and drawbacks.

• Different groups use technologies in different ways.

Style of play

• Monopoly-style game• Winner determined

by being last player standing or by having the greatest net worth.

Your Role

• As ruler of a new country, you must:– Make decisions about

industrial expansion, military defense, the economy and scientific research.

– Decide when to invest in nanotechnologies.

– Make policy decisions.– Maintain a high public

approval rating.

YOU!

Budget Management• Each ruler starts with $145m:

– 25- $5million budget chips– 20 - $1million budget chips

• Before starting game play, rulers must divide their $145m budget amongst four agencies: – Environment – Industry – Military – Science

• $5 million can be transferred each turn.

• Earned money can be added to any agency.

Nano Developments• Players opt to purchase Nano

Developments and learn about new technologies.

• Development cost is inter-agency.

• Opponents must pay Access Costs if they land on the development.

• Access costs can vary:

− Answering a content question decreases access cost by half.

− Owning a Nano-Cluster doubles an opponent’s access cost.

Nano DecisionsPlayers determine research investments and face the consequences (as determined by a roll of the dice).

Popularity chips• As a ruler of the country, popularity with your constituents

is very important.– Game starts with 80% approval rating.

– A player drops out of the game if approval rating goes to 0%.

– Approval rating is influenced by decisions made on decision cards and other squares on the game board.

Set up

25- $5 million budget chips

20 - $1million budget chips

Getting Started1. Select a banker.

2. Set your budget.

3. Roll the dice to determine who goes first (highest roll).

4. If you land on a…. Development square: Decide if you want to buy it or

not. After purchasing, read the card aloud to the other players.

Decisions square: Read the card and choose a decision. Roll the dice to determine the consequences.

Other square: follow the directions on the square.

5. Each time you pass “Start of Fiscal Year”, collect $20m. If approval rating is 100%, collect $5m extra from the

bank If approval rating is <40%, lose $5m to the bank.

Determining a Winner

Two possibilities:

Last ruler standing

OR

Tally up your net worth:– Development cards (use

cost)– $5m for each – Total monetary assets