Using online games in education can be a controversial subject.
If you're happy to use online games in the classroom, where can you
fit them in? Are they convenient to use as a starter or a quick
activity?
Whatever your opinions on online games, there's no doubt that
for many students gaming is a quick and easy way to get them
thinking about a subject. To get you thinking about using games in
the classroom we've found a few of the best educational online game
websites for you.
BBC Schools
The BBC's reliably excellent schools website has a huge range of
games for students aged 4-16. Many of the games are linked to the
BBC's Bitesize revision website. Games include:
Secondary Online
Science
Created by Channel 4, SOS is aimed at 11-14 year olds who like
playing online games and want a fun way to learn about science.
Topics include energy, sound and textiles.
Science Museum
games
Well-designed and engaging games from the Science Museum. Topics
include energy, plastics, evolution and waste.
Physics Games
Recommended by physics.org, Physics Games has loads of
simple online games all connected to physics. Games involve
building, balancing, gluing and breaking, all requiring a knowledge
of the principles of physics to complete.
Warning: the games are VERY addictive!
Edheads
Edheads is a non-profit organisation providing free, educational
online games focused on science, math, and critical thinking. The
website is based in America, so games are linked to the US
curriculum, but there are a wide variety of activities which link
into the UK curricula. Topics include:
- Design a cell phone
- Create a stem cell line
- Nanoparticles and brain tumours
Several games, such as Deep Brain Simulation Surgery, are
sponsored and developed by reputable organisations such as
universities. Edheads also have a teacher resource section. One
criticism of the website is the adverts - is it really appropriate
to advertise plastic surgery on an educational site? Other than
that, the games could be an excellent starter or quick introduction
to a particular topic.
We want to hear from you! Share your opinions on online gaming
and let us know your favourite websites. Email planetscience@tinopolis.com.