Curated OER
Beyond Black and White
Students critically examine the portrayal of minorities in video games and other forms of entertainment and assess the role of racial stereotyping. They keep a log of media minority portrayals and respond to their findings.
Curated OER
Diversity in Media: Looking Critically at What We See
This learning experience fosters awareness of representations we see, and don't see, in the media. Learners list TV programs, games, and films they enjoy, identify characters' ethnic, religious, (dis)ability, and sexual orientation...
The New York Times
Collateral Damage? Researching a Connection Between Video Games and Violence
Hook your class into an exploration of and discussion about violence in video games with a cute animal clip and a video game trailer. After a quick discussion about how media can affect mood, class members read a related article and...
Curated OER
Video Game Violence: Explore Possible Impacts
Introduce middle schoolers to the issue of video game violence with a multifaceted approach. Learners complete a gaming survey, as well as read and discuss a news feature about violent video game sales and a handout on stimulus...
Media Smarts
Violence and Video Games
Widespread video gaming makes this content relevant and high interest. Developing youth awareness about the impact of violence in games is important to promote literacy, critical thinking, health, and consumer awareness. After reading...
Media Smarts
First Person
High schoolers explore the relationship between video games and actual population. Example: A 2005 study showed Latino youth play at higher rates than other groups, but there are no Latino playable characters. They watch a brief video...
Media Smarts
Facing TV Violence: Consequences and Media Violence
Make your class aware of the difference between media violence and real violence. Using prior knowledge, a video clip, and a worksheet, class members explore and discuss the unrealistic portrayal of violence in the media. Learners...
Curated OER
Student Opinion: Do You Spend Too Much Time on Smart Phones Playing 'Stupid Games'?
This versatile resource from The New York Times website provides a short opinion piece on smart phones and the amount of time we spend playing games on them as well as several possible writing prompts pupils could consider in response to...
Deliberating in a Democracy
Violent Video Games
High schoolers examine violence in video games. In this American history instructional activity, students read an article on the link between video games and violence. High schoolers respond to discussion questions and debate the topic.
Curated OER
Integrating the Nintendo Wii in Adaptive Physical Education
Bring gaming into the classroom as part of a physical education activity. Learners with disabilities participate in various physical activities using the Nintendo Wii. They use the video game system not only to play different sports, but...
Curated OER
The Inside Dope on Video Games
Students explore the claim that video games that glorify violence and illegal activities also promote such activities in the real world. They choose sides and perform a mock trial on the issue.
Curated OER
Playing Dirty
Students consider the effects of video games on students. In this current events activity, students visit selected websites to study video game ratings, their effects on children, and the violence in the games.
Curated OER
Comprehension Questions for The Best Way to Play
In this comprehension questions for The Best Way to Play worksheet, students read the book, then answer 11 comprehension questions about the story about video games written by Bill Cosby.
Curated OER
Video Games Day
In this video games day worksheet, students read or listen to a passage, then match phrases, fill in the blanks, choose the correct words, unscramble words and sentences, write discussion questions and conduct a survey.
Curated OER
Video Games Day- July 8th
In this writing prompt instructional activity, learners learn that July 8th is 'Video Games Day.' Students write whether or not they enjoy playing video games, the reason why or why not, and list their favorite game. Learners determine...
Curated OER
Virtual Connections
Students use prior knowledge to develop a survey on their peers' habits and preferences regarding video games and online gaming. They examine the social aspect of online gaming by discussing "Where Warriors and Ogres Lock Arms Instead of...
Curated OER
Couch Potato
In this leisure time word search, students analyze 12 words in a word bank that pertain to being a "couch potato" and playing video games. Students locate the words in a word search puzzle.