Enriching Education - The Power of Play: How Educational Games Benefit Children

I had a chance to send some questions over to Jodi Asbell-Clarke, Sr. Researcher in Neurodiversity in STEM Education, Director of EDGE at TERC, and author of Reaching and Teaching Neurodivergent Learners in STEM, and David Libby, Chief Technology Officer at TERC, on the reboot of Zoombinis and the importance of game-based learning. This was the response.

As parents, we all want our children to thrive academically while also having fun. But what if playtime and learning could go hand in hand? Game-based learning is proving to be a powerful tool, helping kids develop essential skills while keeping them engaged.

The Benefits of Combining Education with Engaging Games

Children naturally gravitate toward games, and well-designed educational games tap into that enthusiasm to teach valuable skills. When kids play thoughtfully crafted games, they solve problems, collaborate, create, and learn. Our team at TERC, a nonprofit dedicated to STEM education, designs games like Zoombinis, which immerse children in puzzles that enhance pattern recognition, logical problem-solving, and computational thinking—an essential skill set in today's digital world.

Computational thinking involves breaking down complex problems, recognizing patterns, and creating step-by-step solutions—skills that are foundational in fields like coding and engineering. However, children don’t see Zoombinis as a lesson in logic; they just call it fun!

How Educational Games Support Neurodivergent Children

Many neurodivergent children excel at problem-solving, pattern recognition, and creative thinking. Yet, traditional educational settings don’t always highlight these strengths. In a national study funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, teachers consistently reported that neurodivergent students who struggled in other areas of school excelled in Zoombinis. These students became classroom leaders, demonstrating their abilities in ways they rarely had the chance to before.

Our team took this a step further by developing the Including Neurodiversity in Foundational and Applied Computational Thinking (INFACT) curriculum, funded by the U.S. Department of Education. We integrated supports for executive function—such as working memory aids and organizational strategies—into *Zoombinis* to assist children who struggle with attention and planning. The result? When given the right tools and an engaging platform, neurodivergent learners thrived, and overall classroom learning improved.

Expanding Educational Access Through Games

Traditional educational models don’t always serve every learner well. Some children struggle in conventional settings due to neurodivergence, different learning styles, or social and emotional challenges. Educational games offer an alternative, providing an interactive and accessible way to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

At TERC, we focus on reaching those who might otherwise slip through the cracks. Games like Zoombinis engage children’s imaginations while reinforcing essential skills, helping them see their own potential in ways traditional classrooms often overlook.

Games are more than just entertainment—they can be transformative learning tools. Whether your child is neurodivergent or simply learns best through interactive play, well-designed educational games can open new pathways to success. So next time your child wants screen time, consider exploring educational games that make learning feel like an adventure!

Why Game Makers Tap into Nostalgia

Have you ever introduced your child to a game you loved as a kid? Many game designers update classic titles because they were great games to begin with—engaging, simple to learn, and memorable. Titles like Zoombinis, Carmen Sandiego, and Oregon Trail have been reimagined for modern devices because they offer compelling stories, beloved characters, and gameplay that still holds up today.

For parents, nostalgic games provide a unique opportunity to share childhood experiences with their kids. One Zoombinis fan shared, “My kids love playing this game, and it’s great to relive something I enjoyed as a child with them!” The joy of revisiting a classic together strengthens bonds and makes learning a shared adventure.

More information:

Game-based learning is on the rise. The market is expected to hit USD 77.4 billion by 2032, with K-12, alone, predicted to grow 20% through 2025. The industry is poised to add over $9 billion in market value in the first half of the 2020s. The US and Canada are forecasted to make up over one-third of that growth.

The cult classic 90’s computer game, Zoombinis, known for its engaging puzzles, is making a comeback on iOS, Android, in the steam store and the Mac store, and is playable on desktop and mobile. The game was designed to challenge players and help develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills through a journey of the Zoombinis quirky blue creatures. Back in 2015, a Kickstarter campaign raised over $100,000, with the game's creator, TERC, also providing funding, to help modernize the game while retaining its nostalgic charm. Fans are excited to re-experience the educational game they enjoyed as kids, and play online with ease regardless of location in this safe space. 

With over 30 years at TERC, David Libby has managed multiple projects including the revival of the educational game Zoombinis. Through decades of research and ground breaking work, Jodi Asbell-Clarke, MA, MS, PhD, focuses on reaching and teaching neurodivergent learners in STEM.