Blooket is a game changer when it comes to integrating games into the classroom because it brings ENERGY, ENGAGEMENT, and REAL LEARNING into my 5th-grade science classroom, and it might be your next favorite tool that you just may implement into your own classroom.
Blooket is a free game-based learning platform where users can create or use already-made questions across all subject areas. Teachers can host live games for students to use a game code or assign a set of questions as homework. Students can compete in interactive educational games that allow students to review concepts and learn while also having fun. With game modes like Monster Brawl, Deceptive Dino’s, Gold Quest, Crypto Hack, Fishing Frenzy, Blook Rush, Tower Defense, Battle Royale, Cafe Factory, Racing, and Classic game mode, students stay focused while practicing core science concepts.
Integrating Blooket into 5th Grade
Science:
This past unit, I taught students about Earth in Motion, Stars, and Gravity. A key part of this unit is understanding and applying scientific vocabulary. Students must learn terms like orbit, rotate, gravity, axis, hemisphere, and tilt, but need regular exposure to them.
Learning Objectives:
● Identify and define key
vocabulary related to space.
● Use vocabulary accurately in
class discussions and written responses.
● Explain Earth’s place in the
solar system using scientific terms.
Blooket in Action
In
the middle of the unit, once students have been introduced to science
vocabulary terms, students will play a Blooket game to lock in the vocabulary.
I like to create different question sets with definitions, such as
match-the-term-to the definition and fill-in-the-blank.
Examples
● The imaginary line a planet
spins around is called the…… Choice A, B, C, or D
● “Gravity” means:
Choose a game mode that supports repetition and exposure such as Tower Defense game which encourages students to answer questions multiple times to earn upgrades and points.
Classroom Implementation
- Introduction to Game
Provide students with a demonstration of Blooket on how it works and what they need to do to play the game successfully. Then play a practice round as a class to model expectations and explain how the vocabulary game connects to what they are learning in science.
2. Set up
Students
will need:
● Chromebook
● Internet access to https://play.blooket.com/play
● An access code to join the
game hosted by you, the teacher
Launch
the live game or assign as an Independent HW assignment.
3. Scaffolding and Differentiation
● For students who need extra
support, provide a “cheat sheet” or a glossary during gameplay.
● For ELL students, add visuals
with the terms for better understanding.
● For advanced students,
challenge students to write each term into a sentence after playing.
Assessments
Blooket
provides instant data on each student’s performance, which is perfect for
checking science vocabulary retention.
To further check for understanding, you can do a formative assessment that requires students to put each vocabulary word into a sentence or have students create a mini poster illustrating one of the vocabulary words. This not only reinforces vocabulary but also builds writing, speaking, and comprehension skills.
I
feel that Blooket can be a launch pad for my students' deep understanding of
science vocabulary words. Blooket turns memorization into a meaningful,
high-energy game that fits seamlessly into all subject areas, including
science. With the right steps, this game can be a helpful tool for students to
think like scientists.
Attached is a helpful page for educators who want to use Blooket in their own classroom.
https://help.blooket.com/hc/en-us/categories/15972729128599-For-Educators
