The Lesser-Known Elements of Gaming

We often talk about the value of gaming in education. It levels the playing field, offers rewards and teaches children in a fully-engaged state of play. And as we write this, video games are still being developed beyond simple entertainment to powerful educational tools. With many games to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones offer the most educational benefits. Among the myriad of games available, several stand out for their ability to teach kids about science in an engaging and interactive way—the digital equivalent of making volcanoes in school, if you will. These games not only foster curiosity but also help children grasp complex scientific concepts through play. Let’s dive into some of the best games that make learning science both fun and effective.

Minecraft: Education Edition
Learn: General Science, Chemistry, Ecology, Physics

One of the most popular games globally, Minecraft has released an educational version that brings science to life. In Minecraft: Education Edition, players can explore a world where they can conduct chemistry experiments, build ecosystems, and understand physics through hands-on activities. The game’s open-world sandbox environment encourages players’ experimentation, making it an excellent tool for teaching scientific principles. Whether it's understanding the periodic table or learning about renewable energy, this edition is fun and aligns with many school curriculums.

Kerbal Space Program
Learn: Astronomy, Physics, Engineering

Fascinated by space? This game is for all the budding astronauts and engineers. Kerbal Space Program challenges players to design and launch spacecraft, teaching them the basics of rocket science, orbital mechanics, and the laws of physics. As players try (and fail) to get their spacecraft into orbit, they learn valuable lessons about gravity, thrust, and the challenges of space travel. The realistic physics engine ensures that every success and failure is a learning experience, making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging.

The Magic School Bus Series
Learn: Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science
An oldie but a goodie, The Magic School Bus games take players on educational adventures through the human body, outer space, the ocean, and more. Kids can join Ms. Frizzle and her class as they dive into cells, travel through the digestive system, or explore the solar system. These interactive journeys are perfect for young learners, offering a blend of entertainment and education that captures the essence of scientific exploration. Plus, there’s plenty of hidden gems to be found for inquisitive minds. 

SimCity 
Learn: Ecology, Environmental Science, Urban Planning

SimCity has long been a favourite for those interested in designing their perfect world, but it also offers valuable lessons in environmental science and ecology. As players begin to build and manage their cities, they must consider resource management, pollution, and the balance between industry and nature. This game encourages kids to think critically about the impact of human activities on the environment and to explore sustainable solutions for the future. The realistic scenarios encourage young minds to think ahead to the future of the places they call home.

Spore
Learn: Evolution, Biology, Ecosystem Dynamics

Spore offers a unique gaming experience that spans the journey of life, from a single-celled organism to a complex, intelligent species. Players guide their species through various stages of evolution, making decisions that affect their survival, appearance, and behaviour. Along the way, they’ll encounter subjects like natural selection, adaptation, and ecosystem dynamics. Spore is a fascinating exploration of biology and evolution—all crucial for young people thinking about life on Earth.

Zoombinis
Learn: Logic, Problem-Solving, Basic Math and Science

Zoombinis is a classic educational game that uses logic puzzles to teach kids about problem-solving, patterns, and even basic principles of engineering. Players must guide a group of adorable creatures, the Zoombinis, through a series of challenges that require careful planning and reasoning. Each puzzle presents a different scientific concept making it a fun way to build foundational skills in maths and science.

Little Alchemy 2
Learn: Chemistry

In Little Alchemy 2, it all begins with the elements air, water, earth, and fire and then players combine them to create new substances. This simple yet addictive game introduces kids to the idea of chemical reactions and the combinations that appear all around us. There’s no smoke without fire, and now kids can learn that themselves in a fun and safe space.

From the games you might have heard of to the ones you didn’t know were out there, these games demonstrate that learning science doesn’t have to solely live in textbooks. Making learning fun has been a core factor in designing our own WoU game and seeing games like this existing brings us hope that we can continue to have education and fun come hand in hand. 

By incorporating scientific principles into gameplay, these titles make complex concepts accessible, engaging, and most importantly, fun. Whether your child is interested in space, biology, chemistry, or environmental science, there’s a game out there that can help them explore these interests and build a solid foundation in scientific knowledge. So, the next time your child wants to play a video game, consider one of these educational options that could turn playtime into a powerful learning experience.