Science and Coding Games
Cork the Volcano - Puzzlets
Fun elementary coding through hands-on puzzle tiles
Bottom Line: Programming that combines engaging physical puzzle tiles with digital gameplay.
Crayon Physics Deluxe
Influential physics game is still a draw
Bottom Line: Instantly engaging and super accessible to learners of many ages and abilities, Crayon Physics Deluxe fuses conceptual science learning with a brand of playful problem solving that demands creativity.
Contraption Maker
Solve problems, puzzles, brain teasers while creating wacky machines
Bottom Line: Hands-on problem-solving leads to great fun and independent learning with the right curricular wraparound to connect what kids are doing with what they need to know.
Algo Bot
Simple coding game a fun intro to algorithms
Bottom Line: This coding game is a fun and helpful introduction to basic algorithm development, but other resources will be needed for more depth.
Niche - a genetics survival game
Immersive genetics sim puts evolution in students' hands
Bottom Line: This hands-on genetics game allows students to experiment, explore traits, and come away with a sophisticated understanding of the subject.
Kerbal Space Program
Design and launch a rocket into space in realistic astrophysics sim
Bottom Line: This accurate rocket sim encourages trial-and-error learning and makes for great (and often explosive) physics and engineering experiments.
Math Games
Kahoot! Big Numbers: DragonBox
Carrot-and-stick arithmetic app makes students fluent in regrouping
Bottom Line: Hopelessly addictive addition/subtraction app keeps students learning and learning.
The Land of Venn - Geometric Defense
Brilliant, wacky adventure game seamlessly integrates geometry
Bottom Line: This captivating game is a great way to introduce or reinforce early geometry concepts.
Prodigy Math
Adaptive math practice wrapped in role-playing adventure
Bottom Line: Standard math problems plugged into magical adventure yield helpful data.
Slice Fractions School Edition
Clever twist combines math instruction with engaging gameplay
Bottom Line: A fun, innovative way to help kids build a strong conceptual understanding of fractions.
Kahoot! Algebra by DragonBox
Mesmerizing step-by-step puzzler sets the foundation for algebra
Bottom Line: This innovative game-changer teaches algebra, changes the way kids learn it, and even changes how they feel about it.
Divide by Sheep
Extremely addictive puzzle game has dark, slightly gory play
Bottom Line: A great game for math problem-solving, but be careful choosing your audience.
Critical Thinking and SEL Games
Breakout EDU
Physical and digital puzzle games epitomize collaborative learning
Bottom Line: Students will reap multiple benefits if teachers invest the time in preparing Breakout EDU games.
Kahoot! DragonBox Learn Chess
Gentle chess puzzle game ideal for young newbies
Bottom Line: For kids who are new to chess but want to learn how to play, this fun intro to the game provides a well-done tutorial combined with a light overarching storyline.
Zoombinis
Classic logic puzzler gets a beautiful new look
Bottom Line: Promote powerful thinking skills, resilience, and decision-making through purely fun gameplay that will keep students begging for more.
Journey
Gorgeous, moving adventure -- a jewel of social and emotional learning
Bottom Line: Journey is a must-play experience and a shining beacon of the good that games can do.
Never Alone: Ki Edition
Illuminating native Alaskan folktale supports SEL skills
Bottom Line: A beautiful achievement developed in cooperation with indigenous folk that offers players valuable SEL skill building and a respectful window into Inupiat culture, ways of life, traditions, and stories.
KIDS
An avant-garde journey of group dynamics sparks discussion
Bottom Line: An unusual app that will confuse and entertain classrooms, generating discussion on a number of societal and philosophical topics.
Little Alchemy 2
Flex alchemical muscles in amusing, discovery-based puzzler
Bottom Line: This amusing puzzle game encourages creativity, perseverance, and systems thinking, and with creative integration it can build interest in math, science, history, and literature.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Unique cooperative adventure with lasting social and emotional impact
Bottom Line: With good support, an extremely powerful game to build empathy.
Gone Home
Compelling narrative game fosters empathy, self-reflection
Bottom Line: If you're searching for a unique way to analyze storytelling from a social and emotional angle, look no further.
ELA and Social Studies Games
Geoguessr
Addicting gameplay jazzes up geography
Bottom Line: Game-based platform can get kids interested in world geography and expose them to different cultures on a surface level.
Humankind
Refinement of strategy game formula supports historical exploration
Bottom Line: Like any consumer-oriented game, this experience will absorb and delight students far more than "educational" games, but it'll require open-minded and creative teaching.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI
Best entry in classic strategy series might not be best for classrooms
Bottom Line: As with all games in this series, Civilization VI is a great learning experience with the right support, but older, cheaper versions may be more practical for classrooms.
DEVICE 6
Inventive, interactive short story puzzles, scares, and delights
Bottom Line: Utterly unique, short experience packed with exploration, mysteries, and surprises, but will take inventive teacher to wrap around.
Political Animals
Charming political campaign sim mixes data analysis and civics
Bottom Line: It's a highly entertaining and surprisingly deep way to help students see the strategy -- as well as ethical choices -- involved in elections.
Attentat 1942
Emotional WWII game deftly explores the stories of survivors
Bottom Line: An absorbing experience that'll motivate students to piece together a family's story of survival during Nazi occupation.
Papers, Please
Mature immigration game forces tough ethical choices
Bottom Line: It's a provocative simulation about ethics and immigration that could spark debate but might be tough to implement.
All-Purpose Games and Game Platforms
Tinybop Schools
Collection of STEM simulations that students will love to explore
Bottom Line: Tinybop Schools offers meaningful scientific exploration to students, particularly when partnered with good teaching and discussion.
Minecraft: Education Edition
Stellar collaboration tools, controls make Minecraft classroom-ready
Bottom Line: An excellent tool to engage students in learning, collaboration, and critical thinking is now more accessible than ever to teachers.
Roblox
Popular game development platform has classroom potential, pitfalls
Bottom Line: Creating games for an authentic audience encourages coding and design skills, but real risks require extra caution.
