Who doesn’t love games? Gaming is a great way to learn science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and have fun while you’re doing it. Whether you’re a student or an educator looking for a way to get kids interested in STEM, there’s no shortage of fun STEM games designed to engage kids in science and math. Today, December 20 — “Games Day” — is the perfect time to get started! 

What is Games Day?

Despite its name, Games Day is anything but a game! The day has a long history. It’s been celebrated since 1975, after a major gaming convention, sponsored by Games Workshop, an English game production and retail company, took place in London. The convention, one of only a handful of events where gamers could meet to learn and discuss new possibilities in the world of gaming, was a big hit with the gaming community. For the first time, they could attend presentations and listen to guest speakers talk about the latest developments in the industry. Every year since, the convention has been held in Birmingham, England, and has expanded to different cities in the United States. 

How Do Games Help Kids Learn?

There’s an old myth that video games are bad for kids. However, research has shown this isn’t the case. Not only can video games — and, especially those designed to teach STEM — help students learn, they’re also a great way to introduce them to coding, design, critical thinking, and creative storytelling techniques, skills that are more necessary than ever in today’s increasingly digital world. Video games are also engaging — they give kids a chance to be in control while exploring fun, imaginary worlds, and encourage them to learn through different stages of difficulty and by making mistakes. Games also give kids a chance to be part of a community.

Remember, the point of games is to have fun! Check out these fun, free STEM games available on IEEE TryEngineering.