About the Game

Extreme Event gives participants a taste of what it takes to build community resilience in the face of disaster. Players work together to make decisions and solve problems during an engaging, fast-paced disaster simulation.

All FREE game materials can now be downloaded from the Extreme Event Learning Lab. In addition to downloading the materials, you will also find more information about our Extreme Event Facilitator Certification Program.

Planning and Game Materials

Extreme Event has been used by educators, emergency managers, and others with varied backgrounds. Using our materials and guides, you can learn to facilitate a successful Extreme Event with your group.

What you will need:

  • 12-48 players
  • 1 hour
  • Free game materials (above)
  • Technology - you can facilitate the game with 7 tablets or laptops (Wi-Fi required) using the Digital Game Portal OR 1 computer with a projection screen and speakers (no Wi-Fi required).

How to Create Your Own Extreme
Event Game Materials

YouTube video
YouTube video

Who's Using Extreme Event? 

Tens of thousands of people in dozens of cities in 6 countries have played the game world-wide. Watch the videos below to find out about their experiences.

YouTube video

Emergency Managers Using Extreme Event – Prince George's County, MD

YouTube video

Emergency Managers Using Extreme Event – Fairfax County, VA

YouTube video

Citizens Gather to Practice Disaster Response

YouTube video

A secondary science educator uses the Extreme Event Game after Hurricane Harvey

YouTube video

College Professors are Talking about Extreme Event

YouTube video

A middle school science teacher talks about the Extreme Event Game

Benefits of Playing Extreme Event

Team Building - Extreme Event
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking - Extreme Event
Problem Solving
Problem Solving - Extreme Event
Team Building

More Details about the Extreme Event

Developed by the National Academy of Sciences’ Marian Koshland Science Museum (now LabX) in collaboration with the Resilient America Roundtable, Extreme Event’s content draws on recommendations from the seminal 2012 National Academies consensus study report Disaster Resilience: A National Imperative and has been reviewed by experts and staff of the National Academies.

Bring Extreme Event to YOUR Community

All FREE game materials can now be downloaded from the Extreme Event Learning Lab. In addition to downloading the materials, you will also find more information about our Extreme Event Facilitator Certification Program.

Please note that there were changes made to both the printed game materials and the Digital Game Portal. If you plan to run an Extreme Event Game using materials printed prior to April 2022, then you will not be able to use the Digital Game Portal.

Questions? Feel free to email us at labx@nas.edu.

Ready to take your facilitator skills to the next level? We launched a Facilitator Certification Program for you to learn the best tips and tricks to facilitate your Extreme Event game! Connect with other facilitators and find best practices by checking out learn.labx.org.

Download the FREE Kit
Support resilience-building efforts in your community by downloading our free game kit. Includes: facilitator guide, digital game portal rules & resources guide, sound effects, presentations, game scoring rubric / presentation, full game kit (nametags, sector cards, resource cards, etc.)
Digital Game Portal

Launch your game here if NOT using a printed script. Requires 7 computers/tablets and WiFi.