Gamifying Science

I thought I would take a few minutes to share some of the excellent children's games which teach and reinforce basic science concepts with little additional effort. All this talk about gamifying the classroom-let's not forget the easy stuff! These are toys that I have played as a child or play with my own kids.

Teach conductivity and circuitry without breaking out a teacher's guide. Operation. Still a classic

My new favorite game! Teach torque, center of gravity, balance and more with this fabulous game my kids got from a loving aunt. I cringe at the memories of rulers balanced across wooden blocks with hanging gram weights awkwardly stuffed into paper clips in my attempt to teach torque. Our Lego see-saws are better, but this is just so fun.

Ok ,it's digital, so this entry doesn't count- but what a great way to teach warm and cold palettes, color mixing and more.

"Don't" games are always fun for kids - watch what skills they pick up as they determine which block is safest to knock out. Remind you of Jenga? #structuralintegrity #balance

Magnet tiles, fishing games...having children manipulate repelling and attracting forces while having a blast is what gamifying science is all about. without even realizing, students are internalizing how the magnets are interacting and constantly coming up with ways to improve their structures based on those principles. Ah. Little engineers :).

Rube Goldberg machines! Action and Reaction! Cause and Effect! Most frustrating toy to set up and knock over!

Ok, my sister actually has this one, not my kids. although geared for a bit of the older kids, this laser maze game teaches optical principles fluidly. Let your kids experiment (safely!) with lasers, reflection, opacity, and more.

And finally, NEwton's second law was probably developed at a forerunner of a bowling alley. seriously, the concepts literally strike you in the face. (Get it, STRIKE ;)).

Please check out AdvanceSTEM.com for information about my new Middle School STEM Curriculum! Add your favorite games and how they tie in to science below!