All of the items on this page can be checked out to use in the classroom. When you know what you would like to borrow email remc@northwested.org to request the items. ** Didn't find what you were looking for? Let us know! We are always accepting ideas to grow our library! **
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Robot Turtles is a fun and engaging game that introduces the foundational concepts of computer programming to young children without a screen. Players use "Code Cards" to program their Robot Turtle's movements on a grid, guiding it to a jewel. This game is an excellent hands-on tool for the classroom, teaching key programming principles like sequencing, debugging, and functions in a playful and collaborative environment where every player can win. The game’s layered complexity, which "unlocks" more advanced features, allows it to grow with students' skills.
Age/Grade: 4+; PreK-2nd grade
Number of Players: 2-5 Players (1 adult as the computer)
Play duration: 15+ minutes
21st Century Skills: Sequencing, Debugging, Problem-Solving, Abstraction, Collaboration and Communication
Standards:
Computer Science and Coding:
K-2.CS.AP.01: Develop a sequence of steps to solve a simple problem.
K-2.CS.AP.02: Debug a simple program to find and fix errors.
Mathematics - Mathematical Practice Standards (Grades K-8):
MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
MP6: Attend to precision.
MP7: Look for and make use of structure.
CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association) K-12 Computer Science Standards:
CS.K-2.AP.1: Use a sequence of instructions to design an algorithm to accomplish a task.
CS.K-2.AP.2: Create a program that includes sequences and simple loops.
CS.K-2.AP.3: Identify and correct errors in a program (debugging).
Bits and Bytes is a screen-free card game that introduces fundamental computer coding concepts through play. It challenges students to use a set of instruction cards to move their character across a grid and reach their "home planet." By creating sequences of commands, players learn about algorithms, sequencing, and problem-solving, all while engaging in a fun and collaborative activity. This game is a fantastic tool for teachers to introduce the logic and mindset required for computer programming without the need for technology.
Age/Grade: 4 -9 Years of age; PreK-3rd grade
Number of Players: 2-5 Players
Play duration: 15-30 minutes
21st Century Skills: Computational Thinking, Sequencing, Debugging, Problem-Solving, Collaboration, Informational Literacy
Standards:
Computer Science and Coding:
K-2.CS.AP.01: Develop a sequence of steps to solve a simple problem.
K-2.CS.AP.02: Debug a simple program to find and fix errors.
Mathematics - Mathematical Practice Standards (Grades K-8):
MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
MP4: Model with mathematics (mapping out a path on the grid).
CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association) K-12 Computer Science Standards:
CS.K-2.AP.1: Use a sequence of instructions to design an algorithm to accomplish a task.
CS.K-2.AP.2: Create a program that includes sequences and simple loops.
CS.K-2.AP.3: Identify and correct errors in a program (debugging).
Penguin Coding Stones is a tactile, screen-free educational tool that introduces young children to the concepts of pre-coding and logical thinking. The game consists of durable, engraved stones with directional arrows that players use to create a path for a penguin. This hands-on activity is a brilliant way to teach foundational computer science skills like sequencing and directional language in a fun, tangible way. It’s perfect for the classroom because it encourages collaborative problem-solving and can be used in various learning environments, including outdoors.
Age/Grade: 2+; PreK-1st grade
Number of Players: 1-3
Play duration: 5mins+
21st Century Skills: Computational Thinking, Problem-Solving, Logical Thinking, Directional Reasoning, Creativity, Collaboration and Communication
Standards:
Computer Science and Coding:
K-2.CS.AP.01: Develop a sequence of steps to solve a simple problem.
Mathematics - Geometry:
K.G.A.1: Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association) K-12 Computer Science Standards:
CS.K-2.AP.1: Use a sequence of instructions to design an algorithm to accomplish a task.
CS.K-2.AP.3: Identify and correct errors in a program (debugging).
Hacker is a single-player cybersecurity logic game that teaches players how to think like a programmer and a hacker. Through a series of 120 challenges, students must first "Code It" by programming an agent to navigate a grid and collect data, then "Hack It" by finding vulnerabilities in that program, and finally "Fix It" by securing it against an attack. This unique three-part gameplay provides a powerful lesson in problem-solving, logical reasoning, and cybersecurity principles, making it an excellent STEM tool for the classroom.
Age/Grade: 10+; 5th-12th grade
Number of Players: 1
Play duration: 20-40 minutes per challenge
21st Century Skills: Computational Thinking, Debugging, Logical Reasoning, Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Informational Literacy, Creativity
Standards:
Computer Science and Coding:
3-5.CS.AP.01: Develop a sequence of steps to solve a problem and represent that sequence in a program.
3-5.CS.AP.02: Identify and correct errors (debug) in a program.
Mathematics - Mathematical Practice Standards (Grades 5-8):
MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
MP3: Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
MP7: Look for and make use of structure.
CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards:
CS.3-5.AP.1: Use a sequence of instructions to design an algorithm to accomplish a task.
CS.3-5.AP.2: Create a program that includes sequences, loops, and conditional statements.
CS.3-5.AP.3: Identify and correct errors in an algorithm or program.
Potato Pirates is a thrilling card game that teaches computer programming concepts through a fun, pirate-themed adventure. Players use "Action Cards" and "Control Cards" to program attacks and defend their ships, learning about loops, conditionals, and sequencing. This game is a fantastic, screen-free way to make computational thinking accessible and engaging for students, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning in a highly interactive and imaginative setting.
Age/Grade: 7+; 2nd grade-Adults
Number of Players: 2-6 players
Play duration: 20-45 mins
21st Century Skills: Computational Thinking, Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Communication
Standards:
Computer Science and Coding:
3-5.CS.AP.01: Develop a sequence of steps to solve a problem and represent that sequence in a program.
3-5.CS.AP.02: Identify and correct errors (debug) in a program.
Mathematics - Mathematical Practice Standards (Grades 5-8):
MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
MP4: Model with mathematics (understanding how the cards and rules represent a system).
CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards:
CS.3-5.AP.1: Use a sequence of instructions to design an algorithm to accomplish a task.
CS.3-5.AP.2: Create a program that includes sequences, loops, and conditional statements.
CS.3-5.AP.3: Identify and correct errors in an algorithm or program.
Roller Coaster Challenge is a logic puzzle and STEM-based game where players use critical thinking and engineering principles to build a working miniature roller coaster. Guided by a series of challenge cards, students arrange tracks and posts on a game grid to create a path for a small coaster car to travel from start to finish. This thrilling game helps students understand fundamental concepts of physics, such as gravity, kinetic energy, and potential energy, in an engaging and tangible way, making abstract scientific principles come to life.
Age/Grade: 6 yrs of age +; Kinder+
Number of Players: 1
Play duration: varies on level of puzzle
21st Century Skills: logic, problem solving, critical thinking, engineering , creativity, spatial reasoning
Standards:
Science:
3-PS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. (The game is a direct model of gravity's force on the coaster car.)
MS-ETS1-4: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved. (Students test their designs and make adjustments to ensure the car completes the track.)
05.22: Demonstrate contact and non-contact forces to change the motion of an object. (Demonstrates how the non-contact force of gravity, and contact forces like friction, affect the car's movement.)
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. (Players must consider multiple arrangements for their pieces and choose the one that works.)
MS-PS3-1: Construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships between kinetic energy and the mass of an object and between kinetic energy and the speed of an object. (While not explicitly in the game, the principles of potential and kinetic energy are at play and can be used as a teaching tool.)
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics:
Geometry 5.G.A.1: Use a pair of perpendicular number lines, called axes, to define a coordinate system, with the intersection of the lines (the origin) arranged to coincide with the 0 on each line and a given point in the plane located by using an ordered pair of numbers, called its coordinates. (The grid on the game board provides a natural way to introduce coordinate systems and spatial relationships.)
Squirrels Go Nuts! is a clever and compact sliding-tile logic puzzle that challenges students to help squirrels hide their acorns for the winter. Players must strategically slide squirrel pieces around the game board to create a path that allows acorns to drop into a designated hole. This game is an excellent resource for the classroom, as it hones critical thinking, logical reasoning, and spatial awareness in a fun, single-player format. It presents a fantastic way for students to practice problem-solving skills independently and work through challenges with increasing difficulty.
Age/Grade: 4-8 yrs of age; preK-3rd
Number of Players: 1-4
Play duration: varies on level of puzzle
21st Century Skills: problem solving, logic skills, pattern recognition, critical thinking, spatial reasoning
Standards:
Science:
MS-ETS1-4: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved. (Students are constantly testing different moves and modifying their plan until they find the solution.)
Mathematics:
3.G.A.1: Understand that shapes in different categories (e.g., rhombuses, rectangles, and others) may share attributes (e.g., having four sides), and that the shared attributes can define a larger category (e.g., quadrilaterals). (The game's grid and pieces provide a tangible way to discuss geometric shapes and spatial relationships.)
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. (Students can try different approaches to solving the puzzle and evaluate which path is most efficient.)
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics:
MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. (The entire game is an exercise in this standard, as players must analyze the puzzle and work through it step by step.)
MP4: Model with mathematics. (The puzzle board acts as a model of a logical problem that can be solved with strategic thinking.)
Gravity Maze is a captivating and challenging logic game that combines a marble run with a 3D puzzle. Students use challenge cards to strategically place translucent towers on a grid, creating a path for a marble to reach its target. This game is an excellent tool for developing spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills as players must visualize and plan a route for the marble using the forces of gravity and cause and effect.
Age/Grade: 8+; 3rd grade-adult
Number of Players: 1 maybe small group
Play duration: varies
21st Century Skills: logic skills, problem solving, pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, perseverance
Standards:
Science:
3-PS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. (The game directly demonstrates the effect of gravity on the marble).
MS-ETS1-4: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved. (Players test and modify their tower arrangement to achieve a successful marble run).
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. (Students try different arrangements of towers to solve the puzzle).
K-PS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object. (A simple, but effective, demonstration of gravity as a force affecting motion).
Gnomes at Night is a cooperative and fast-paced maze game that challenges students to work together to find hidden treasures. Players on opposite sides of a vertical game board must communicate and collaborate to navigate magnetically connected gnome pieces through a winding labyrinth. This game is an excellent tool for teaching students the importance of communication, teamwork, and quick thinking as they learn to describe their side of the maze and guide their partner to success before time runs out.
Age/Grade: 6+; 1st grade-6th grade
Number of Players: 2 -4
Play duration: 15minutes
21st Century Skills: strategic thinking, cooperation, problem-solving, communication, spatial reasoning
Standards:
English Language Arts:
ELA.2.SL.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups. (The cooperative nature of the game encourages students to engage in constructive communication).
Social Studies:
SS.4.P4.2: Collaborate with others to plan and execute a project or investigation. (The game serves as a fun, quick project where students must work together to succeed).
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects:
SL.3.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly. (Directly relates to the required communication and teamwork in the game).
Otrio is a modern, strategic game based on the classic Tic-Tac-Toe. Played on a 3x3 grid with three different-sized concentric rings, players try to get three of their colored pieces in a row. However, there are three unique ways to win: by getting three pieces of the same size, by getting three pieces of ascending or descending size, or by getting three concentric pieces in a single space.
Age/Grade: 8+; 2nd-adults
Number of Players: 2-4
Play duration: 5-15 mins
21st Century Skills: Computational Thinking, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, Self-Management
Standards:
CCSS.MP1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
CCSS.MP3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
CCSS.MP7. Look for and make use of structure.
CCSS.SL.K.1 & CCSS.SL.1.1. Participate in collaborative conversations.
The Uzzle: Stack Royale" is a fast-paced, competitive, block-stacking game where players race to build a specific structure on their base before anyone else. Unlike the original "The Uzzle," which is a pattern-matching puzzle, "Stack Royale" is a 3D building challenge where players must replicate a blueprint from a card. The game requires speed, dexterity, and precise spatial reasoning to be the first to complete the perfect build.
Age/Grade: 5+; Kindergarten-Adult
Number of Players: 2-4
Play duration: 5-30 minutes
21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Creativity, Communication, Self- Management
Standards:
CCSS.MP1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
CCSS.MP5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
CCSS.SL.K.1 & CCSS.SL.1.1. Participate in collaborative conversations.
Jenga is a timeless game of physical and mental dexterity where players take turns removing one block at a time from a tower and placing it on top. This thrilling game helps students understand principles of physics and engineering as they strategically decide which block to remove without causing the tower to collapse. It's a fantastic tool for teaching spatial reasoning, fine motor skills, and risk assessment in a fun, hands-on way.
Ages/Grades: 4+; PreK-adult
Play Duration: Varies
21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Connection, Creativity, Self-Management, Physical Dexterity, Patience, Perseverance
Standards:
Physical Education:
PE.3.2.1: Demonstrate smooth and efficient movement patterns in a variety of activities. (Focus on fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination)
Science:
3-PS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. (Relating to the forces acting on the Jenga tower)
MS-ETS1-4: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved. (Relates to understanding structural integrity and stability)
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
3-PS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. (The core principle of Jenga)
K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem. (Understanding how the shape and placement of blocks affect the tower's stability)
Zingo is a fast-paced game of matching and memory that's a fun and engaging way to teach vocabulary and word recognition. It's a bingo-style game where players slide the "Zinger" to reveal two tiles, and the first player to call out a matching tile on their card gets it. This game helps build foundational literacy skills and promotes quick thinking in a low-pressure, high-fun environment.
Age/Grade: 4-8; preK-2nd grade
Number of Players: 2-6
Play duration: 10-20 minutes
21st Century Skills: Communication, Critical thinking, Collaboration, Information Literacy
State Standards:
English Language Arts - Reading Foundations:
RF.K.3: Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
RF.1.3: Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
English Language Arts - Speaking and Listening:
SL.K.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
SL.1.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) - English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3: Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3: Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.2.3: Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
Boggle Jr. is a fun and educational game that helps young children develop early literacy skills. With two levels of play, it introduces kids to letter recognition, matching, and spelling in a playful, low-pressure way. The "Match It/Spell It" mode helps students connect letters to a word's sound and structure, while the "Cover It" mode challenges them to spell from memory, building foundational reading and writing skills that are crucial for future academic success.
Age/Grade: 3yrs+; preK-1st grade
Number of Players: 1+
Play duration: 10 mins+
21st Century Skills: Literacy, Critical Thinking, Problem-solving, Communication
Standards:
English Language Arts - Reading Foundations:
RF.K.1: Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print.
RF.K.3: Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
English Language Arts - Foundational Skills:
L.K.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) - English Language Arts & Literacy:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.1.D: Recognize and name all upper- and lowercase letters of the alphabet.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3: Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.2.C: Write a letter or letters for most consonant and short-vowel sounds (phonemes).
The World Game is an exciting and highly educational geography game that takes players on a journey across the globe. By using cards with information about countries' flags, capitals, and key statistics, players compete to prove their knowledge of world geography. This game is an excellent resource for classrooms, providing a dynamic way to reinforce lessons about continents, countries, and cultural awareness while encouraging students to learn about the world beyond their local community.
Age/Grade: 7+; 2nd grade-adult
Number of Players: 2-5
Play duration:20-40 minutes
21st Century Skills: Global awareness, Information Literacy, Communication
Standards:
Social Studies - Geography:
3-G1.0.1: Use a variety of geographic tools to describe the human and physical characteristics of places.
4-G1.0.1: Locate the major landmasses and bodies of water on a globe or world map.
Social Studies - Civic Education and Government:
K-2.C2.0.1: Identify and describe the different types of governments and their leaders. (Can be used to discuss capitals and national leaders).
National Geography Standards:
Standard 1: How to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective.
Standard 2: How to acquire and organize information from a spatial perspective and interpret its meaning.
Standard 4: The physical and human characteristics of places.
Proof! is an award-winning, fast, fun, and addicting math game. Work that mental math magic as you race to find creative equations hidden among nine numbers cards. Keep what you find and collect the most cards to win!
Ages 9+; 2-6 players
Play duration:
21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Visual-Spatial Reasoning, Creativity, Self-Management, Collaboration and Communication
Standards:
MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
MP2: Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
MP6: Attend to precision.
MP7: Look for and make use of structure (seeing relationships between numbers to form equations).
Players race to arrange a set of 5 board game cubes to match the pattern on the card; the first player to succeed wins! Award winning
Solo play or play against others.
Age/Grade: 7+
Number of Players: 1-4 players
Play duration: 5-30mins
21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Visual-Spatial Reasoning, Creativity, Self-Management, Collaboration and Communication
Standards:
MP1 :Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
MP4: Model with mathematics
MP5: Use appropriate tools strategically
MP6: Attend to precision
MP7: Look for and make use of structure
Build matching ines by matching tiles based on either color or shape, and score points as you go. This is great for ages 6 and up!
Age/Grade: 6+; Kindergarten-Adult
Number of Players: 2-4 player
Play duration: 20-30mins
Great for: pattern recognition, problem solving, collaboration, shapes recognition, Strategy
21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Visual-Spatial Reasoning, Creativity, Self-Management, Collaboration and Communication
Standards:
K.G.B.4 - Analyze/compare shapes describing similarities and differences
1.G.A.1 - Distinguish between defining vs non-defining attributes
2.NBT.B.5 - Fluently add/subtract within 100
MP3 - Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others
MP7 - Look for and make use of structure
Roll it, match it, and SCORE IT! The first to score 40 wins, but be careful, your opponents might challenge you for the same card. Take a chance and roll for it!
Ages 8+; 2-4 players
Play duration: 20-30 minutes
Great for: Subitizing, Probability, Strategy, Addition
21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Visual-Spatial Reasoning, Creativity, Self-Management, Collaboration and Communication
Standards:
K.CC.B.5 - Count to answer "how many"
K.OA.A.1 - Represent addition/subtraction with mental images
2.NBT.B.5 - Fluently add/subtract within 100
MP5 - Use appropriate tools strategically
MP7 - Look for and make use of structure
This quick playing dice game will have you on the edge of your seat. It's simple, but decide carefully - the more numbers you cross off, the higher you score. There's no downtime between rolls, one round will give you Qwixx-fever!
Ages8+; 2-5 players
Play duration: 15-30 minutes
Great for: Subitizing, Probability, Addition and Subtraction, Decision Making
21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Visual-Spatial Reasoning, Creativity, Self-Management, Collaboration and Communication
Standards:
1.OA.C.6 - Add/subtract within 20 demonstrating fluency within 10. Use strategies like counting on, making 10, and using easier/known sums
2.NBT.B.5 - Fluently add/subtract within 100
MP1- Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
MP7 - Look for and make use of structure
Grab your 10 dice and start rolling as quickly as you can until you or your opponents find all ten of your dice on the same number. So many ways to play. You'll be in a frenzy when you play Tenzi! By the way, the odds of getting all 10 dice to land on one number in one roll are 10,077,696 to 1.
Ages7+; 2- many players
Play duration: varies; 1minute per round.
Great for: Probability, Strategy, Number Sense, Subitizing
21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Visual-Spatial Reasoning, Creativity, Self-Management, Collaboration and Communication
Standards:
K.CC.B.4 - Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities
K.CC.B.5 - Count to answer "how many"
MP6 - Attend to precision
MP7 - Look for and make use of structure
Want to know more about the importance of Board Games in the classroom? Ask us about our Board Games in the Classroom Materials!