Explore Science in a Playful Way
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Science is one of those subjects that has MANY topics…you’ve got Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Anatomy, etc etc etc.
There are lots of games out there to help reinforce/introduce different science concepts, and we share a bunch below!
Another thing to consider…
Sometimes a child doesn’t really know much about all the different sciences. It takes a long time to learn about them all!
But with games, you can give them an introduction to different types of sciences to see if any spark their interest. Then, you can dive deeper when you find something they’re into!
14 Science Game Ideas
Dinosaur Challenge (highlighted below)
- Ages: 7+
- Players: 2-4
- Skills Practiced: Dinosaur Facts, Decision-Making
- Ages: All
- Players: Up to 24
- Skills Practiced: Space Objects, Matching
- Ages: 5+
- Players: 2-4
- Skills Practiced: Physics, Spatial Reasoning, Planning
- Ages: 8+
- Players: 2-5
- Skills Practiced: Astronomy, Strategy
- Ages: 8+
- Players: 2-4
- Skills Practiced: Physics, Fine Motor Skills, Planning
- Ages: 8+
- Players: 2-5
- Skills Practiced: Ecosystems, Strategy, Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem
- Ages: 8+
- Players: 2-4
- Skills Practiced: Reflection, Geometry
- Ages: 10+
- Players: 2-5
- Skills Practiced: Chemistry, The Periodic Table
Ecosystems: Coral Reef
- Ages: 8+
- Players: 2-6
- Skills Practiced: Marine Biology, Great Barrier Reef
Organ Attack!
- Ages: 8+
- Players: 2-6
- Skills Practiced: Human body organs
Cytosis
- Ages: 10+
- Players: 2-6
- Skills Practiced: Cell Biology
Medicos
- Ages: 13+
- Players: 3+
- Skills Practiced: Medical terminology
Subatomic
- Ages: 14+
- Players: 2-4
- Skills Practiced: Atom building
Genotype
- Ages: 14+
- Players: 1-5
- Skills Practiced: Genetics / Mendel’s Pea Plants
Dinosaur Challenge
Which of your dinosaurs has the best traits to overcome different natural disasters? Can your dinosaur beat the others? Dinosaur Challenge combines science with decision-making skills.
Subject: Science
Ages: 7+
Number of Players: 2-4
Skills Practiced: Dinosaur Facts, Decision-Making
Game Components:
- Large dinosaur cards
- Sturdy, thick, cardboard natural disaster disks
Gameplay
Step 1: The Natural Disaster
- Read the natural disaster card on the top of the pile.
Step 2: Choose Your Dinosaur
- Look at your cards and pick the dinosaur with the traits you think are needed to survive the natural disaster.
- Some dinosaurs are stronger than others in toughness, speed, size, and flexibility. Some are meat-eaters, plant-eaters, or can fly.
Step 3: Check the Traits
- Flip over the natural disaster card.
- It will reveal the traits necessary for survival.
- For Extreme Wind, the most important trait is Size.
Step 4: Check Your Dinosaur Card
- If your dinosaur has more of the necessary traits than the other player’s cards, you win the natural disaster card.
- If you have the most natural disaster cards at the end, you win!
You can find more modifications for special needs and autism on the game description page.
Why we love this game:
Most kids love dinosaurs, so getting them to play is pretty easy! It’s a simple gameplay, yet it requires some decision-making as they choose which dinosaur they think can win. Plus, the players learn dinosaur facts!
What to Watch Out For:
Because you never know which dinosaurs you’ll get dealt, this can feel like a game of chance, which can frustrate some kids who aren’t dealt good cards for the current round.
BUT this also teaches kids that sometimes we aren’t given a perfect situation and we have to do the best with what we’ve got.
See Dinosaur Challenge in Action:
Looking for a simpler dinosaur game? Try Baby Dinosaur Rescue, Fossil Canyon, Dinosaur Escape, or Dinosaur Island Eye Found It!
Where to Find It
You can find Dinosaur Challenge here!
Gameschooling Tips for Science
Science is about wonder and curiosity.
You can use science games to introduce new topics and discover what your child is interested in learning more about.
Our Advice:
- Allow time for experimentation. Encourage “What if” scenarios.
- Point out examples of real world science, or research the topic together after playing to see real life examples.
- Discuss the cause and effect of their choices during gameplay.
- Ask your child if they’d like to learn more about the topic, and make a plan for diving deeper.
- Use the games to supplement regular lessons or to spark a new interest.
Fun Extras
