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10 Great Free Games for Middle School Students

Whether they're built for the classroom or are more focused on entertainment, there's learning to found in any game -- if you look closely enough. History, math, science, language, and tech skills come alive with these 10 great free games for grades 6–8. Use them to pique students' interest in a new topic, help them acquire new skills, or provide real-world context.

If you're looking for ways to introduce game-based learning into your classroom, check out our Teaching Strategies for how to Find the Learning in Any Game.

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Spaceteam ESL

Chaotic game offers silly yet novel way to practice English vocab

Bottom line: An irresistibly fun way for ELLs to practice high-frequency English vocabulary, but as an app it's a bit rough around the edges.

Grades: 2–12 Price: Free

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Twelve a Dozen - all access

Engrossing math platformer puts problem-solving skills to the test

Bottom line: This absorbing game challenges kids' math and thinking skills as much as it entertains.

Grades: 4–8 Price: Free, Paid Offers in-app purchases.

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Little Alchemy

Flex alchemical muscles in discovery-based puzzler

Bottom line: While it won't teach much out of the box, Little Alchemy can be a great way to amp up the fun and build interest in math, science, history, and even literature.

Grades: 4–10 Price: Free

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Geoguessr

"Just one more turn" gameplay jazzes up geography

Bottom line: It's not a typical educational game, but Geoguessr inspires students to explore the world and encourages them to think critically about what defines a place, including culture and geography.

Grades: 4–12 Price: Free, Free to try, Paid The optional $2.99 per month (or $23.88 per year) Pro version removes ads and allows players to create their own maps; there's a 10-day free trial. Group plans are available: $39.99 per month for 15 members, $69.99 per month for 30 members, and $200 per month for 100 members.

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Quandary

Slick ethics game teaches students to make tough decisions

Bottom line: This versatile game that can teach ethics, argumentation, and civics is light on interactivity but will come alive through discussion.

Grades: 5–8 Price: Free

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Community in Crisis

Game shows real-world uses for literacy and decision-making skills

Bottom line: A clever, real-world, and civic-minded context to learn and practice ELA skills.

Grades: 5–9 Price: Free

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Vital Signs

ELA game set in a medical clinic shows the value of literacy skills

Bottom line: Great ELA lessons that realistically integrate literacy skills into the simulated day-to-day of a medical clinic.

Grades: 6–8 Price: Free

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Race to Ratify

Great history game offers cool constitutional spin on persuasion

Bottom line: This super smart game will get students digging into and understanding the federalist and anti-federalist sides of the U.S. Constitution ratification debate.

Grades: 6–12 Price: Free

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