TOP PICKS | 33 TOOLS
The Most Engaging Games for the Classroom
Top Picks
RELATED
Print | Save as PDF
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
DragonBox Big Numbers
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
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.
DragonBox Algebra 5+
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.
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.
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.
Magnus Kingdom of 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
Elegy for a Dead World
Compelling sci-fi world imagined -- and written -- by its players
Bottom line: With some teacher guidance, Elegy offers an opportunity unlike anything else to get students to write stories and stretch their creative muscles.
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.
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
TeacherGaming
Level up learning with streamlined resources for classroom gaming
Bottom line: All-in-one platform for game-based learning gives teachers the confidence and the support they need to make learning real.
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
Bottom line: Teens who love gaming can learn to be developers, too, with Roblox's tools and hosting service.
