Gaming_in_education

This an interactive crossword puzzle about outer space, specifically stars and planets.

I came across these "old-fashioned" learning riddles/games that are still very valuable in developing various higher-order thinking skills. To bring them into the 21st century, the teacher could use Twitter to tweet a different problem each day, and students could provide their answers via Twitter and also compare other their responses with those of their classmates. The same idea could be applied to Facebook, foursquare, or the other social networking sites that students use.

This is an online game where users decode letters to find the scrambled word. This game seems useful for vocabulary building and literacy training, (especially with adult learners) where learners can work at their own pace in a game environment to learn more words and become more comfortable with text. In this game, they are free to make mistakes that

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).

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.

This fairly simply but interesting game centers on practicing knowledge about the mummification processes of ancient Egyptian embalmers. The player plays the role of the embalmer who has to practice all the right steps and use the correct tools in the correct order so that the deceased pharoah is granted access to the afterlife.

This game is set up by the UN World Food Program and touts itself as the first humanitarian video game. Available on MAC and PC platforms and is available in several different languages, but unfortunately not Spanish. From the website "Set on a fictitious island called Sheylan riven by drought and war, Food Force invites children to complete six virtual missions that reflect real-life obstacles faced by WFP in its emergency responses both to the tsunami and other hunger crises around the world."

This is geared toward Middle to High School Students. You download the game where players have to pilot helicopters, airdrop food to camps, negotiate with rebels. This is a free game to help players realize all the obstacles in helping others in third world countries

A video game for young people with cancer. They choose tools and battle unhealthy cells. Downloadable, in English, Spanish, and French.

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.

Useful ages 11+ this free, online simulation game allows learners to play the role of an "Oiligarch" an oil baron, building profits but also causing environmental and economic problems. It is useful for natural sciences, social sciences, environmental science, and economics courses.

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 game would be more suited for Middle to High School students. Players are asked question about lasers when they reach a star in the game. Players are also asked to sort laser items from other items.

Link to many games about social change. All appear to be free.

Archaeology is always a fun topic for students

This site is for elementary students and has interactive games that allow students to explore food safety, nutrition, and what they need to have a healthy body.

Simulations covering most basic laws and properties of matter as described in Sir Isaac Newton's Principia Motion., vectors, and othres.

From A to Z teaching stuff

Gaming in education - looks interesting but have not had time to explore very much.

This site is from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), an appropriate site for our researchers! Has information on all aspects of children's health and games! The one that would be great to use with the students is Dining Decisions in the Food & Nutrition section. It has the students select 5 items from the cafeteria that are the healthiest to eat. It gives them information about the items after they have chosen them and why they are or are not good choices.