Incorporating games into the classroom is a fantastic way to make learning fun and interactive. Specifically, engineering-focused games offer a unique opportunity for students to apply problem-solving skills and integrate principles of design, physics, and mathematics. This article provides a selection of engaging engineering games, including mathematics review games, tailored for various grade levels. Each game suggestion includes the appropriate grade level, necessary materials, and a comprehensive description of the game’s rules and objectives.
Minecraft
Grade Level: Grades 3-12
Materials Needed: Computers with Minecraft installed
Description/Rules: Minecraft is more than just a game; it’s a versatile platform where students can explore building and engineering concepts in a virtual world. Teachers can set specific challenges such as building a sustainable house, a functional bridge, or even a simple machine. Students learn about architectural design, resource management, and teamwork as they build and explore their creations.
Bridge Builder
Grade Level: Grades 6-12
Materials Needed: Computer with Bridge Builder software
Description/Rules: Bridge Builder is a simulation game that challenges students to design and construct bridges that can withstand various loads. The objective is to build a bridge that is both under budget and robust enough to handle the simulated stress tests. It teaches students about the principles of tension, compression, and material properties in a practical and engaging way.
Egg Drop
Grade Level: Grades 4-8
Materials Needed: Eggs, straws, tape, paper, rubber bands
Description/Rules: The egg drop challenge is a classic engineering game where students must design a device that can protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a certain height. The goal is to use the limited materials provided to create a structure that absorbs impact effectively. This activity encourages creativity and introduces basic concepts of shock absorption and material science.
Truss Me!
Grade Level: Grades 9-12
Materials Needed: Truss Me! mobile app, smartphones or tablets
Description/Rules: Truss Me! is a digital educational tool designed to teach students about the fundamentals of truss structures. Through building various types of trusses and testing them under different loads, students learn about the efficiency and stability of different truss designs. The game provides immediate feedback and allows for experimentation with design adjustments.
BrainPOP STEM
Grade Level: Grades 3-8
Materials Needed: Access to BrainPOP website
Description/Rules: BrainPOP offers a range of STEM games that cover topics from engineering to environmental science. Each game is designed to reinforce specific educational concepts through interactive play. Teachers can guide students to games that complement the classroom curriculum, enhancing their understanding of the subject matter through animated videos and quizzes.
The Incredible Machine
Grade Level: Grades 5-9
Materials Needed: Computers with The Incredible Machine game installed
Description/Rules: In this puzzle game, students are tasked with creating complex machines to perform simple tasks using a predetermined set of objects. Each level increases in difficulty and complexity, pushing students to think critically and creatively about cause and effect.
Factorio
Grade Level: Grades 7-12
Materials Needed: Computers with Factorio game installed
Description/Rules: Factorio is a resource management game that challenges students to build and maintain factories. This game introduces concepts of automation, production management, and efficiency optimization. Students must balance resource input with production demands, all while defending their factory from environmental threats.
Make Your Own Marble Run
Grade Level: Grades 1-6
Materials Needed: Tubes, cardboard, tape, marbles
Description/Rules: Students can design and build their own marble runs using everyday materials. This activity encourages understanding of gravity, angles, and momentum. The challenge is to create a track where a marble can travel from start to finish using only the materials provided, with extra points for creative elements like loops or jumps.
Math Blaster
Grade Level: Grades 2-6
Materials Needed: Computers with Math Blaster game installed
Description/Rules: Math Blaster is a futuristic game that combines math challenges with arcade-style gameplay. Students must solve math problems to progress through levels, helping them sharpen their arithmetic skills in a fun and engaging setting.
NASA Space Place
Grade Level: Grades 3-8
Materials Needed: Access to the NASA Space Place website
Description/Rules: NASA Space Place offers games and activities that introduce students to concepts in engineering, space, and Earth science. Teachers can use these resources to supplement lessons on space exploration, weather systems, and more, providing students with a direct look at applying science and engineering in real-world contexts.
Straw Structure Building
Grade Level: Grades 1-4
Materials Needed: Straws, tape, scissors
Description/Rules: In this simple yet effective engineering challenge, students use straws and tape to build the tallest or strongest structure. The game can be adapted to challenge students to create a specific shape or to withstand a certain amount of weight, introducing basic engineering concepts and the importance of structural integrity.
Tryengineering Games
Grade Level: Grades 3-12
Materials Needed: Access to Tryengineering website
Description/Rules: The Tryengineering website offers a variety of games that focus on different engineering disciplines. From designing solar cities to learning about cybersecurity, these games provide hands-on experience with engineering principles, problem-solving, and design thinking.
