Group items tagged

This link isn't to a game in particular, but a to a lively and active Twitter feed on game-based learning (links, activities, conferences).

lots of games, diverse subject matter, pk-6 but usuable to grade 8. lots of FREE games but things you can buy

from PreKinder thru high school, this website has variety for all ages. Some of the games didn't work.

This is a 14+ game for use in teaching and understanding addiction, useful in health and psychology education. It's in English and free to download (PC only) From the site: Akrasia is a single-player game that challenges game conventions and is intended to make the player think and reflect. It is based on the abstract concept of addiction, which is expressed metaphorically throughout the game.

Thinkport works in concert with Education Arcade, especially on Labyrinth. But Think port has some excellent offerings as well including a full STEM Consortium, ahd games that stretch the grade level gambit from PK-16.

This is a fantastic web-based game for ages 11+ to understand urban planning, neighborhood dynamics, and diversity. Players are one of 12 characters in Boston's Chinatown, navigating the city and trying to find a place to live, a livelihood, recreation, and cultural expression. The game helps learners develop a broader view of all the factors that form community and how different communities interact with each other and larger social forces. From the website: "Participatory Chinatown is a 3-D immersive game designed to be part of the master planning process for Boston's Chinatown. You assume the role of one of 15 virtual residents and you work to complete their assigned quest - finding a job, housing, or place to socialize. But look out! Sometimes language skills, income level, or other circumstances can make your task more challenging. Whatever your experience, you'll then be tasked with considering the future of the neighborhood by walking through and commenting on proposed development sites. Every one of your comments and decisions will be shared with real life decision-makers. "

I got lost in Boston's Chinatown one time.

This is a game-based learning initiative by NASA. The site links to numerous related and supplementary resources. The game is downloadable (free) but unfortunately PC-only. Here's a link to a Youtube video showing gameplay and audio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmAGNTzpINE&feature=related Description: In Moonbase Alpha, you assume the exciting role of an astronaut working to further human expansion and research. Returning from a research expedition, you witness a meteorite impact that cripples the life support capability of the settlement. With precious minutes ticking away, you and your team must repair and replace equipment in order to restore the oxygen production to the settlement.

Middle to High School Students. The player must construct a bridge based on sound design with in a budget.

This is a free simulation game for 12+ where learners are able to virtually "live" the lives of someone across the globe. They make choices and face circumstances faced by people in those parts of the world, choice available jobs, battle diseases, navigate unstable political terrain. The program is based on all current data from the United Nations, World Health Organization, and other international aid organizations and links with Google maps as well. This game would be useful for middle school or high school world cultures or politics courses, and also in different enrichment or afterschool activities. From the website:"Experience life as a: * Peasant farmer in Bangladesh * Factory worker in Brazil * Policeman in Nigeria * Lawyer in the United States * Computer operator in Poland or any of thousands more ... Through statistically accurate events, Real Lives brings to life different cultures, political systems, economic opportunities, personal decisions, health issues, family issues, schooling, jobs, religions, geography, war, peace, and more. As your students make decisions for their characters and experience the consequences of those decisions they will learn about the world and gain an increased appreciation of their own culture and the cultures of other peoples."