Review by Mieke VanderBorght, Common Sense Education | Updated November 2013

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GameUp by BrainPop

Name: GameUp by BrainPop
Item: GameUp by BrainPop
Rating: 4
Author: Mieke VanderBorght

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Grab bag of game goodies creatively explores a variety of subjects

Subjects & skills

Grades This grade range is based on learning appropriateness and doesn't take into account privacy. It's determined by Common Sense Education, not the product's publisher.

4–8

Great for:

Game-Based Learning

Common Sense says (See details)

Teachers say (4 Reviews)

Privacy rating (How we rate)

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5 images

Landing page with game categories to the left and a daily featured game, in this case a frog jumping math game.

Explore integers by picking up students to fill the school bus and dropping them off at school.

Videos explain the major concepts explored in Monster School Bus; subscribers can see related lesson ideas and quizzes.

Learn about the checks and balances of the three branches of the U.S. government.

Pros: Variety and creativity in game design make this a versatile resource for the classroom.

Cons: Additional teacher support is available only through paid subscription.

Bottom Line: A really nice variety of subject matter and a unique approach get kids actively involved in the learning process.

How Can I Teach with This Tool?

You can introduce topics to the class, even reviewing the games and how to play, and then assign kids to play the games on their own. Some games lend themselves to being played in small groups, while others are better for individual play. Show the BrainPop videos to the class or small groups and encourage kids to rewatch videos on the specific concepts they don’t understand. Kids can play games in class or as homework, if they have computers. After play, start a discussion: Ask kids about their game strategies and to share what they learned with the class.

Editor's note: In the past, Common Sense Education has partnered with BrainPOP. However, Common Sense Education's reviews maintain editorial integrity and independence.

What Is It?

GameUp is the games section of BrainPop, which offers animated videos and curricular support material for a variety of school subjects. While BrainPop is subscription-based, GameUp is a free resource with games about science, math, social studies, health, and engineering and technology, and all games align to academic standards. Games are designed by a variety of developers and range widely in level of simplicity, and most resemble video games to varying degrees. Each game page includes animated videos that explain the main concepts explored in the game. For example, in "Monster School Bus," kids explore adding and subtracting integers, associative and commutative properties, and decimals as they guide a new bus driver around town picking up and dropping off kids for school. Subscribing teachers can also see lesson plan ideas and pre-made quizzes and assessment tools. There are also links to content designed specifically for K-3 and ESL kids.

Is It Good for Learning?

Most games are fun, and all are unique, clever, and creative. They tend to address learning concepts not traditionally explored in this format, like "Judicial Court," where kids argue court cases at the Supreme Court. Through game-based learning, kids can actively interact with the subject matter and practice higher-order thinking and problem-solving. Some of the games have an edgy design, which may be too flashy for some kids, but there are lots to choose from.

Wish list: It would be nice to have a sign-in option for kids to save progress or compete against or share with their peers. Some more in-game guidance might also help kids who don't quite get the concepts and need more support. More info on the game page -- for example, an index showing subtopics -- would help teachers searching for a particular game that addresses specific topics.

Rating Details

Overall Rating

Engagement Would it motivate students and hold their interest? Is it visually appealing? Would it inspire teachers to try something new or change their instruction?

Games are pretty fun and address interesting topics. Many have intense music and cool, funky graphics. The variety of games from different developers, each with different levels of interactivity and visual styles, offers broad appeal.

Pedagogy Does the tool help teachers promote a more student-centered experience? Will students gain conceptual understanding or think critically? Does it deepen teachers’ pedagogical thinking?

Games have clear learning goals that are often embedded seamlessly in the gameplay. Kids can click on videos that explain key concepts explored in the games, and some have multiple levels that continue to challenge.

Support Can students and teachers get assistance when they need it? Is it created with people of different abilities and backgrounds in mind? Is learning reinforced and extended beyond the digital experience?

Play is clearly explained step-by-step (kids can also watch the concept videos for more guidance). However, with little to no in-game help to finding the best solution, kids'll learn through trial and error.

Common Sense Reviewer

Mieke VanderBorght Researcher

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Teacher Reviews

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Featured review by
Clinton W. , Classroom teacher

Classroom teacher

Brainpop has really upped their game in the last year.

I was not overly impressed with Brainpop's initial foray into game based learning. After visiting GameUp the first time, I discounted it for quite awhile. Last month, though, a frind of mine pulled up the GameUp site for me again. Wow! This site has come a long way. Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel and develop a host of quality games on it's own, BrainPop has opted to curate the best of the epistemic games found on the web already. Then, they scaffold the games with video and lesson content ...

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