Game Based Learning: Teaching History with Video Games

Game Based Learning: Child Sits in Front of TV Holding Game Controller and Playing Video Games

Game Based Learning: Re-Energizing the Study of History with Video Games

Samantha Matalone Cook, MAT

Game Based Learning in the Classroom and Beyond

It’s no secret that our family is a gaming family. Board games, video games, role-playing games, you name it, we play it. In many of the workshops I have given over the years, I’ve pointed out that using game based learning can be a wonderful catalyst to academic subjects. I’ve used games to introduce, connect, or reinforce concepts. Previously, I’ve used games as a strewing technique to gauge interest in an idea. Often, I’ve used games to branch out into new knowledge and skills. I’ve even made games with my students.

In this article, though, I want to focus on video games. Video games are often the least understood and utilized option in education, but have extremely high engagement and many benefits. If you are looking to re-energize your study of history, you may want to consider playing some video games!

Benefits of Video Games for Learning

Video games have a lot going for them, such as enhancing hand-eye coordination, strategic and creative thinking, and social cooperation. The awesome benefits of playing video games could be a full article on its own. But if we focus on history and the catalyst that video games can provide between a student and this subject, some very specific opportunities come to light.

There’s a story I have told in a few workshops and keynotes about my favorite example of a video game sparking an interest in history. It involves my middle child, as he was entering adolescence. To be frank, not much seemed to be of interest to him at all, much less history. He was deep into his cocooning, a phase in which many teens withdraw as they cope with this developmental transition. Gaming, however, was one of the few things that remained consistent and a source of connection. So, we played games. Lots of games. One of those games was a video game called Assassin’s Creed

Assassin’s Creed is an open-world action-adventure stealth video game. In an open-world game, players freely explore a virtual world and pursue objectives without strict, pre-determined pathways or required actions. The game features a combination of historical fiction, science fiction, and real historical events and figures. There are about 24 games in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and while the storyline varies for each of them, there is a consistent thread throughout them all: a long-term struggle for peace between the Assassins and the Templars. Each of the games is set in a different historical time period, and this is where my son and I first found common ground.

Game Based Learning: Person holds Nintendo Switch While Sitting

Approaches to Game Based Learning: Passive and Active Methods

There are two different approaches I take with games of any kind when connecting them to a subject: passive and active.

Passive:  Letting the student get what they need out of the game, and letting the game teach in the way it is designed.

I often start this way because it gives me helpful information without turning the video game into a lesson right away, which can discourage many kids. If I am strewing the game to find out if the subject matter is an interest of my student, I might stop there if no interest is shown. If it is a subject I am going to be covering regardless, the game often serves as my opening hook to draw them in and start a conversation. I then take an active approach to the game.

Active:  Surveying the history presented for accuracy, studying historical figures, events, or groups individually, analyzing the plot and virtual world created in the game, and looking for other subjects that are deeply tied to the history in the game.

Note that even while actively approaching the game, the game is still passively teaching. An example can be seen as follows.

Case Study: Learning History Through Assassin's Creed III

The first version of Assassin’s Creed my son and I played together was Assassin’s Creed III, set around the American Revolution. At first, we simply played the game and had conversations about strategy, the characters, the setting, etc.

This passive approach allowed us to get a sense of gameplay and become comfortable with the setting. My son soon became interested in several elements in the game. He liked the visual style of the main character, so he learned about cosplay, learning to sew and make the props. I began pointing out what was accurate and what wasn’t about the American Revolution, which turned into a longer-term study of people and events of the 18th century.

I want to point out that doing this even just once gave him the tools to examine other time periods: knowing what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to research. It set a foundation that he has built on with each subsequent game he plays and historical period he studies.

The spectacular visual world created in the game also got him interested in art and architecture, which he has studied both historically and as a drawing form. Finally, this (and many other games) sparked a continuing interest in game design and development. He’s taken several classes on the subject as a result.

In all, this experience left us wanting more and we have since used many other games as a bridge to exploring academic subjects. Every time there are similarities in the way we study the history and differences that are specific to the game.

As he has gotten older and defined some long-term academic goals for himself, we have expanded our use of writing and projects about games in a more formal way. I’m in my last year of homeschooling this teen and he happens to enjoy Norse mythology and history which coincides with the release of the latest Assassin’s Creed game: Valhalla, so I recently rearranged our plans so we could immerse ourselves one more time.

This is just one of many games and game franchises I’ve used over the years with both my own kids and students from my classes. There are many options for every level of age and ability, and every gaming platform available.

While I have focused in this article on games that already employ a historical setting, don’t forget that even non-historical games can be used to tie in the history of an interest. For example, I once helped a student create a “History of Batman and Robin” project (that included a history of superhero gadget design!) based on their love of the Lego Batman video game. 

A man in a black shirt playing video games on a computer
Person playing video games on a computer

Practical Tips for Integrating Video Games into Education

Again, you can use game based learning through video games in a myriad of ways to explore academic subjects. Here are some simple reminders:

  • Use the game as a hook to introduce a time period, either for study or to observe interest.
  • Invest in learning about the time period and make a list or chart of what is historically accurate and what is not. 
  • If the storyline appeals to your learner, find out if any franchise books or fan fiction has been written to accompany the game. If not, or in addition, find appropriate historical non-fiction or fiction to add to your study of history.
  • Try drawing and painting in the style of the game, or use an online program to develop their own game, if the art and visual game design attracts your learner. They can also study the art history of the time period to find influences on the game.
  • Speaking of their own game, learners may want to do a project in which they re-imagine the game they are playing or be challenged to change it so that it is historically accurate. They could also design an entirely new game according to how they would have created it. 
  • Cosplay, map-making, prop-building, figurine painting, and other forms of making and craft are legitimate, kinesthetic ways to connect learners to the story, and therefore the history. 
  • If your learner is not interested in history, find something else about the game that appeals to them first. Maybe it’s strategy, or building, or the characters. Whatever it is, start there and work up to exploring the history.
  • You can also begin with the games they are already interested in. Perhaps it’s a certain genre of games or it’s a game that all their friends are playing, but you can find a bit of history in any game and build up their interest before introducing games that are more history centered. 
  • Some games are about a general time period and some are about a specific event or person. Choosing games based on what they cover can be strategic and useful. 
  • Some games have educational options to enhance your study of history. For example, Assassin’s Creed has both a Story Creator Mode, which allows you to create your own narratives in the game, and Discovery Mode, which allows you to explore the virtual world they have created without gameplay. Another example is Minecraft, which has an education program, but also has historical mods you can download and add to your regular gameplay. 
  • Many of the video games based on history involve conflict and war, though there are a some that do not. Some video games have educational components that let you bypass battles. Regardless of which games you choose to explore, I recommend having discussions with your learner around the themes found in video games, which is another bridge to understanding history.
  • If you have a VR gaming system, there are some terrific new options continuing to develop that offer an immersive experience of historical settings and storylines!
  • While you don’t necessarily need to play the video games yourself, you should at least spend some time watching your student play and talking about the game. It can also bring a wonderful new dimension to your relationship with your child. Investing the time to learn about and embrace your child’s passions is an expression of love, support, and understanding. In my experience, what follows is an openness to possibilities for both parent and child. 
Man and woman sit on the couch with a child holding video game controllers

Recommended Video Games for Game Based Learning

Below are some other favorite video games to explore history. This is by no means a complete list, and neither is this list on Wikipedia, but it is meant to get you started thinking about how you can incorporate video games into your student’s study of history. I’ve given a general age range, but every learner is different in ability and sensitivity, and every family has their own boundaries on elements such as strong language, violence, and sexual themes. If you are unsure about a game, I suggest you read reviews, such as those on Common Sense Media and have an open dialogue with your student about what games they would like to play and how you will approach more mature themes.

Minecraft and Minecraft Education (all ages)
One of the most popular games in the world, Minecraft has a few options. There are mods that have historical elements to them that you can download and add to your gameplay. You can also get lesson plans from Minecraft Education that are specifically designed to teach history. Minecraft also has the benefit of having multiple players in the same world, making collaboration possible. 

Spore (all ages)
I included this game because I’ve used it several times to teach evolution in a prehistory unit. Kids love determining the fate of their creatures through the five stages of evolution: cell, creature, tribe, civilization, and space. Spore is a terrific way to connect science and history.

When Rivers Were Trails and Never Alone (all ages)
When Rivers Were Trails is a game similar to Oregon Trail, in which a member of the Anishinaabeg is displaced from their traditional lands in Minnesota during the late 19th century and heads west to California. Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna) is the journey of an Iñupiat girl (Alaska Native) and an arctic fox as they encounter obstacles while trying to save the girl’s village. Both games were created by and/or in collaboration with Indigenous contributors.

Civilization (middle school and up)
Sid Meier’s Civilization has captivated players for years and remains one of the best strategic historical games. The basic concept is that you attempting to build an empire that will last. Beyond the foundation game, there are also expansions you can purchase for extended and more complex play.

Hearts of Iron (middle school and up)
There are several versions of this, but my son’s favorite is Hearts of Iron IV, which and allows you to take command of any country in World War II. This game is high in strategy and critical thinking and explores the idea of alternate history.

Banner Saga (middle school and up)
Banner Saga is a Nordic role-playing game trilogy; the story builds based on your choices actions as you try to save your people.

Imperator Rome (middle school and up)
In this game, students immerse themselves in building the Roman Empire, exploring culture, politics, geography, deities, and conquests.

Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey (middle school and up)
For students who want a more intense experience of guiding human evolution, Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey allows players to evolve their clan to the next generation, building on adaptations and mutations for survival.

Europa Universalis IV (high school and up)
Another empire building game that uses strategy and creativity. Europa Universalis IV has multiple expansions available, set in different parts of the world.

Total War (high school and up)
The Total War sagas  focus on a specific time period or region, while players immerse themselves in the story through strategy, diplomacy, and action.

Assassin’s Creed (high school and up, possibly middle school and up)
Depending on your comfort level, this game could be played by students in middle school, but it is rated M (for Mature, 17+). The older games are less realistic than the more recent versions, and each version takes place in a different time period and part of the world. Assassin’s Creed also has, as mentioned above, both a Story Creator Mode, which allows you to create your own narratives in the game, and Discovery Mode, which allows you to explore the virtual world they have created without gameplay. The Discovery Mode has no battle or quests, just the environment.

Woman sitting in wheelchair holding video game controller

Game Based Learning: Re-Energize Your Studies

Meet the Author!

Video games can be an awesome way to connect learners to a myriad of subjects and re-energize your studies. While video games may not be the conventional choice in studying history, it is a fun, engaging, and multidimensional way of studying the past that will delight many learners. They may ignite, or re-ignite, an interest in history for your student!

samantha matalone cook, about us, seahomeschoolers.com

Meet the Author!

Samantha Matalone Cook, MAT, is an educator, historian, writer, maker, and speaker. She has almost three decades of experience in education and program development, and has worked with both small and large organizations to create educational programming that centers and connects the learner to concepts and skills. Her experience includes teaching in classrooms and in private workshops, mentoring other educators, and working for and with many museums including the Smithsonian. She also finds new adventures and manages mischief every day with her two teens and one preteen, all home educated; the oldest of whom has fledged to college. Currently, her favorite games are The Quiet Year, Talisman, Code Names, Azul, Minecraft, Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Moss, and Beat Saber. 

To see her past and current projects, including her blog, her book on Project-Based Learning, her Harry Potter-themed book studies, Pandia Press History Odyssey curriculum, and her course offerings through SEA Online Classes, please visit www.samanthamatalonecook.com





Game Based Learning – Create Your Own Board Game

Family Playing Board Game, Make Your Own Board Game for Homeschooling Families

Game Based Learning: Create A Board Game

Samantha Matalone Cook

Game Based Learning

Game based learning is an engaging and innovative way to transform traditional education into an interactive experience, where students can learn through play. By incorporating game design elements into the learning process, students can enhance their creativity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking. Whether designing a simple roll-and-move game or an intricate deck-building challenge, the process of creating and prototyping a game offers valuable lessons in strategy, teamwork, and adaptation. Through the exciting journey of game development, learners gain a deeper understanding of both the subject matter and the mechanics of games themselves.

Five Steps to Creating Your Own Board Game

1. Select a theme. For example, your game could be based on your favorite animal, subject, or fandom. Once you have some ideas, stop and read all the instructions for this project. Understanding the entire process will help you at each stage of your game design journey. Once you’ve done that, come back and focus on your game development in each of steps 2-5.

2. What kind of game are you creating? Is it a roll and move game or a deck-building game? Area control game or legacy game? You can look up the different kinds of board games for inspiration. What is the objective of the game? Is it cooperative? If not, how do you win? How many people can play the game? Who is this game designed for? Start writing down rules and game play ideas you have. Keep it simple at first, you can always make it more complex as you prototype your game.

Prototype: this word means to make a preliminary, or first, model of something. You create a prototype, and then test to see how it works. You can continue making new prototypes until you have the final version of what you are making (in this case, a game). Prototyping is important because it allows us to see how our design works and what changes need to be made in order to get the best possible version of our ideas.

Child Playing Homemade Board Game - Game Based Learning - Make Your Own Board Game

3. Sketch out what you think your game might look like and make temporary board pieces and cards as needed so you can protype your game. How a game looks will depend a lot on how it is played. You may want to look at games you already own, or that are on the shelf at the store. Games are designed to appeal to players, and the visual art of a game is just as important as how interesting or fun it is to play.

4. Next, take your prototyped rules and sketches and play your game a few times. You can play by yourself (if your game is multi-player, you can play the role of one or more others) and then play with your friends or family, using them as testers. What works? What doesn’t? Is there information missing? Does anything need to be changed on your sketches? What materials should your game pieces and board be made of to hold up to being played with and to make playing fun? Play as many times as needed to collect as much feedback and information as you can. You may need to create new protypes in order to get to the best version of your game. Redesign and prototype as many times as needed. When you feel your game is ready, go to step 5.

Homemade Battleship Game - Gameschooling - How to Make Your Own Board Game

5. Now you are ready to make the final version of your game! Use higher quality materials to make your board, game pieces, cards, and any other part of the game. You can use art supplies, computer programs such as Inkscape or Illustrator, and machines such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and Cricut machines to make a more polished version of your game. If you are using a laser cutter or 3d printer, Thingiverse is a great resource for free pre-designed pieces. You could also re-purpose objects or old game pieces from around the house for your game. Type or write up a manual for your game that includes a description of the game, the rules, any tips you have on playing the game, and a game developer biography (that’s you!). You may also want to create a box (you can use a shoe or shipping box if that’s easier) to contain your game. Don’t forget to design the outside of the box to advertise the game within. You can look at games you already own for examples. Finally, share your game with others. Perhaps throw a game launch party and have friends over to play!

Enjoy your new game!

Meet the Author:

Samantha Matalone Cook, MAT, is an educator, historian, writer, maker, and speaker. She has almost three decades of experience in education, program development, and the arts and has worked with both small and large organizations to create educational programming that centers and connects the learner to concepts and skills. She has taught in classrooms and in private workshops, mentored other educators, and worked for and with many museums including the Smithsonian. Samantha has two teens and one preteen, all home educated; the oldest of whom has recently fledged into college. To see her past and current projects, including her blog, her book on Project-Based Learning, and Pandia Press History Odyssey curriculum, please visit www.samanthamatalonecook.com

samantha matalone cook, about us, seahomeschoolers.com




Using Games Based Learning

Gameschooling: Photo of someone playing monopoly

Using Games Based Learning

Dr. Sabrina M. Weiss

Games Based Learning

Games are such a popular outlet for many of us, and they have also become popular ways to learn!  But there are many different terms that people use, and it can feel overwhelming to get information on what types of games or uses for games are out there.  Plus, we only have so much time in a day to research this!  

To help give you a starting point, I will define and discuss three types of games based learning that each offer different benefits.  These are not the only types of learning with games that exist, but are three broad categories that are distinct in application and useful to think about for an educational toolkit.  An individual game or approach could even fit more than one category! 

The three types of games based learning I will discuss are: Gamification, Gameschooling, and Game-as-Text. 

Gamification: Adding a “Game Layer” onto Learning

Gamification can be defined as “the process of defining the elements which comprise games, make those games fun, and motivate players to continue playing, then using those same elements in a non-game context to influence behavior.” This definition emphasizes that many experts distinguish between “gamification” and “games based learning.”

“Gamification” is usually meant to describe adding a layer of game goals and rewards on top of a learning environment.  Often, the game layer is used to motivate and encourage students to think in goal-oriented ways that focus on steady improvement.  For example, students may earn “experience points” by doing assignments, and when they reach a certain number of points, they can “level up” a pretend character by giving them a cool fighting skill or a magic item, as in a D&D game.  A missed assignment may mean a loss of experience points, or be represented as an injury to the character, making them have to sit out of a future simulated adventure. But gamification can be used in other ways as well.

Games Based Learning; Family Playing a Game of Chess

Jane McGonigal is a prominent advocate for harnessing the benefits of video games to improve individual lives and societies in general.  She shares her personal experience in recovering from a devastating concussion using video games to help her keep a positive attitude and as part of cognitive therapy.  Gamification can be an effective way to encourage helpful repetitive tasks that are difficult or frustrating (as one would find in physical or cognitive therapy, for example) and to build better habits over time.  It can also help a person to visualize progress towards a longer term goal, especially when it is hard to notice gradual gains.  

Gamification can be an effective way to increase short-term motivation in learning activities, especially in students who already identify as gamers by breaking larger goals into smaller tasks and rewarding consistent activity.  However, researchers like Dr. Sebastian Deterding emphasize that too much reliance on gamification can hinder development of intrinsic motivation by making learning activities tied to external rewards. In other words, a learner may focus more on the game layer and its rewards rather than developing a sense of intrinsic value of the learning activity itself, which can lead to less effective learning in the long term. 

Based on this, gamification should be considered a good way to temporarily motivate or engage a learner, or be used as a way to transition into new habits that promise intrinsic rewards or satisfaction later.  For example, when doing a garden project, using gamified “daily quests” at the start can help keep a learner motivated to do the preparation work for a garden plot – weeding, raking, digging, planting seeds, watering.  But once plants start sprouting and growing, there will be more naturally occurring, intrinsic rewards for the learner as they get to see the plants grow and develop, so gamification could be phased out or kept just for some routine care tasks that aren’t as fun (like weeding).

Games Based Learning - Man and Little Girl Sitting on Couch Playing Video Game

Gameschooling: Using Games to Learn

Gameschooling is generally defined as “the use of games to learn educational skills.”  There are many potential benefits to using games to learn as a family, including building interpersonal skills, giving “brain exercise,” framing learning as fun, and supporting a positive family culture.  While gameschooling usually refers to tabletop or board games, there are educational games and games with educational content available in many formats, from cards to board games to electronic games.  Gameschooling even is present at the forefront of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)!

Dr. Mina Johnson-Glenberg heads both a research lab at ASU and a company called Embodied Games that uses VR and AR in educational ways.  There are several advantages that she cites to using games and technology for learning: invisible processes, like molecular reactions, can be made visible and tangible to learners, learning through VR/AR adds bodily engagement to the usual visual and auditory inputs, and VR in particular can promote empathy when using an avatar who is different from the player.  For example, Dr. Johnson-Glenberg’s lab developed a VR butterfly catching game that teaches about natural and artificial selection processes – by catching more of one type of butterfly early on, the player influences the population distribution of later generations of butterflies, which sometimes increases the difficulty of the game.

Many homeschoolers and other learning providers value the different learning environment that gameschooling can provide.  Especially for learners who struggle with more traditional educational methods, games based learning can be a welcome change of pace that eases pressure and engages player-learners in more Flow.  There are also many providers and companies who are interested in offering gameschooling options to families and organizations, making this a growing field from which to choose. 

However, gameschooling may not be for everyone, or may not be something that is right for your family in every situation.  Because gameschooling tends to rely on games that were developed with learning in mind, it can become time-consuming and expensive to research and obtain games for every topic.  And while learners who already enjoy playing games may thrive in such an environment, some learners may not enjoy games as much (especially if there is too much emphasis on competition or performance); experienced gamers may also not enjoy educational games as much as their recreational games, and may prefer to keep learning and recreation separate.  

Games Based Learning - Woman and Child Playing Twister Game

Game as Text: Adding Dimension in Learning

A game, as a piece of created media, can be used like a book, movie, TV show, or other cultural artifact as a starting point or guide for learning.  Just as we can begin an exploration of a culture, a society, or a time period by reading a book, so too can we do so with a game that has a developed setting.  Secondly, we can also use a game as an opportunity to open conversations about ethics, values, and choices by reflecting on how we play the game or how characters in the game make decisions, just as we can discuss the choices and values of characters in a book or movie.  Thirdly, with games that have a story, we can examine literary elements like plot, foreshadowing, literary devices, protagonist, antagonist, conflict, etc.  Some games have dialogue and characters, while others may tell a story in a different fashion, which offers opportunities to compare/contrast how stories can be told through different media.  

Games bring another dimension of engagement through agency and choice.  Not only does this active participation in the “text” of a game enhance the learning experience, but it also introduces what Ian Bogost describes as a “procedural rhetoric”: “videogames have a unique persuasive power that goes beyond other forms of computational persuasion. Not only can videogames support existing social and cultural positions, but they can also disrupt and change those positions, leading to potentially significant long-term social change.”  

While Bogost focuses on electronic games, tabletop games also offer these dynamics.  Monopoly, for example, despite originally being created to critique monopolistic practices, usually encourages greedy and aggressive play that upholds the most negative emotional aspects of capitalism.  Settlers of Catan, despite being focused on seemingly innocuous activities like resource gathering, trade, and building, has led to so much strife that groups of friends had to stop playing games together (or  called an armistice and agree to never play that game again).  Games, both tabletop and electronic, also reflect ethical values and cultural assumptions by the creators and can be a source of data to self-reflect on one’s own participation in dominant cultural practices. 

Teaching students this type of critical engagement brings the added benefit of equipping them with tools to approach future recreational games with a thoughtful and reflective mindset. 

In the article, “Games as Text and K12 Social Studies“, Jeff Mummert shares some exciting ways to use games as text in the classroom and adds extra dimensions to learning activities by challenging students to design their own games or to create modifications of existing games to bring more social and historical realism to games.  Projects like these offer opportunities for students not just to demonstrate learning (and do the research needed to be “experts” on material), but also to draw inspiration from and transform game mechanics from their favorite games as a way to consider delivery of content as well.

Gameschooling: Photo of someone playing monopoly

Games Based Learning: An Excellent Resource

Games, whether tabletop or electronic, can be powerful tools to enhance learning, and many people are excited about the possibilities.  Because there are so many ways that you can use games based learning, it’s important to think about your goals, consider the needs of your learner, and seek out the right types of resources.  Whether you want to use gamification, gameschooling, or game-as-text (or all three!), the possibilities are endless, and they all bring fun and engagement along with great learning!





Environmentally-Friendly Games for the Whole Family

Earthopoly - Environmentally Friendly Games

Environmentally-Friendly Games

Established in 1970, Earth Day was created to bring awareness to the public of the environmental hazards humans were creating. The 1960’s found our nation fueled by leaded gas, oceans openly polluted by industrial waste, and air pollution was so bad in some cities that children would have a black crust around their nose after playing outside. On April 22, 1970 millions of people from all political viewpoints joined forces to say “enough!”

We’ve come a long way in the last 48 years, but we have a long way to go and new threats to face down. Environmentalism can be a boring topic though, it’s hard to demonstrate the important of being a good steward of the planet when you can’t see what’s happening on a daily basis. Fortunately there are some really great game publishers with solid environmental protection plans in place who make fun (really!) games you can play that will teach your child about our planet and the importance of protecting our only home.

One of my favorite game publishers also happens to be a leader in environmentally-friendly game publishing. Blue Orange Games was founded in 2000 by two French expats living in San Francisco. Blue Orange’s environmental policy includes planting two trees for each one used in game production. Additionally, many of their games bypass paper boxes altogether and use recyclable metal tins.

Photosynthesis - Environmentally Friendly Games

Photosynthesis is one of Blue Orange’s newest games, and one that fits the Earth Day theme perfectly! Photosynthesis takes players through the process of growing trees, from planting seeds to end-of-life decomposition and rebirth. Along the way you’ll learn about the conditions needed for a forest to grow, and how forests are continually evolving in response to a changing environment. Photosynthesis was created with ages 8+ in mind.

 

Peaceable Kingdom, Environmentally Friendly GamesIf you have younger children you’ll really love the games from Peaceable Kingdom. These games, widely available at big box stores, are published using Earth-friendly ink and are made exclusively from recycled paper and plastics. Peaceable Kingdom games are geared toward young children, cooperative, and focus on developmental skills. Peaceable Kingdom also makes environmentally-responsible greeting cards and sticker sets.

 

Earthopoly - Environmentally Friendly Games

Looking for a game the whole family can play together? Late for the Sky is a publisher that makes environmentally-friendly games that play like Monopoly. Using vegetable dyes and recycled papers and plastics, Earth-Opoly is a game where you travel the world to buy properties and offset your carbon footprint.

 

 

Catan Oil Springs - Environmentally Friendly GamesAre you a fan of one of the most popular board games in existence, Settlers of Catan (updated versions are simply titled Catan)? You can turn the original game into a environmental lesson with the printable (and free!) Oil Springs expansion pack. Oil was found on Catan, but at what cost? Download the expansion pack at http://www.oilsprings.catan.com.

 

 

Planet Earth DVD Games - Environmentally Friendly GamesAre you a fan of the BBC Planet Earth documentaries? If you said “Of course I am!” (because who isn’t?) the accompanying Planet Earth DVD Board Game is a must have! Combining video clips, a board game, and a puzzle, the Planet Earth DVD Board Game is unlike any other game! This game is recommended for ages 8+, be aware that predator and prey behaviors are involved in some of the clips and may upset some children.

 

 

NASA Climate Kids - Environmentally Friendly GamesDon’t have time to play a board game? No worries, your children can learn about topics like climate change and coral bleaching online! NASA’s Climate Kids website features 15 online games, all available to play at any time from your computer.

 

Evolution Climate - Environmentally Friendly GamesAnother wildly popular game, Evolution, has taken a stand against climate change with their newest stand-alone game, Evolution: Climate. Recommended for ages 12+, Evolution: Climate relies on players to evolve their animal herds to survive a drastically changing climate. If you already own Evolution you can purchase a conversion kit to use your original game pieces, saving you money while conserving resources!

 

While it is a painful topic, learning about our environment and climate change doesn’t have to hurt. All of the above environmentally-friendly games will entertain while teaching. We’ve got a lot of work to do, so let’s start playing!