Today, I’m thrilled to dive into a topic that’s close to my teaching heart: tools that let you create educational games for the classroom. Whether you’re a seasoned educator looking to jazz up your teaching methods, or you’re just starting your journey and seeking interactive ways to present your lessons, this post is your go-to guide.
We’ll explore a range of platforms that allow you to design custom games tailored to your specific curriculum needs. From quizzes and puzzles to complex simulations, these tools offer endless possibilities to make learning not just effective, but also fun.
Tools to Create Educational Games
Besides the popular platforms such as Kahoot, Quizlet, Quizizz, Quizalize, Blooket, here are some other amazing tools to help you create educational games:
1. Minecraft Education
Minecraft Education takes the wildly popular sandbox video game and turns it into a powerful educational tool. Students can engage in various projects that span from history to science, all while developing skills in teamwork and problem-solving. The game fosters a collaborative learning environment where students can interact with virtual objects and scenarios, providing a hands-on experience that can be customized to any subject matter. The platform also includes classroom-friendly features, such as assessment tools and a Classroom Mode companion app for teachers to manage world settings and communicate with students.
2. Scratch
Scratch is a free programming language platform developed by the MIT Media Lab. It’s aimed primarily at kids and beginners to learn coding through a drag-and-drop interface. Educators can use Scratch to teach foundational 21st-century skills like computational thinking, logic, and creativity. Students can create interactive stories, animations, and even simple games. What makes Scratch incredibly educational is that it allows for the integration of STEM subjects with art and storytelling, thus appealing to various learning styles and interests.
3. Puzzlemaker by Discovery Education
Puzzlemaker takes a more traditional route for educational gaming by allowing teachers to create customized puzzles. These can range from word searches and crosswords to math squares and cryptograms. It’s an excellent tool for vocabulary reinforcement, concept review, or just as a fun classroom activity. The puzzles can be printed out or shared digitally, making them easily accessible for different classroom setups. Puzzlemaker also offers different difficulty levels, so educators can tailor the complexity to suit their students’ abilities.
4. PurposeGames
PurposeGames offers a platform to create and play customized games aimed at learning specific subjects or concepts. The site allows educators to create various types of games, including quizzes, image-based games, and more. It’s great for both classroom activities and homework assignments, and it provides a way to engage students in a competitive yet educational setting. The platform includes options for tracking student progress, making it easier for educators to identify areas where students might need additional help.
5. Gamestar Mechanic
Gamestar Mechanic takes a different approach by teaching game design as a form of literacy. Students go through a “learning quest” and complete various challenges that teach them the elements of game design. The platform is designed to foster creativity, problem-solving, and systemic thinking. It’s not just about playing games; it’s about understanding the mechanics behind them, thus offering an invaluable STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) educational experience. Teachers can use the platform to align with core curriculum standards and even assess student understanding through their game designs.
6. GameSalad
GameSalad is aimed at educators who want to introduce their students to the world of game development without the steep learning curve often associated with programming. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, students can create their own games without writing a single line of code. It’s a great tool for teaching logical reasoning, problem-solving, and the basics of computer science. GameSalad offers a range of tutorials and templates, so even beginners can start creating games quickly. Plus, the games can be published on various platforms, including iOS and Android, giving students a real-world application for their projects.
7. Pixel Press
Pixel Press adds an innovative twist to game creation. It allows students to draw their own video game level on paper, capture it with a device’s camera, and then customize it into a fully functional game. This brings together traditional art skills with digital game design, making it an interdisciplinary tool. It’s a fantastic way to engage students who love drawing and doodling, turning their creations into interactive digital experiences. For teachers, it’s an opportunity to integrate art and technology in a creative way, while also teaching the basics of game mechanics.
8. Construct 2
Construct 2 is a powerful HTML5 game creator designed for those who aren’t familiar with coding. Its drag-and-drop interface allows students and teachers to create games without needing to write any code, yet it’s robust enough to make very complex games if you want to go deeper. The platform is also replete with tutorials and a strong community, making it easier to get started or troubleshoot issues. For educators interested in getting their students into coding, Construct 2 can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced programming languages, all while delivering fundamental concepts through interactive game design.
9. JeopardyLabs
JeopardyLabs lets you create your own Jeopardy games without PowerPoint or any other software, making it easily accessible for teachers. It’s an excellent tool for review sessions or to introduce new topics in a fun, competitive format. You can customize the categories, questions, and answers to align closely with your curriculum. The best part? You don’t have to be a tech wizard to set it up. The website also has a repository of games created by other educators, offering inspiration and even ready-to-use games for a variety of subjects.
10. Sploder
Sploder is all about unlocking the inner game designer in your students. The platform allows users to create a variety of game types, including arcade, puzzle, and platform games. What makes Sploder stand out is its user-friendly interface that doesn’t require any coding skills. While the platform may seem simple at first glance, it offers a decent amount of depth, allowing students to create complex scenarios, levels, and gameplay mechanics. It’s a great way for students to experiment with game design, logical sequencing, and even storytelling.
11. ProProfs Brain Games
ProProfs Brain Games specializes in puzzles and problem-solving activities that can be customized to suit specific learning objectives. Teachers can create crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, word searches, and quizzes to supplement their teaching material. It’s a versatile platform that can be used for both academic and recreational purposes. You can use it to make learning more interactive or as a resource for critical thinking exercises. It offers analytics as well, so you can track how well your students are doing, making it a useful tool for assessment.
Bottom line
There you have it, a whirlwind tour of some good tools for creating educational games in the classroom. Whether you’re teaching math, history, science, or any other subject, there’s a platform here that can make your lessons more interactive, engaging, and yes, fun. While each tool has its unique features and advantages, they all share the power to transform traditional teaching into an immersive learning experience.
Let’s not underestimate the potential of game-based learning to ignite curiosity, foster collaboration, and deepen understanding. So why not take a chance? Experiment with one or more of these tools and watch how they invigorate your teaching and captivate your students.
