Jumpstart Summer Learning: New Science Games in June 2024
Hi Legends! Welcome to another exciting update from our Learning Universe! This June, we’re thrilled to introduce you to the latest additions to our ever-expanding array of Science classroom games, designed to engage while enhancing your students’ test scores. If you missed last month’s new games you can take a look at May’s update here.
What will you find below?
Discover June’s highlights! Get to know the new science games and closely examine featured science games.
New Science Games in June 2024 🧪
Get ready to engage your students with exciting new adventures and hands-on learning experiences.
Games for Grades 3-5
Angry Birds Return Home: Help our Angry Bird friends reach Ice Bird’s home while using gravitational force to defeat the piggies!
Tiny’s Tale: Join Tiny on a quest to reclaim his treasure from the sneaky mouse using a magnet to move objects and make his way inside the cave!
Eco Park: Play as different animals to know how the food web is connected in nature and how energy passes through species.
Elements of Earth: Help Jones in his investigation to find out which chemical elements compose the Earth and the universe!
Gene Quest: Join Ruby and discover how DNA, genes, and traits work while collecting coins to beat each world in the game.
Light: House: Learn how light is reflected, absorbed, and transmitted to direct it and bring light back to a dark land.
Eco-Trek: Habitat Heroes: Travel through diverse ecosystems and learn how living beings interact with their environment for survival.
A Closer Look at Featured Games
Angry Birds Return Home — Elementary Science
Hey there! We need to help Ice Bird on his mission to get back to his home planet! In order to accomplish that, we will have to defeat the space pigs of every planet.
Join us on this awesome trip and you will learn about the solar system and the concept of gravity.
Angry Birds Return Home Screenshot
Tiny’s Tale – Elementary Science
Tiny cannot walk so he built a wheelchair to move and go through any obstacle on his way.
Apart from the buttons, the mouse has stolen many other objects like iron marbles, wooden sticks, and other things that Tiny can use to go through the mouse house and get back all his treasure, because his wheelchair has a magnet on it, and Tiny knows how to use it to move objects.
Tiny’s Tale Screenshot
Repairs On Wheels: Natural Resources – Middle Science
Drive around a village in your car making repairs and helping people while learning about different energies and natural resources.
Keep an eye out for more exciting game updates coming your way soon. New to Legends of Learning and eager to try out these games?Sign up now and embark on an educational adventure!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to earn reward points by leaving teacher reviews! Your feedback not only helps other educators select the right games but also ensures students have access to the best educational material. Plus, your input guides us in creating more of the games you love. Start earning rewards today and make a difference in the learning journey!
Have questions? Reach out to us at support@legendsoflearning.com.
Read our latest articles and don’t miss out on fresh news!
Jumpstart Summer Learning: New Math Games in June 2024
Hi Legends! Welcome to another exciting update from our Learning Universe! This June, we’re thrilled to introduce you to the latest additions to our ever-expanding array of Math classroom games, designed to engage while enhancing your students’ test scores.
Let’s dive into June’s highlights! Get to know the new math games and closely examine featured math games.
Ninja Kite: The Phoenix Puzzle
New Math Games in June 2024
Get ready to engage your students with exciting new adventures and hands-on learning experiences.
Disassemble and Reassemble with Tita: Join Tita on her mission to find her brother, Tito, while creating new objects from others. How? Easy, by assembling them using little pieces of blocks!
Grades 3-5
Ninja Kite: The Phoenix Puzzle: Collect coins, unlock power-ups, and learn how to compare decimals in this new exciting adventure with Kenzo!
Decimal Fraction Forest: Join Chompy on his quest to learn more about equivalent and decimal fractions.
Farm De-Fence: Use your building skills to create fences of different shapes and angles to protect your farm from wolves!
Treasure Bay: Use the coordinate plane to find all the treasures across the sea!
Golden Math Mining: Use your multiplication skills to collect gold and diamonds in the mine.
Grades 6-8
Agrimath: Quadrant Quest: Learn to read the coordinate plane while planting, watering, and harvesting crops!
A closer look at featured games
Julie & Claudio’s Adventure Stories — Elementary Math
Game description: Julie, a spunky strawberry, and Claudio, a steadfast cup of coffee, have been friends for a long time and have been on many adventures.
Along the way, they’ve collected tools and trinkets, and love to tell stories of how they’ve shared, traded, collected, and lost them.
Play along with Claudio and Julie and make your own grand adventure!
Decimal Fraction Forest – Elementary Math
Game Description:
You and your friend Chompi want to test your abilities in the Decimal Fraction Forest and get the title of ‘Decimal Fractions Masters’.
To do it you decide to go and explore all the challenges in the famous ‘Decimal Fraction Forest’.
Ninja Kite: The Phoenix Puzzle – Elementary Math
Game Description:
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with Kenzo, the resolute ninja whose daily routine blends physical endurance with mental agility in a captivating pixelated realm reminiscent of Jetpack Joyride’s fast-paced excitement.
Join Kenzo as he navigates The Phoenix Lair, a mystical landscape adorned with ancient shrines of wisdom, during his brisk 1K morning run.
Traverse the pixelated terrain, solving puzzles at each shrine to unlock magical abilities such as protective shields, coin-magnetism, and transmutation spells, amplifying Kenzo’s journey with newfound powers and challenges.
Have you missed last month’s new games? Take a look at May’s update here! And don’t forget to keep an eye out for more exciting game updates coming your way soon.
Are you new to Legends of Learning and eager to try these games? Sign up now and embark on an educational adventure!
Don’t miss out on the chance to earn reward points. Leave a teacher review! Your feedback helps other educators select the right games and ensures students have access to the best educational material.
Plus, your input guides us in creating more of the games you love. Start earning rewards today and make a difference in the learning journey!
Have questions? Reach out to us at support@legendsoflearning.com
Boosting School Test Scores with Legends of Learning
Have you ever imagined a classroom where students are begging to do homework? This can become a reality with the award-winning, game-based learning solution that’s turning heads across the country. Keep reading and learn how to improve your test scores with Legends of Learning!
Key Takeaways
Traditional classrooms struggle to keep students engaged, leading to stagnant test scores.
Legends of Learning offers a fun and effective way to boost math and science test scores through game-based learning.
3 Pillars of Success: Rigorous & standards-aligned games, engaging experiences, and multimodal solutions (games, lessons, assessments).
Studies show students using Legends of Learning games see significant score increases.
Administrators and Educators highlight the platform’s impact on student engagement and learning.
Legends of Learning has been awarded for its educational games and learning design.
Legends of Learning offers a suite of educational multimodal solutions including Learning Universe with over 2,000 curriculum-aligned games for math and science; Math Basecamp, a personalized program for math fact fluency; and Awakening, a multiplayer world with math and science immersive games.
Learning Universe offers a variety of engaging game genres to cater to different learning styles ensuring alignment with state curriculum standards.
Math Basecamp uses a personalized approach to help students master math facts while providing real-time data for teachers to identify areas needing extra help. It also guides students through phases to build a strong foundation in math fluency.
Awakening makes learning fun through a multiplayer world where players can find a vast library of curriculum-aligned games. Students can also personalize the adventure through “Awakening Town” and “Awakening School” environments. It also empowers teachers with data-driven insights on student progress and studies show that using Awakening demonstrates higher scoring.
Now, let’s dive into the Legends of Learning universe!
3 Pillars of Legends of Learning’s Educational Success
Games have long been a medium for learning, and teaching strategic thinking and problem-solving skills through chess, checkers, and other board games.
Teachers use educational games, like flashcards and puzzles, to help students improve their math, language, and memory skills. Video games have also become popular educational tools in recent years. They engage players in interactive experiences that teach a wide range of subjects, from history to physics.
These digital games often incorporate complex narratives and simulations, providing immersive environments where learners can apply knowledge in practical and innovative ways. Legends of Learning stands out from other platforms because of three key points:
1. Rigorous and Standards-Aligned Games:
Legends of Learning has innovated upon the long legacy of games as an educational medium by meticulously crafting engaging games that each target a specific learning standard. This ensures that the skills and knowledge students gain through gameplay align directly with what they need to know according to your state curriculum.
Standards-aligned games also eliminate the struggle of scrambling to find activities that “kind of” fit the curriculum. Teachers can be confident that Teachers can confidently know that every minute immersed in gameplay is focused on learning.
Legends of Learning games are made to match state standards like Common Core, NGSS, and TEKS. This ensures that the skills and knowledge students gain through gameplay directly contribute to their academic success.
State standards & content library available
2. Engaging Experiences:
Legends of Learning rejects the tired, one-size-fits-all approach to learning. Instead, it relies on engaging learning experiences that capture student interest and boost motivation to derive its power.
Specifically designed to be fun and interactive, students become active participants, solving problems, making connections, and applying their knowledge in a stimulating environment. No more rote memorization!
The variety of game genres within our platform caters to diverse learning styles and keeps things fresh. From simulations and puzzles to strategy games and challenges, there’s something to appeal to every student.
As you’ll learn below, research shows that learning through play is enjoyable and effective. When students are having fun, they’re more likely to retain information and develop a deeper understanding of the concepts.
Engaging minigames & learning experiences
3. Multimodal Solutions:
Legends of Learning goes beyond just games. It offers a multimodal solution with a comprehensive toolkit that provides options for visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. These resources help teachers accommodate diverse learning styles and preferences, recognizing that students learn in different ways.
Teachers can access games, lesson plans, videos, assessments, professional development, and reports to customize their teaching. These resources were designed to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience.
Multimodal solutions assist students in learning in their preferred style. They also aid teachers in teaching effectively. Additionally, they help track student progress and create an engaging learning environment.
The Results Speak for Themselves: Backed by Research
You have many choices regarding education technology solutions for your classrooms. One of the most important features that sets Legends of Learning apart is third-party research which validates its impact on academic performance.
Studies by WestEd showcase the platform’s effectiveness. In a large-scale study involving over 14,500 students, those who actively engaged with Legends of Learning games in science classes saw significant gains.
Students with high usage (50+ games) experienced a remarkable 23 percentile point increase on their annual science exams, while those with moderate usage (25-49 games) saw a 13 percentile point increase.
These results demonstrate the power of Legends of Learning to make a real difference in student achievement. By embracing multimodal learning tools and GBL experiences, we can transform test score improvement into an engaging adventure for both students and educators.
This WestEd study found that fifth and eighth graders who used Legends of Learning games at least twice weekly showed significantly higher achievement on standardized test scores.
Education Leaders’ Reviews
Testimonials from administrators and teachers have validated the impact that Legends of Learning had on their students.
Dr. Ferleshare Starks, former Science Coordinator at Beaumont Independent School District assessed: “Game-based learning, as featured with Legends of Learning, has had a profound impact on both my students and teachers. The kids look forward to working through the games and to see students’ eagerness to share their adventures tells me we have identified a way to connect and make them feel that success in science is achievable.”
Educator Amy Stafford found many different ways game-based learning impacted her students after working closely for the Game-Based Learning Design Competition: “The Legends of Learning Video Learning Game Challenge appealed to our students because it was focused on a topic that many students love: playing video games!”
This challenge allowed their students to experience the video games’ design process, combining collaboration, critical thinking skills, and writing in a way that the students not only enjoyed but excelled in.“The engagement, success, and pride these students experienced with their finished products were worth all the time invested and what every teacher hopes to see throughout their teaching career”, Amy added.
Why our users love us!
Legends of Learning Platform: Awards and Recognition
2024 Codie Award Finalist: Standing out for its innovative learning methods, we competed against top-tier contenders for the Best Educational Game, Best Gamification in Learning, and Best Customer Experience in EdTech awards.
2023 Codie Award Finalist: Competed against top contenders in the Best Educational Game category, demonstrating its innovative and effective approach.
2023 Parent Teacher Choice Award.HowtoLearn.com gave an award to Awakening for engaging students and supporting their learning effectively. The program appeals to both parents and educators.
2022 Codie Award Winner: Legends of Learning has earned the Best Educational Game CODiE award from SIIA for 2022.
Digital Promise Certification: Awarded to Legends of Learning’s Math Basecamp Math Fact Fluency Solution for its research-based design, ensuring the program is grounded in sound educational principles.
Unleashing the Power of Play: The Legends of Learning Platform
Each Legends of Learning suite component is designed to transform how students learn math and science. Here’s a closer look at this power trio:
Transforming Education within Awakening
Forget the days of pleading with students to do homework. Schools embracing Awakening, Legends of Learning’s award-winning multiplayer platform for math and science, are witnessing a thrilling transformation.
Here, homework becomes a genuinely fun adventure, not a chore. But what exactly is Awakening, and how can it revolutionize your classrooms and propel student achievement in math and science?
Students’ avatars at Awakening Arcade
Awakening: Where Learning Becomes an Adventure
Awakening is a multiplayer world filled with curriculum-aligned math and science games. Students can compete with friends, unlock cool avatars, ride their virtual pets, and have a blast while learning. The best part is that Awakening is proven to raise test scores! Here’s why:
Excitement Through Game-Based Learning: Awakening leverages the power of game-based learning to make the educational experience intrinsically motivating. Students have fun while mastering vital math and science conceptsA win-win situation – students are happy, and teachers reach their student achievement goals.
Research-Backed Results: Fun shouldn’t come at the expense of results. As mentioned before, studies by WestEd and Vanderbilt University show that students who play Awakening games at least twice a week demonstrate significantly higher achievement compared to their peers. Awakening isn’t just about entertainment; it delivers measurable learning outcomes.
A Universe of Curriculum-Aligned Games: Awakening boasts a vast library of over 2,000 curriculum-aligned math and science games. Administrators & educators can influence the type of subject matter that students experience! They can also choose the specific grade levels and standards students will interact with, ensuring the games perfectly complement existing lesson plans.
Student Choice and Personalization: Students have the freedom to personalize their educational journey by exploring the vibrant world of Awakening, where over 2.5 million players can learn and play together! They can encounter friends in the town, play fun and educational arcade games, and even design their own dream house. Our Adventure Pass lets them explore the uncharted Wilds, or practice their math skills at the Math Basecamp. Back in town, they may want to show off some dance moves on the Playground and access tons of educational curriculum-aligned math and science games at Awakening School.
The School
The Town
The Wilds
Arcade
The House
These dedicated Math and Science Rooms provide a structured environment for students to delve deeper into specific topics through interactive simulations, problem-solving exercises, and targeted activities.
Whether it’s friendly competition in the arcade or focused practice in the classroom, Awakening empowers students to tailor their gameplay to their preferred learning style and maximize their success.
Self-Expression and Conquer Challenges
Awakening goes further than just gameplay. It allows students to express their individuality. They can unleash their creativity with a seemingly endless selection of avatar clothing and hairstyles. This kind of customization allows students to create and manage more of their learning journey within Awakening.
Data-Driven Insights for Informed Instruction
Awakening empowers teachers with valuable data! When students play, educators get detailed reports that track their progress. These reports showcase their level of mastery in specific areas, along with the time spent engaging with different standards or topics. This real-time data allows educators to identify areas where students excel and pinpoint any knowledge gaps that may require additional support.
Engage Students with Awakening
By fostering a fun and engaging environment, Awakening ignites curiosity, promotes collaboration, and empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey. A powerful tool for school districts, that is backed by research, curriculum-aligned, and committed to student engagement.
Beasties that can be collected to ride and battle!
Ready to unleash the power of Awakening in your classrooms? Explore the world!
An Exciting Journey to Math Fluency: Math Basecamp
Are you struggling with math fact fluency? Math Basecamp is here to save the day! This award-winning platform uses a personalized approach to help students master math facts, from counting basics to real-world applications.
Furthermore, teachers get real-time data to identify areas where students need extra help. Math Basecamp’s adaptive learning approach helps ensure students take the learning pathway that fits them best, all with minimal teacher intervention.
Exploring the Phases of Math Basecamp
Unlike traditional methods, Math Basecamp takes a holistic approach to math fact fluency. It can be seen as a journey that involves several crucial stages.
Math Basecamp guides students through a series of phases designed to build a strong foundation for math fact fluency:
1. Fluency Foundation:
This phase sets the stage for success. Interactive lesson plans and fun games introduce students to key math concepts and strategies. They build their understanding of number relationships and practice counting skills through entertainment activities.
2. Math Fact Mastery:
Here’s where things get personalized! Math Basecamp utilizes an adaptive learning engine. This means the program assesses each student’s understanding and tailors practice exercises accordingly. Students are challenged with facts they haven’t mastered yet while receiving positive reinforcement for those they’ve already conquered.
3. Fluency Application:
Mastery goes beyond memorization! In this phase, students put the facts they have mastered into work. Engaging activities challenge them to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. This reinforces fact recall while building problem-solving skills and boosting confidence.
Empowering Teachers with Real-Time Data
Math Basecamp isn’t just about student learning; it empowers teachers to become data-driven legends! Here’s how:
Personalized Learning & Targeted Intervention:
Interactive tables enable educators tosee real-time data on assessed and mastered facts for each student, allowing you to identify who needs extra support and who’s excelling. Teachers can also adjust the mastery range bytailoring the difficulty level to suit individual needs. This ensures students are neither bored by repetition nor overwhelmed by too much difficulty.
Early Problem Detection & Proactive Support:
Math Basecamp helps pinpoint students who demonstrate inconsistent practice or struggle with specific facts. This allows educators to intervene early and proactively provide targeted support before problems snowball.
Comprehensive Class Progress Tracking & Strategic Adjustments:
Educators get a bird’s-eye view of class progress throughinsightful reports summarizing individual and overall student performance. Thus use this data to run strategic instruction adjustments and celebrate student success.
Math Basecamp Game
Math Basecamp is more than just a math fact practice program. It’s a comprehensive solution that empowers students to achieve true mastery and build a strong foundation for future math success.
Personalized learning, data-driven insights for teachers, and a fun, engaging approach make Math Basecamp a powerful tool that helps school districts boost test scores, build math confidence, and see their students succeed!
Learning Universe: Where Excitement and Rigor Unite
Picture a classroom alive with activity, not the restless kind, but the focused hum of minds tackling math and science concepts. This isn’t a dream scenario – it’s the reality for schools that adopted Learning Universe by Legends of Learning.
This one-stop shop for over 2,000 curriculum-aligned math and science games, lessons, and assessments is crafted by experts and designed to be fun and informative.
It’s known that rote memorization can be dull and ineffective. Instead, game-based learning solutions offer unique instructional experiences that are as exciting as they are rigorous.
Learning Universe provides a rich tapestry of experiences, ensuring there’s something to spark curiosity in every student. Each meticulously crafted game seamlessly integrates with your existing curriculum, eliminating the need for time-consuming searches for relevant activities.
Students can become explorers, strategists, and problem-solvers, transforming learning into a mind-blowing adventure.
A global network of game studios and instructional designers collaborate with Legends of Learning to create these games, ensuring a high-quality experience that is both educational and captivating.
Since we source game experiences from the best studios worldwide, we offer students a variety of fresh and engaging experiences. Poorly rated games are automatically removed from our system, ensuring only the best remain active.
Additionally, all games undergo thorough checks by our in-house educational experts to ensure they are curriculum-aligned and of the highest quality.
A World Filled with Educational Topics:
The sheer variety of topics available in Learning Universe is mind-boggling. From exploring the intricacies of the rock cycle to discovering every corner of our solar system, and deeply understanding how photosynthesis works, there’s something that generates curiosity in every student. Here’s just a taste of the exciting game themes you’ll find:
In June 2023, Legends of Learning partnered with Rovio Entertainment, the company behind the runaway hit Angry Birds franchise, to bring these popular characters and landscapes into the world of education through a series of engaging games.
These games leverage the fun and familiar aspects of Angry Birds while incorporating elements like problem-solving and interactive gameplay to teach students important STEM concepts.
Learning Universe is a gateway to a more engaging and effective learning experience for all students. With its research-backed approach, curriculum alignment, and commitment to fun, it’s a powerful tool that can elevate your school’s learning environment. Ready to Unlock its Power?
Try Learning Universeand discover how it can help your students reach their full potential!
A Multimodal Solution for Rising School Test Scores in Districts
School districts need a new approach to address stagnant and, in some cases, declining test scores. Legends of Learning offers a comprehensive solution to reignite student engagement and propel achievement. This engaging platform utilizes multimodal learning tools, transforming classrooms into dynamic environments where students become active participants in their own education.
Multimodal education offers a toolbox full of fun and exciting ways to learn: math & science games (K-8), lesson plans, videos, assessments, professional development support, and reports – there’s something for every learner! This variety keeps students interested and helps them remember things better. It’s not just about memorizing facts; students also learn valuable skills like complex problem-solving and teamwork.
Click the button to get a complete Multimodal Learning Infographic!
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Legends of Learning offers a comprehensive suite of educational tools designed to transform the way students learn math and science. But with so many features and functionalities, you might have some questions. Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Legends of Learning:
What Subjects Does Legends of Learning Cover?
Legends of Learning focuses on igniting a passion for math and science in students from kindergarten to eighth grade (grades K-8). With over 2,000 curriculum-aligned games at your fingertips, you can cater to a wide range of topics and learning objectives.
Are the Games Aligned with State Standards?
Absolutely! Legends of Learning understands the importance of curriculum alignment. Our games are meticulously crafted to target specific state standards, including popular frameworks like Common Core, NGSS, and TEKS. This ensures that the skills and knowledge students gain through gameplay directly contribute to their academic success.
How Wide is the Range of Topics Covered?
The beauty of Legends of Learning lies in its variety. We offer games that span almost all the most popular state standards for math and science. From basic arithmetic and counting in elementary grades to complex scientific concepts like climate change and the solar system in middle school, there’s something to engage every student’s curiosity and instructor’s educational priority.
How Can I Find the Right Games for My Students?
Legends of Learning’s user-friendly platform makes finding the perfect games for your students easy. You can search by grade level, specific standards, or even keywords. We also offer pre-curated collections that align with popular curriculum units, saving you valuable time and effort.
Ready to Explore the World of Legends of Learning?
With its vast library of engaging games, curriculum alignment, and commitment to student success, Legends of Learning is a powerful tool that can transform your classrooms. Visit our website to explore the full range of games and discover how Legends of Learning can help your students achieve their full potential!
Are you interested in Leveling Up Your School’s Success?
Legends of Learning is more than just games – it’s a powerful product suite that can transform your classrooms and boost student test scores. It provides you with a variety of engaging options, with research-backed results, that will make your students happy. A win-win for everyone!
Visit our websiteto learn more and see how Legends of Learning can help your school district take learning to the next level!
Awakening by Legends of Learning: Introducing the Latest Features
Awakening by Legends of Learning isn’t just a game; it’s a revolution in educational experiences. This immersive, multiplayer world offers a treasure trove of curriculum-aligned math and science content, all wrapped in a captivating and fun package.
The new version takes things a step further, introducing exciting features designed to supercharge student engagement and academic achievement. But before we delve into the new additions, let’s explore the core of Awakening’s success: the power of game-based learning.
The Power of Game-based Learning: Engaging Experience
Traditional education often relies on rote memorization and passive learning, which can leave students feeling disengaged and uninspired. By incorporating game-based learning principles, Awakening transforms learning into an active, dynamic experience.
This approach taps into the power of emotions in learning. When students experience enjoyment, a sense of accomplishment, and a healthy dose of friendly competition, they become more motivated to explore and learn.
Awakening’s Newest Features: A Glimpse into the Future of Education
The latest version of Awakening builds upon its core strengths, offering innovative features that enhance the learning experience:
Streamlined Assignments: “Teacher Quests” and “District Quests” are now seamlessly integrated into the game world. Students can easily access, complete, and revisit assignments within Awakening, eliminating the need to switch between platforms.
Enhanced World Exploration: Beastie riding and customizable trails add a layer of fun and personalization to navigating Awakening. These features provide additional motivation for students to collect Beastiesand explore all corners of the game.
Expanded Learning Content: Exciting new minigames broaden the learning horizons within Awakening. Students encounter fresh, engaging learning experiences that complement the existing curriculum-aligned content.
Accessibility for All: Text-to-speech functionality on message popups ensures that all students, regardless of their reading level, can fully participate in the game. This feature fosters inclusivity and ensures no student is left behind.
Personalized Support: Just-in-Time Learning promises to be a game-changer. Students struggling with specific concepts will receive personalized recommendations from their in-game guide, Tuto, directing them to relevant learning materials. This targeted support will help students catch up and solidify their understanding.
So why wait? Head over to Awakeningtoday and unleash the power of game-based learning in your classroom!
Beyond the Game: The Benefits of Awakening for Teachers and Students
The impact of Awakening extends far beyond the virtual world. Teachers and students alike benefit from its innovative approach:
Teachers benefit for…
Detailed Reporting: Data-rich reports provide educators with invaluable insights into student performance on specific topics. This allows teachers to tailor their instruction and identify areas where students might need extra help.
Curriculum Alignment: Awakening offers a vast library of curriculum-aligned games, ensuring that students are practicing and mastering relevant math and science concepts.
Multimodal Learning Support: Awakening empowers teachers to create engaging multimodal learning experiences, blending classroom instruction with multimedia educational assets, and curriculum-aligned game-based learning tools.
Students are happy because of…
Unlimited Options: Students have access to over 2,000 curriculum-aligned math and science games, fostering a love for learning both at school and at home.
Personalized Learning: Students can customize their avatars, adding a playful element to their experience.
Learn at Their Own Pace: Awakening allows students to progress individually, ensuring they fully understand each topic before moving forward. This personalized approach fosters confidence and a deep understanding of the material.
Embrace Productive Struggle: Awakening provides a safe and rewarding environment where students can tackle challenges. Through engaging gameplay, they’ll develop valuable problem-solving skills and celebrate their achievements.
Boost Cognitive Function: Studies show that Awakening enhances cognitive function and learning comprehension. Interactive games stimulate the brain, fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the summer months.
Explore Unforgettable Experiences: Awakening goes beyond textbooks! Students embark on virtual adventures, conduct simulations, and explore fascinating topics, all while strengthening their math and science knowledge.
Motivation and Competition: Leaderboards and quiz games inject a healthy dose of competition, keeping students engaged and motivated to excel.
Awakening: Transforming Education in the Digital Age
Awakening’s commitment to innovation and its focus on student engagement have earned it well-deserved recognition, including the 2023 Parent Teacher Choice Award.
Furthermore, research-backed effectiveness and unique features make Awakening one of the top educational tools of choice in digitally-enabled classrooms.
Awakening offers a revolutionary approach to education through game-based learning. It utilizes games, points, badges, and leaderboards to make learning fun and engaging.
The latest version introduces several exciting features: streamlined assignments, enhanced world exploration with Beastie riding and trails, expanded learning content with third-party minigames, improved accessibility with text-to-speech, and personalized support with Just-in-Time Learning. Assistant guide Tuto now offers help and suggestions for learning games and videos if a student needs them.
A tool that benefits both teachers and students. Teachers gain access to detailed reports and curriculum-aligned content, while students enjoy unlimited access to learning games, personalized avatars, and a motivating competitive environment.
Legends of Learning is a recognized leader in educational gaming. It boasts research-backed effectiveness and awards like the 2023 Parent Teacher Choice Award.
The latest version features 10 exclusive minigames. These 10 custom games offer fresh approaches to learning, engaging students in exciting ways.
Awakening is a powerful tool for transforming classrooms and making learning enjoyable for students of all ages. Feel free to explore Legends of Learning’s website to discover all about the exciting ways it can transform students’ learning journey!
Legends of Learning Selected by U.S. Dept. of Education for $8 Million Grant to Study Game-Based Learning
Fulton, MD, April 3, 2024 – Legends of Learning has been selected to partner with Impact Florida, a non-profit, non-partisan organization advancing excellence in classroom instruction, and WestEd, a national non-partisan leader in research, development, and service focused on education and human development, to examine the efficacy of game-based science instruction in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS).
An $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant program will fund a five-year study to explore how a standards-aligned, game-based learning (GBL) experience will impact student performance on the fifth-grade state standardized science test. The study will include a year-long randomized controlled trial (RCT). Several prior studies of the Legends of Learning platform have already shown significant positive correlations between game platform usage and improvements in test scores. With WestEd leading data collection, analysis, and insights, this study will build upon an established body of evidence.
“We’re excited to be partnering with Impact Florida to test the impact of Learning Universe, our evidence-based, rigorous, game-based learning curriculum, with educators in the state,” said Legends of Learning CEO Dr. Vadim Polikov. “Students are struggling to stay engaged in school, especially post-COVID, and this has led directly to lower test scores in math and science. Games have the power to change that.”
Innovation in delivering education is of paramount importance given current proficiency trends in science education. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted teachers’ ability to engage students in attentive learning experiences. During this period, proficiency scores were negatively impacted, as Florida fifth-grade science performance fell from 55% proficiency in 2018 to 47% in 2021.
In response to pandemic-induced instruction challenges, teachers scrambled for instructional tools to engage a student population that shifted to more screen-based engagement for learning, social connection, and entertainment. Interactive content has become the norm: 6 out of the top 10 content sites used by teachers and students in the 2021- 22 school year were gamified or used games to teach.
“Impact Florida is thrilled to help support research on the potential impact of innovative tools like Legends of Learning and to work with Florida educators in doing so,” said Impact Florida President Mandy Clark. “Increasing engagement is important to student academic growth, and we’re eager to see how game-based learning can tap into students’ existing interests.”
A prior study of the Legends of Learning platform by WestEd showed up to a 23-percentile point improvement in science achievement scores with usage of the GBL platform. “This RCT will reveal the direct impact of the Legends of Learning platform on science achievement, building upon our prior findings of a positive association on science achievement with increased usage of the platform,” said Taunya Nesin, Director of STEM Networking and Partnerships at WestEd. “The methodology and scope of this study will help us learn more about best practices for implementation and use of GBL in elementary classrooms and the impact it can have on learning.”
The study will be conducted in partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, one of over 300 districts across 49 states that have partnered with Legends of Learning. Reacting to the award, Dr. Jose Dotres, MDCPS Superintendent, said, “We pride ourselves on building networks that collaborate to maximize the potential of every student in our district. That collaboration extends to studies like this, which can provide us with insights that help accelerate student performance. We’re excited to participate in this research.”
Approximately 280 science teachers and over 6,000 students are projected to participate in the study. The U.S. Department of Education’s Education Innovation and Research program will provide a grant of $7,997,993 to support the research, which will be matched by an in-kind contribution of more than $800,000 from Legends of Learning.
###
To request an interview with Legends of Learning CEO Vadim Polikov, contact Jose Ramos at (925) 261-8586 or jose.ramos@legendsoflearning.com
To request an interview with Impact Florida President Mandy Clark, contact Trey Csar at (415) 215-4994 or trey@impactfl.org.
To request an interview with WestEd staff on this project, contact Gretchen Wright at gretchen.wright@wested.org.
Student Player v2 Launched
As part of our grades 3-5 launch, we released a new version of our student game player. This new student player looks the same as the previous version, but offers a much more robust experience, including speedier, more reliable game performance and advanced game playing capabilities, including:
* Text to speech
* Multiple language support
* Translations
* 16:9 aspect ratio (most common aspect ratio for televisions and monitors)
In addition, the first 200 games for grades 3-5 are up on the platform in a beta release. We will be adding more games in March, completing the release.
Over the next few months, Legends of Learning’s development team will work on several new features, such as the ability to choose your own questions for gameplay, quick start playlists, and faster, stronger analytics. In addition, we will continue to improve our user interface based on feedback from teachers using the platform.
Community Is Re-Open for Business
Speaking of technical upgrades, the Legends of Learning Community just went through an expansive rebuild and restoration. When you reengage with the community, you will now be able to like and share posts and better communicate with fellow teachers.
By Caitlin Unterman, 8th Grade Science Teacher, Forest Middle School (VA)
Most in the education world believe that enrichment is the most important goal of a classroom. Teachers focus on creating opportunities that simultaneously enrich and engage students. However, many fail to recognize what is actually enrichment, and what is simply reinforcement.
Enrichment, by definition, is “the act of making someone wealthier.” I like to think this is wealth in the form of knowledge. Do a simple Google search and you find another definition of enrichment: “improving or enhancing the quality or value of something”.
Both definitions apply to our classrooms. And there is no better way to enhance the value of “something” than by adding what kids love best: games.
Another simple Google search can find you the EdTech definition of game-based learning: “Generally, game based learning is designed to balance subject matter with gameplay and the ability of the player to retain and apply said subject matter to the real world.”
Put enrichment and game-based learning together by definition, and you would get “Generally, game based learning is designed to balance subject matter with gameplay and the ability of the player to retain and apply said subject matter to the real world, while improving or enhancing the quality or value of education.” As an 8th grade Earth Science teacher, that sounds pretty sweet.
Importance of Enrichment in All Content Areas
Like the majority of teachers, my enrichment efforts are based on data. Strands of weakness and complex learning concepts take priority as I work to innovate and plan creative units to convey the concepts better. Try teaching radiometric dating and half-life curves to a bunch of 8th graders who were put into a High School Credit science class… That is quite a challenge.
Game-based learning has become the Aleve to my headache in that regard. Students are far more interested in their phones than any piece of paper I hand out. So, I moved towards digital learning.
Using the game-based learning platform Legends of Learning, I created a pre-test playlist on geologic time, added an assessment pack at the end, and downloaded my students’ performance data. After highlighting the weaker strands (subcategories within the topic), I made a new playlist. I taught the concepts per usual, emphasizing the weaknesses shown in the pre-test playlist data, and then launched the playlist again after my normal teaching lessons. (For an example of how to track student performance, check out the Hall of Knowledge here.)
Much to my surprise, weak strands were no longer categorized as “weak”, moreso, “improving”. Take a look at the Vanderbilt study conducted in partnership with Legends of Learning, and it speaks for itself. Weak strands can become enhanced strands through game-based learning enrichment.
How to Implement Games to Target Weak Strands
Some may think, “All of this is great, but where do I start?” Game-based enrichment isn’t something you just wake up and decide to implement one day.
Instead, consider doing some critical data analysis, at least once, before jumping right in.
The data analysis portion of the Legends of Learning platform allows you to break down each learning objective by student performance.
From this, identify the weak strands. Your definition of “weak” may differ from mine, but usually I emphasize those showing 50% mastery or below. Think about those weak strands in terms of what I call the 3 Vs: Volume, Value, Vocabulary. Let’s break those down:
Volume
On average, how much time do you spend emphasizing a strand? One day? One week? Strands that are only the focus of one day of class may not be as crucial as larger units you spend weeks on. Take out the strands that are “one-dayers”.
Value
Are the skills presented in this weak strand going to affect later learning objectives? Place an educational value on the learning objective. Is the concept crucial or supplementary?
Vocabulary
Is the learning objective heavy on vocab? If so, take a look at the overview and curriculum for each game. Find the key vocabulary needed, pack the playlist, schedule the playlist to run over the weekend as “homework,” and collect data on Monday. You should see improvement.
The key to game-based enrichment is finding the value in the innovative learning that is taking place. Don’t just plug in games that are fun and engaging. The games need to emphasize weaknesses within the content in order for enrichment to be successful.
What are your experiences with using GBL for enrichment?
Thank You for a Legendary 2017
Hello Legends,
A lot has happened at Legends of Learning in 2017, in large part because of teachers and educators like you. I would like to express my personal gratitude for everything that has helped make our science games a useful tool in schools across America, and around the world.
At NSTA, ISTE, and a number of state shows, we met so many incredible educators who are working to improve science learning in schools. This included many ambassadors who helped shape our games and platform.
A small convoy of legends even got the chance to witness the Great American Eclipse (at totality!) with some amazing students from Cobb County, Georgia.
What stands out the most is what superhero teachers like you have done with the platform. Sharing innovative uses in the classroom and giving amazing feedback on potential improvements helps us make science classes legendary every day.
There is much to be proud of and far more to look forward to. None of it would be possible without the teachers who work tirelessly for the benefit of today’s students, those children who will become tomorrow’s leaders.
You can always reply to this email directly and tell me what you think of Legends of Learning. We are eager to help you and your science students succeed.
On behalf of the entire Legends of Learning team, thank you. Stay legendary.
Sincerely,
Vadim Polikov, PhD
Founder & CEO, Legends of Learning
Test Prep Webinar: How Richard White Makes the Most of Science Games
On November 29, STEM Certified leader Richard White delivered a Legends of Learning test prep webinar. Richard is a teacher leader at Griffin Middle School in Cobb County, Georgia, where he has worked for the past 6 years.
With December quickly approaching, many teachers will enter a review period for end-of-year testing. Richard’s webinar provides helpful tips for Legends of Learning teachers to use games for test prep as well as for enrichment, and offers tactics to deploy science games as an engagement technique for distracted students.
View Richard’s test prep webinar and associated PowerPoint presentation below:
Test Prep Webinar Video
Test Prep PowerPoint Presentation
About Richard White
Richard is passionate about teaching and learning, and believes that there is some way to reach every student that he encounters. He has presented professionally at several local conferences, and is responsible for helping to train new teachers at Griffin. Richard joined the Legends of Learning platform in November of last year as an ambassador, and began testing games with his students as soon as they were rolled out. He has also presented on LoL at local conferences.
Young STEM Visionaries Share their Inspiration
This November’s STEM Visions Contest featured submissions from teachers across the country, from California to Oklahoma to Massachusetts. All of the entries demonstrated how much these legendary science teachers inspire their students on a daily basis.
The contest was an overarching STEM activity for students. Teachers launched playlists of Legends of Learning science games in class, then asked how students could see themselves pursuing a career in STEM fields. Entries were posted on Facebook (and some on Google Docs).
Students wowed us with their visions for the future. The most popular ideas for future STEM careers were in the fields of veterinary science, astronomy, marine biology, and engineering.
The Winners
With so many thoughtful, creative entries, it was difficult to select the winners. Ultimately, after much deliberation, we had a winning submission: Kimberly King from Green Fields School (Tucson, AZ)! Kimberly submitted 21 students’ STEM visions, showcasing an impressive array of ideas they have for how to impact the world in their future careers. View her entire album of submissions here.
For winning the contest, Kimberly will receive a $1000 grant on DonorsChoose.org, along with a full-year license for her school to use Legends of Learning!
Four more of the most impressive submissions were selected as runners-up. View their submissions by clicking the links below:
Veronica Hennessey, Simonds Elementary (San José, CA) Joy Johnson, Lewis and Clarke Middle School (Jefferson City, MO) Denise Galiano, Cedar Hill Preparatory School (Somerset,NJ) Scott Beiter, Rensselaer Middle School (Rensselaer, NY)
Congratulations to our winner, Kimberly, our runners-up, Veronica, Joy, Denise, and Scott, and all of the amazing educators who entered the contest! More importantly, thank you to all of these teachers for investing in the future by inspiring their students every single day.
