What if National Video Games Day wasn’t just about playing games, but about transforming your classroom into hands-on, STEM-filled activities? As educators, we know how challenging it can be to keep students engaged, but video games might just be the perfect tool to ignite their passion for STEM.
National Video Games Day, celebrated on September 12, offers an exciting opportunity to provide activities that connect with students through something they already love—gaming. But more than that, video game development involves all the elements that make STEM careers so exciting: coding, design, problem-solving, and creativity.
In this blog, we’ll provide:
- Educator Tips on how to use video game development as a fun and engaging way to introduce STEM concepts to your students.
- A Free lesson plan for grades 4-7 using Scratch, to help you get started with game development in your classroom.
- A list of STEM careers in game development—from programming to AI and design—that your students can explore.
- Recommended readings and videos to enhance your teaching toolkit and bring even more creativity into your classroom.
With these resources, you’ll be ready to guide your students through creating their own games while building critical STEM skills. You might just inspire the next generation of programmers, engineers, and designers—all while making learning fun!
1. Why Video Games are the Perfect Gateway to STEM
As an educator, you know that keeping students engaged is always a challenge. Video games offer a fun way to bring STEM subjects to life in your classroom.
| Some inspiration for you: How Video Games Can Level Up the Way You Learn | Kris Alexander | TED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkFnqGHZ5tA |
Video games combine creativity, problem-solving, and technology. When students play games, they are using critical thinking skills. Whether solving puzzles or building worlds, they are practicing skills used in STEM fields. But the real magic happens when students create their own games.
Game development is hands-on STEM learning. It brings together coding, math, science, and engineering. By having students design their own games, they explore all the core STEM subjects. And they do it in an exciting, meaningful, and fun way.
For example, when students code a game, they learn basic programming skills. When they design character movements, they apply art, math and physics concepts. Even creating sound effects ties back to science principles.
National Video Games Day is the perfect opportunity to introduce students to STEM careers with gaming activities. They aren’t just playing; they’re learning valuable skills for the future. As educators, we can tap into students’ natural interests in gaming. By integrating game development into the classroom, we can inspire future scientists, engineers, and innovators. This is true not only for boys, but also for girls and underrepresented groups, as shown in various studies (Ball et all, 2020).
| “Teens who play video games are 70% more likely to major in a STEM field when they attend college.” (Turner, A.J.(2014)). |
2. Why Encourage Students to Develop Their Own Video Games?
It’s no secret that many of your students love playing video games. But what if you could turn that passion for playing into a valuable learning experience? Encouraging students to create their own video games on National Video Games Day opens up a whole new world of learning with hands-on activities. They’re no longer just consumers of technology, but creators.
When students build their own games, they dive into hands-on learning in coding, design, storytelling, and logic. Designing a game requires them to think critically about how it should work. They need to figure out how characters move, the strategy of the game, the challenges players will face, and how to build a world that makes sense. This process engages their curiosity, creativity and their problem-solving skills in a way that’s both challenging and fun.(Zollman, A., 2012)
Coding Tools for Video Game Development
There are plenty of tools that make game development accessible, even for younger students. Program languages like Scratch, Unity, and Roblox Studio offer user-friendly platforms where students can start creating right away. EDforTech offers courses using Scratch coding with a game controller (HaloCode or CyberPi). These tools allow students to experiment with coding and design, using drag-and-drop features that make the learning process approachable, even for beginners.
In the process of developing their games, students are improving their coding and technical skills. They’re learning to think like programmers, breaking down problems into smaller steps, troubleshooting, and working out solutions. They’re following the engineering design process. They’re also sharpening literary skills, using storytelling to craft engaging experiences.
Encouraging students to develop their own video games can transform your classroom into a hub of innovation. It’s a fun, dynamic way to teach STEM concepts while helping students build skills that will serve them for years to come. Plus, it builds confidence and gives them a sense of accomplishment as they see their own creations come to life!
3. Tips for Teachers to Introduce Video Game Development
Introducing video game development into your classroom is a fantastic way to engage students with STEM while promoting teamwork and inquiry-based learning. Here are some practical tips and activities for integrating game development projects into your STEM curriculum on National Video Games Day.
Start with a small, simple project.
When first introducing game development, it’s helpful to start small and simple. Begin with a project that students can complete quickly, such as a basic maze or a simple platform game where characters move from point A to point B. This gives students an accessible entry point into game creation, allowing them to get comfortable with the tools and basic concepts before diving into more complex projects.
Encourage cross-curricular connections.
Game development naturally connects various subjects like math, physics, art, and storytelling. Encourage students to see these connections by weaving other disciplines into their projects. For example, they can apply math for calculating movements, physics to understand how objects interact, and art to design characters and backgrounds. Incorporating storytelling helps students build narrative skills as they develop the plot or theme for their games. This integrated approach makes learning more meaningful and helps students apply STEM concepts in real-world scenarios.
Use an inquiry-based approach.
Inquiry-based learning can be particularly powerful in game development projects. Instead of giving students step-by-step instructions, pose open-ended questions that encourage them to explore solutions on their own. For example, ask, “How can you make your character jump higher?” or “What happens if you change the gravity in your game?” By encouraging students to experiment, troubleshoot, and discover solutions, they engage more deeply with the subject matter and develop essential problem-solving skills. This method also fosters curiosity and a deeper understanding of the underlying STEM concepts.
Promote teamwork, interdependence, and playing different roles.
Game development is an excellent opportunity for students to work together in teams, simulating how real game development companies operate. Divide students into teams, assigning (or providing choice of) different roles such as coders, designers, storytellers, and project managers. By working together, students learn the value of collaboration, communication, and problem-solving as they pool their talents to create a game. This team-based approach mirrors the real-world application of STEM careers, where professionals rely on each other’s expertise to complete complex projects.
Host a “Game Jam” or competition.
To bring even more excitement to your classroom, consider hosting a Game Jam, where students or teams create games within a set time frame. This friendly competition encourages creativity and teamwork. It pushes students to think on their feet and collaborate effectively. Game Jams also give students a chance to apply the skills they’ve learned. They foster a sense of accomplishment as they showcase their completed projects.
By integrating game development into your curriculum using teamwork and inquiry-based methods, you can create a dynamic learning environment. This approach helps students strengthen critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills, all while having fun and engaging deeply with STEM concepts.
Free video game development lesson plan activities
Scratch is an easy to use language that allows students to experiment with different coding blocks to see how they affect their games. The CyberPi is a single-board computer in a game-controller package that supports development of coding skills with Scratch or Python. This lesson plan is part of EDforTech’s course: Exploring Games and Smart Homes with CyberPi.
CyberPi Gaming Free Lesson
To help you get started teaching game development, we are providing a free lesson plan for grades 4-7, using Scratch—a user-friendly platform that introduces students to coding through a simple drag-and-drop interface. This STEM video game development lesson plan comes with a comprehensive slide deck designed to walk you and your students through the process of creating a few games. Our goal is to make it accessible even for those with little or no prior coding teaching or learning experience.
Get your free video game development lesson plan with hands-on activities that is perfect for use on National Video Games Day. CyberPi Gaming Free Lesson
4. Exploring STEM Careers Related to Video Game Development
Video game development isn’t just about playing games—it involves a wide range of STEM careers that bring these digital worlds to life. By exploring these career paths, students can see how their interests in gaming can turn into exciting and rewarding professions.
One rapidly growing area of the video game world that’s gaining significant attention is Esports. Competitive gaming has evolved into a major industry, with professional tournaments, sponsorships, and even dedicated Esports teams at colleges, universities, and high schools. Many educational institutions are now offering scholarships and building programs to support their Esports teams, opening the door to careers not only in gaming but also in fields like broadcasting, event management, data analytics, and game design. By introducing students to video game development, teachers can tap into the excitement surrounding Esports and show students the diverse range of STEM-related careers that are connected to this expanding industry.
| Educator Tip: On National Video Games Day, the career profiles listed below are wonderful subjects for bulletin boards or posters to create activities and student interest in STEM. Educators can reference them when dividing students up into teams and defining roles for the game development team. |
Let’s take a look at some of the key STEM careers involved in creating video games.
Game Developers (Programmers)
Game developers are responsible for writing the code that makes games function. They specialize in coding and software engineering, using programming languages like C++, Java, and Python to build everything from character movement to complex game mechanics. This role requires a deep understanding of logic, problem-solving, and algorithms, making it a perfect fit for students interested in computer science and technology.
Game Designers and Story Tellers
Game designers are the visionaries who create the gameplay experience. They blend logic and creativity to develop game mechanics, levels, and user interfaces. Designers decide how a game feels, how it plays, and how challenging it is. Their job requires them to think like both a player and a programmer, using STEM concepts to design engaging, functional, and immersive games. They also either choose a story to base the game on, or use literacy skills to write and tell a great story.
Sound Engineers
Sound engineers use physics and technology to create the audio that makes a game feel alive. They design everything from background music to sound effects, ensuring that the audio enhances the gaming experience. By manipulating sound waves, frequencies, and acoustics, sound engineers create immersive soundscapes, applying principles from both science and art.
Animators & Graphic Artists
Animators and graphic artists use technology to bring game characters, environments, and effects to life. These professionals use technology, art, and math to create animations and visuals that make the game world engaging and believable. Whether designing a character’s movements or crafting an entire virtual landscape, this role combines creativity with technical skills in animation software and 3D modeling.
Data Analysts
Data analysts play a crucial role in improving and optimizing games. They use mathematics and data science to study how players interact with a game, identifying trends, patterns, and areas for improvement. By analyzing player behavior, data analysts help developers understand what works and what doesn’t. They’re making data-driven decisions to enhance gameplay and user experience.
AI Specialists
AI specialists focus on creating artificial intelligence that drives non-playable characters (NPCs) and game environments. Using algorithms, machine learning, and computer science, AI specialists design NPCs that can learn, adapt, and react to players’ actions. This field is rapidly growing and involves cutting-edge technology that creates smarter, more responsive games.
Cybersecurity Experts
With the increasing popularity of online games, the role of cybersecurity experts has become critical. These professionals work to protect games from hacks, data breaches, and other security threats. They use computer science, cryptography, and problem-solving skills to ensure the game’s network, user data, and systems are safe and secure.
Project Managers
Every game development project requires coordination and leadership. That’s where project managers come in. Project managers combine business skills with technical knowledge to oversee the entire development process, from concept to completion. They manage timelines, budgets, and team collaboration, ensuring that the game is delivered on time and meets quality standards. This role is ideal for students who enjoy organizing, problem-solving, and working with both creative and technical teams.
By introducing students to these STEM careers, you can show them that video games are much more than entertainment—they are a gateway to a wide range of professional opportunities. Whether they’re interested in programming, design, sound, or project management, game development offers paths into exciting fields that blend technology, creativity, and innovation.
Final Thoughts: Inspiring STEM through Video Game Development Activities
National Video Games Day is more than just a day to play games—it’s a unique opportunity to inspire your students and introduce them to the world of STEM with fun activities. By encouraging them to explore game development, you’re opening the door to a wide range of STEM careers. Additionally, you’re helping them build critical skills like problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Whether it’s coding, designing, or creating immersive soundscapes, video games offer an engaging way for students to learn while having fun.
Resources for Teachers Around Game Development
As you incorporate video game development activities into your classroom, consider exploring additional resources to deepen your own and your students’ understanding of STEM in gaming. Here are some suggested readings and videos to help get you started:
Books about Video Game Development Activities
- “The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses” by Jesse Schell
- “Coding Games in Scratch” by Jon Woodcock
- “Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World” by Jane McGonigal
- Cultivating Interests and Competencies in Computing by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Videos about Video Game Development and STEM Activities
- How Video Games Can Level Up the Way You Learn | Kris Alexander | TED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkFnqGHZ5tA
- “Learning STEM Skills by Designing Video Games: Is School Enough?” Edutopia
- Careers in Video Game Development, PBS Media https://opb.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/stn15.cte.stem.gaming/careers-in-video-game-development/
- “Does playing video games lead to an interest in STEM?” Ray Pastore, Ph.D.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=962AyiZOXeA
Additional Research about Video Game Development and STEM Activities
- Ball, C., Huang, K.-T., Cotten, S. R., & Rikard, R. V. (2020). Gaming the SySTEM: The Relationship Between Video Games and the Digital and STEM Divides. Games and Culture, 15(5), 501-528. https://doi.org/10.1177/1555412018812513
- Dishon, G., & Kafai, Y. B. (2019). Connected civic gaming: rethinking the role of video games in civic education. Interactive Learning Environments, 30(6), 999–1010. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2019.1704791
- Lye, S.Y., Koh, J.H.L. (2018). Case Studies of Elementary Children’s Engagement in Computational Thinking Through Scratch Programming. In: Khine, M. (eds) Computational Thinking in the STEM Disciplines. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93566-9_12
- Han, S., Capraro, R. & Capraro, M.M. HOW SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) PROJECT-BASED LEARNING (PBL) AFFECTS HIGH, MIDDLE, AND LOW ACHIEVERS DIFFERENTLY: THE IMPACT OF STUDENT FACTORS ON ACHIEVEMENT. Int J of Sci and Math Educ 13, 1089–1113 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-014-9526-0
- DeCoito, I., Briona, L.K. (2020). Navigating Theory and Practice: Digital Video Games (DVGs) in STEM Education. In: Akerson, V.L., Buck, G.A. (eds) Critical Questions in STEM Education. Contemporary Trends and Issues in Science Education, vol 51. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-57646-2_6
Encouragement for STEM Educators
Embrace the power of video games as a teaching tool, and watch how excited your students become about STEM. By using National Video Games Day as a catalyst, you have the chance to spark their interest in technology, creativity, and problem-solving in ways that traditional methods might not reach.
Who knows—by introducing video game development in your classroom, you might just help nurture the next big game developer or STEM innovator! Keep up the great work, and have fun exploring this exciting learning opportunity!
(This article was generated as a collaborative effort between the human author, Linda Nichols-Plowman, CEO of EDforTech and the AI assistant, Chat GPT 4).
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