Edtech Throwdown Episode 220: 8 Lesson Ideas Inspired by Video Games
Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown. This is Episode 220 called 8 Lesson Ideas Inspired by Video Games. In this episode we’ll break down some ways that you can leverage video games for creative lesson ideas. This can be a fun way to make your class more engaging and encourage student buy-in. This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.
Segment 1:
What might some of our listeners have more time for in the summer? Video games! I don’t play them. Does Guise?
Segment 2:
- Video Game Map Choice Boards: Use video game maps as a choice board template. Here is a sample using FORTNITE as a Digital Menu. Set up the tech any way you like, I would probably do Google Slides transparent elements that link out to other places.
- The Battle Pass Grading Scheme: Change up the grading scheme. Instead of a traditional grading sheet, give students a “Battle Pass” tracker. Completing mandatory tasks earns them “XP” (points) to level up. Offer “Weekly Challenges” (optional bonus questions or creative projects) that unlock cosmetic rewards, like choosing the classroom music, getting a digital badge, or earning a “skip one homework assignment” voucher.
- Among Us: “Spot the Impostor” Source Analysis. This activity turns critical thinking, debate, and fact-checking into a high-stakes deduction game.
- How it Works: Divide students into small groups and hand them a packet of information—such as four short summaries of a historical event, four scientific claims, or four math equations worked out step-by-step. Among the real data, there is one Impostor (a text containing a historical fallacy, a grammatical error, misinformation, or a math mistake). Students must complete “tasks” (analyze the text) and call an Emergency Meeting to debate which source is “sus.” To vote a source out, they must back up their claim with textual evidence or proof.
- Fortnite Inspired Room Escapes. The setting for this fun room escape is Fortnite. Create this using any video game and any digital template you prefer. Here is a one on Greek Mythology available for purchase that inspired this idea.
- Minecraft Education Edition for biome creation. In Minecraft, a biome is a distinct geographical region within a world that features its own unique terrain, climate, vegetation, and colors. Biomes determine what resources you can gather, which animals (mobs) will spawn naturally, and even whether it rains or snows.
- Animal Crossing inspired town building activity. Island Design: Students are given a blank grid sheet to map out their own “Island Community.” They must decide where to put public spaces, businesses, and residential zones. The Bell Economy: Introduce a classroom currency (“Bells”). Students earn Bells for completing assignments or displaying good citizenship. They must budget their Bells to buy “furniture” or upgrades for their paper island (e.g., printable stickers of trees, bridges, or buildings). Town Ordinances: Introduce civics by letting the class vote on a weekly “Town Ordinance”—a classroom rule that everyone must follow (like “Friendly Friday” where every desk transition requires a high-five).
- Narrative writing with a video game twist. Students do a traditional paper and pencil narrative writing assignment, but about a video game of their choice. Then use Canva book cover templates and Magic Media AI to edit the template to match their video game inspired story. Here is a sample from the Merrils where Canva was used to create a video game cover after a narrative writing assignment.
- Pokémon: “Evolutionary” Adaptation Trading Cards: Two different content approaches here, one for science and one for ELA
- In Science: Students choose a real-life animal and design a three-stage “Evolutionary Line” card game deck based on its lineage (e.g., an ancient ancestor, a prehistoric link, and the modern animal). They list its “Type” (habitat), “HP” (population status), and “Attacks” (physical or behavioral adaptations).
- In ELA: Students create trading cards for characters in a novel. A character’s “Stats” (such as Bravery, Empathy, or Wisdom) change as they grow. When a character hits a major turning point in the plot, they “evolve” into a new card stage with updated stats and an altered description.
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Need a Presenter?
As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:
- AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
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