Can Kids Really Learn History or Science Through Video Games?
When Learning Feels Like a Battle
If you're the parent of a child who dreads opening their history book or shuts down at the mention of the solar system, you're not alone. Many children between ages 6 and 12 struggle to connect with traditional academic content, especially when it's delivered through dense textbooks or dry worksheets. But what if the solution wasn’t more repetition—but a portal into another world?
Let’s talk about video games. Or more specifically, learning through video games.
From Controller to Curiosity: Where Games and Learning Intersect
Before we go further, I know what you might be thinking: My child is already glued to Minecraft. Why would I encourage more screen time? It’s a valid concern—and one we’ve explored in-depth in this article on the long-term cognitive effects of gaming. But when used with intention, certain video games can do more than entertain. They can ignite a love of learning that textbooks sometimes fail to spark.
Take history, for example. Ask a child to memorize the causes of World War I, and you might get a blank stare. But drop them into a historically-inspired strategy game where they have to negotiate alliances, understand geography, and weigh ethical decisions—and suddenly, they’re living history, not just reading about it.
Similarly, in science, a game like "Kerbal Space Program" doesn’t just offer rocket launches for fun. It introduces physics fundamentals—thrust, gravity, orbital mechanics—all while kids experiment, fail, and try again. Isn’t that at the heart of the scientific method?
Real World Examples from Real Families
One mom I spoke with told me about her reluctant historian, Luca, age 9. Every attempt to discuss ancient Egypt led to groans—until he discovered "Assassin’s Creed: Origins." The game included a "Discovery Tour" mode with no combat, just beautifully rendered cities, tombs, and educational narratives developed by historians. Within days, Luca was naming pharaohs and hieroglyphs faster than his teacher could.
Another parent shared how their daughter Maya, age 11, fell in love with microbiology after playing "Plague Inc."—a game where players simulate how diseases spread globally, learning terms like "vector," "mutation," and "epidemic control" along the way. It was the first time Maya asked, entirely on her own, for a science book at the library.
But It’s Still a Screen...
And yes, the screen time concern is always there. But the key difference lies in how that screen is used. Passive consumption (like endlessly watching walkthrough videos) offers little return. Interactive, educational gameplay can lead to deep engagement, strategic thinking, and—if set up properly—connections to school curriculum.
To make the most of these moments, try watching or playing alongside your child. Ask questions like: “Why did you make that choice?” or “What did you learn in that scene?” You don’t need to know the answers. You just need to show interest.
Blending Games with Schoolwork
If your child is struggling with absorbing classroom content, connecting their favorite video games with their lessons can be surprisingly effective. Imagine turning a dusty history page into a personalized story where your child is the hero who must use real historical facts to solve a mystery. This is where tools like the Skuli app come into play. One of its features allows you to transform written lessons into audio adventures—your child's name included—so they experience learning as a narrative journey. Pair that with the immersive world-building of educational games, and you have a recipe for sustained curiosity.
If your child prefers reviewing lessons in a different format—say, while riding in the backseat of the car—Skuli can also turn any written lesson into audio. It’s particularly helpful for auditory learners who retain more from hearing than from reading.
What Counts as an Educational Game?
Not all games are created equal, of course. Some are thinly veiled entertainment with little learning value. For guidance on distinguishing useful tools from marketing gimmicks, explore this in-depth breakdown on learning through play.
Generally, you want to look for games that:
- Include verified educational content (developed with educators or scientists)
- Encourage problem-solving, hypothesis testing, or strategic thinking
- Reward curiosity, not just speed or reflexes
And remember: educational doesn’t mean boring. Some of the best learning happens when children forget that they’re supposed to be ‘studying.’
Redefining What 'Homework' Can Be
Picturing your child eagerly putting down their game controller to pick up a textbook can feel like wishful thinking. But merging their interests with their learning needs isn’t selling out—it’s meeting them where they are. Whether it’s through games, storytelling, or audio formats, children benefit when we treat learning not as punishment, but as discovery.
For more on turning your child’s passion for games into a learning advantage, read this article on games and intelligence, or our reflections on how games impact emotional regulation at school.
So, Can Kids Learn from Games?
With the right games, the right support, and a shift in mindset, the answer is yes. Not only can they learn history and science from video games—they can learn better, because they want to. The challenge isn’t getting them interested. It’s helping them turn that interest into insight.