It can be tough to get students interested in social studies. It's easy to get lost in a mess of dates, places, and people -- all of which seem so remote from kids' day-to-day lives. This collection of history and geography games -- spanning elementary to high school -- offer so much more than a textbook. They're absorbing and full of challenging scenarios. Some are packed with facts and knowledge while others offer alternate histories that can encourage reflection and discussion. They can be used in classrooms or assigned for homework or enrichment. These games also include a range of topics -- from U.S. presidents, cities, and countries to different civilizations and historical events, from folklore and culture to politics, war, and social issues. All of them, however, focus on making history relevant and are sure to spark discussion and debate.
Point-and-click story shares Native perspectives on forced migration
Bottom Line: Offers a valuable alternative perspective to the colonial history found in U.S. classrooms, through a familiar, Oregon Trail-style format.
Primary source-focused game has students create their own "Hamilton"
Bottom Line: This is a quick and useful way to introduce middle schoolers to primary sources, or to kick off discussion on some key U.S. history topics.
Great history game offers cool constitutional spin on persuasion
Bottom Line: This super smart game will get students digging into and understanding the federalist and anti-federalist sides of the U.S. Constitution ratification debate.
Compelling test of kids' empathy and problem-solving skills
Bottom Line: It'll give students an impactful lesson on the complexity of human conflict, and the ongoing tensions in the Middle East that emphasizes empathy and the delicate nature of diplomacy.
Refinement of strategy game formula supports historical exploration
Bottom Line: Like any consumer-oriented game, this experience will absorb and delight students far more than "educational" games, but it'll require open-minded and creative teaching.
Legendary strategy game is a hit with history buffs in school and out
Bottom Line: For flexible classrooms, creative teachers, and sharp students, Civilization V is the perfect platform for making rather than memorizing history.
Heartfelt story-as-history-lesson humanizes World War I
Bottom Line: Part history lesson, part action, part puzzler, all wrapped inside a sincere and emotional story that builds skills, historical knowledge, and empathy.
Best entry in classic strategy series might not be best for classrooms
Bottom Line: As with all games in this series, Civilization VI is a great learning experience with the right support, but older, cheaper versions may be more practical for classrooms.
Slow but alluring game uniquely depicts how folklore shaped America
Bottom Line: While it's not perfect, it could serve as a nice complement to a unit on American folklore or as a way to inspire students to write their own tall tales.
