Play “The Mercury Game” — a negotiation simulation designed to teach people about the role of science in international environmental policy making.

The mercury game is a role-play simulation aimed at scientists, students and decision makers. Playing the game will help participants explore the consequences of representing scientific uncertainty in various ways in a policy context. The game focuses on the credibility of various sources of technical information, strategies for representing risk and uncertainty, and the balance between scientific and political considerations.

• The game takes 3-4 hours to play

• The game is designed for students, scientists and decision makers

• The game is for 9-11 players, depending on whether the facilitator plays the Chair and whether the India role is used.

If you are interested in organizing a game, please click the button below to download a zip file with materials including:

1. General instructions for all participants

2. Confidential, role-specific instructions for each player

3. The International Mercury Assessment,  an accurate representation of scientific information on mercury

4. Introductory and debriefing materials, including a Teaching Note which explains the game in detail

 Note: The game can also be downloaded at the Program on Negotiation (PON) Clearinghouse website.