IT'S 2920BC and North Fitzroy primary students Lily Chalmers and Olivia Campisi are trying to expand their empire.

It's easier said than done. Their avatar Isabella, the leader of Spain, can ''sometimes be a little bit aggressive'' and has to contend with the Aztec leader Montezuma, who ''declares war really easily'' and could wipe out their nascent civilisation.

Lily Chalmers packs up the laptop computers used in class. Picture: Angela Wylie

They discover geography is destiny; Spain has large reserves of copper and iron, which is invaluable for forging swords. Isabella has two main strengths as a leader.

''She's spiritual and expansive, which means she makes your cities grow quickly and she helps spread religion, which means you gain more friends,'' explains Lily, 11.