A Side of Sims: Suggestions for the Classroom

Useful, usable simulations exist for practically any subject at any level. Most are free (or inexpensive). Because of the ubiquity of computer and video games, the grade level at which they can be successfully introduced is falling dramatically. For example, simulations formerly used in graduate school, such as Stranded on the Moon, can now be used in many elementary schools.

The following categorization is therefore approximate, and dependent on the capabilities of the individual students and the teacher; note, too, that even the extensive online listing that supplements this sampling is only a partial one, and that new simulations appear all the time. (Simulations are free unless descriptions are accompanied by a dollar sign.)

Credit: David Julian

Elementary School

Froguts [1]
This site offers online simulations of animal dissections. ($)

Stranded on the Moon [2]
A classic noncomputer simulation in which you choose, and justify your selection of, a certain number of survival items on a list.

Zoo Tycoon and Zoo Tycoon 2 [3]
Care for land, aquatic, and prehistoric animals. ($)

Credit: Sim City

Middle School

Sim City [4]
The iconic game about careers and social skills is now free to teachers.

Estate of Hans Jensen v. the White Star Line [5]
Materials to create this investigation of the sinking of the RMS Titanic are available online, or make up your own version or a mock trial related to another historical event, or a fictional one.

GEMS (Great Explorations in Math and Science) [6]
Includes science simulations such as Environmental Detectives (distinct from the high school simulation with the same title, listed online), Acid Rain, Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect, and River Cutters.

Credit: Civilization

High School

Civilization (III [7] or IV [8])
Work your way up from the Stone Age with this popular game. ($)

Model United Nations [9]
Visit the Model UN Web site for more information about this venerable live simulation.

Re-Mission [10]
An in-body simulation that shows how cancer works and how to fight it.

Extra Credit

More Stimulating Simulations

Useful, usable simulations exist for practically any subject at any level, most available free (or for very little money). Because today's students have become so sophisticated at simulation through their games, the grade level at which simulations can be successfully introduced is falling dramatically. Simulations formerly used in graduate school, such as Stranded on the Moon, can now be used in many elementary schools.

The following categorization is therefore approximate, and heavily dependent on the capabilities of the individual students and the teacher; note, too, that his is only a partial listing, and that new simulations appear all the time.

Elementary School

Choose Your Own Adventure [11]
An extensive series of popular alternative-scenario books.

Epistemic Games [12]
Simulations created by the University of Wisconsin at Madison's Epistemic Games research group.

The Incredible Machine [13]
A series of creativity simulations in which kids make Rube Goldberg-like contraptions to reach certain goals.

National Geographic Kids [14]
The National Geographic Society's Web site for children features a handful of interactive games.

Nintendogs [15]
The best known of several pet-care simulations. ($)

The Oregon Trail [16]
The original in-school simulation, created by a substitute teacher and his programmer roommate. (Lesson plans for using The Oregon Trail are available here [17].)

PBS Kids [18]
An assortment of game available on the PBS Kids Web site.

Zoo Vet and Pet Pals Animal Doctor [19]
Imagine you are a veterinarian. ($)

Middle School

Building Homes of Our Own [20]
Design, build, and sell your own house.

HAGames [21]

Hot Shot Business [22]
An entrepreneurial simulation from Disney and the Kauffman Foundation

Nobel Foundation Educational Games [23]
The organization that awards the Nobel Prizes offers a selection of games in a variety of subject areas.

Real Lives 2004 [24]
Users are born into a simulated family from around the globe; statistical data plays out their and their family's life. ($)

River City [25]
Find out what's causing a disease with this game from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

School Tycoon [26] Design your own school; many other "tycoon" games are available from Trygames and other developers. ($)

Social Impact Games [27]
Run an election campaign: Games include Power Politics3, Frontrunner, The Political Machine, and President Forever. Or simulate creating state budgets with Mass Balance. (A federal-budget simulation is in the works.)

High School

A Force More Powerful [28]
Direct a nonviolent rebellion.

Arizona SMS Stock Market Simulations [29]
Also available from many other states; appropriate for middle school, too.

DNA Microarray Wet Lab Simulation [30] Do genomics.

Environmental Detectives [31]
Work in teams in the field to find a dangerous leak with this game created at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (Distinct from the elementary school simulation with the same title, listed above.)

Foundation Business Simulation [32]
Run a company. ($)

Making History [33]
Prevent World War II. ($)

Objection [34]
Conduct a trial interrogation. ($)

Supercharged [35]
A game designed to teach the principles of electrostatic force.

Virtual U [36]
Manage a university.

Web-Based High School Chemistry Simulations [37]
A selection of specific scientific experiments.

Marc Prensky (marc@games2train.com) is an internationally recognized writer and speaker who focuses on education and learning, and the founder and CEO of Games2train.