How Legends of Learning Develops Edgames for the
Middle School Science Classroom
When educators say “edgames,” they mean anything from commercial games like Minecraft or Civilization set within a
specific learning scope or sequence to digital quizzes like Quizlet and Kahoot! Still others mean immersive games
developed specifically for the classroom.
All three types can be edgames if they meet three prerequisites:
1. The games must engage students.
2. The games must connect to key Learning Objectives that are tied to standard core content and strengthen
understanding of foundational concepts.
3. The games must improve student learning outcomes, as demonstrated through rigorous research.
Science Standards
Legends of Learning recognizes the importance of adhering to state science standards, research, and practices
designed for the middle school science classroom. We base our work in edgames upon three core ideas.
Edgames must:
1. Facilitate investigations and use the scientific method to engage in meaningful exploration and science
practices;
2. Build understanding as to how different sciences (e.g., Life Science vs. Physical Science) share common
concepts like cause and effect; and
3. Solidify foundational knowledge and key disciplinary core ideas.
Edgames Philosophy
While some programs and games attempt to span the entirety of science’s learning spectrum, our platform delivers
content choice and mastery through five engagement pillars:
1. Foundational knowledge and skills. Students develop knowledge and skills when they enjoy learning and are
encouraged to interact with the science material directly.
2. Engagement. Games that spark interest lead to an increased desire to learn and encourage deeper science
exploration.
3. Different contexts, varying approaches. Hundreds of games, developed for a variety of classrooms, meet
students where they are. The games reinforce concepts across learning levels by employing different lengths,
difficulty, and game mechanics.
4. Efficacy. To be successful in an educational environment, edgames must both interest students and help
them learn.
5. Ease of Use. The games must be straightforward to integrate into classroom instruction.
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Pre-Game Development: Conceptual Phase
Before beginning the game development process, we define
our Middle School Science Learning Objectives. The Learning
Objectives are constructed from several source materials,
including:
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Middle school core ideas from state standards;
Elementary school concepts that support Learning
Objectives;
High school concepts supported by earlier Learning
Objectives;
Content covered by existing middle school science texts;
Existing science materials teachers commonly use in the
classroom;
Related performance expectations and evidence statements
that build from foundational understanding; and
Framework for K-12 science education.
751 Main Ideas
Three Subjects
26
Learning
Objectives
29
Learning
Objectives
35
Learning
Objectives
90 Learning Objectives
We distill that information into three subjects for a total of 90
Learning Objectives, each featuring its own Main Concepts Guide.
Post-Game Development: Measurement & Refinement
Our middle school science suite currently comprises three subjects
with a combined total of 900 edgames, 10 per Learning Objective.
As more games are developed for the platform, our curriculum
specialists and internal team curate the library. We carefully
evaluate lower performing games and remove them when
necessary so that the most engaging and highest efficacy games
remain available for use.
The number and range of games ensures three-dimensional
learning. From simulations and quiz shows to virtual labs, all
900 games allow students to learn, practice, and apply their
knowledge and skills in multiple ways, deepening their
understanding of a particular Learning Objective.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE NO. 1
The Sun, Moon, and Stars:
Patterns of Apparent Motion
10 Games
Legends of Learning believes that edgames make a difference in
education. Because we develop edgames based on core academic
standards, we consistently deliver games that engage and impact.
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