educational activities for students in college

35 Fun Activities for College Students (interactive, team building, games) 

As a recent graduate, I know first hand how hard it can be to get a classroom of college students engaged in an activity. In my time in college, I’ve had my fair share of fun activities, but also activities that did not go over well in a college classroom.

Getting a classroom full of college students to participate in an activity can be a real challenge. Fortunately, there are some activities that students find fun and will engage in.

In this post, I share 35 fun activities for college students, that will actually get them participating. These interactive classroom activities involve games, team building exercises and interactive assignments.

35 Fun Activities for College Students

1. shark tank.

Shark Tank is a great interactive team building game for college students. This is a great way for students to show off their leadership skills, presentation skills and creativity.

Similar to the Shark Tank TV show, students in small groups will come up with a product, a pitch and a presentation. This activity can span across one class or multiple classes, depending on how much time and effort you want students to put into this assignment.

To make this activity extra fun, select a panel of students to be the “Sharks”. Their objective will be to bring up questions, find the flaws in the product and give credit, where credit is due.

Even though the Shark Tank game seems like it might apply best to business and marketing classes, this activity can be played by any group of students for and adapted for any subject.

When I was in college, this was one of the best activities that left a positive impact on me. It’s a really fun way to get the class interested and engaged in an activity.

Kahoot! is a trivia game that is great for new students. Most high school students and new students are probably already familiar with this game, and it’s super easy to set up.

Before you play this game in class, you will first need to enter the trivia questions on the Kahoot website. Once this is done, you can set up the game by logging into your account.

When you are ready, you will be given a code which students should type into their phone to join the game. Divide the students into teams. Team members will have to answer the multiple choice questions gameshow style.

This activity is loads of fun and a good way to get the class involved. Kahoot does not take much time to set up or play, and it’s a great way to test students on course material.

3. Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt around campus was one of the first activities I did as a new student. This was a great ice breaker which allowed me to make new friends, get used to campus and have fun.

For this activity, you will need to come up with some sights around campus that students can visit. Once this is done, divide the students into groups and they will have to go on a scavenger hunt!

Students can take pictures of the sights and the winning time can get a prize. Scavenger hunts are always a fun group activity and a friendly competition that students will love.

Related: 75 Side Hustles For College Students & Ways To Make Money

4. Elevator Pitch

The elevator pitch is an activity that I did when I was in college and I didnt realize how valuable it would be later on in life. For this activity, students have to come up with a 30 second pitch about themselves.

They can talk about their interests, hobbies , job, career, what they are studying etc.

This activity will even come in handy after a student is done their college years. As someone who graduated recently, I find myself giving the elevator pitch constantly when I meet new people.

Related: 12 Best Backpacks For College Guys

5. Two Truths and a Lie

Two truths and a Lie is a class game and a great ice breaker. This is a great activity for students to get familiar with new people and learns some little things about their classmates.

This is a very easy game to organize, students will be separated into small groups. The students will the have to tell their group members two truths and a lie. Their classmates will have to try and guess the lie.

6. Question of The Day

Question of the day is a fun activity for students to express themselves. At the beginning of class you should ask your students a question. Then ask them to write a paragraph answering the question.

This is a good creative outlet and a great way for students to practice critical thinking. This activity can be done a few times during the school year or regularly throughout the semester.

Here are some examples of questions you can ask your class:

• What is the biggest struggle that young people are currently facing?
• Where will technology be in 10 years?
• Would remote learning improve your academic experience? why or why not.
• If you could go back to middle school, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
• Should men and women be allowed to live in dorm rooms together? why or why not.

A potluck is a fun activity that students will absolutely love. Speaking as a former student, I can guarantee that I’m not skipping class if I know there will be food!

There are so many different ways of doing this activity. Students can make food using local produce, students can make a food from their culture or students can make their best recipe.

This is a super fun way to celebrate the end of the semester and a great activity that students will love.

Doing a debate is a great way to get students to fully immerse and inform themselves on a topic. The great thing about doing a debate is that students will get educated on both sides of the matter at hand.

Doing a debate was one of the more memorable and fun classroom activities I did during my time in college. Having an in-class debate will boost student involvement, because no student wants to look uninformed in front of the class.

Start by dividing the class into a few different groups. Then, assign each group a topic and give them some time to prepare. Regardless of the outcome, a debate will have a positive impact on your students.

9. Local Tour

This activity is great for freshman. Giving a local tour is a great way to show the students around campus and even the college town. For many students, college can be an overwhelming experience. Therefore, giving them a local tour will make them feel more comfortable.

Consider showing them where the gyms are, the dining hall, where they can sign up for clubs and where they can meet with faculty members. These are some essential places that every college student should know.

10. Cup Pong

Now, we all know that beer pong is part of the college experience, but who says it can’t be educational? This game is super easy to set up and it will get the whole class participating, excited and having fun.

To set this game up, all you will need is 12 red solo cups, a bit of water and some questions to ask your students.

Begin by separating the class into two teams.

Each team will have the chance to answer a question. If they get it right, they get to take a shot. If they get it wrong, the other team gets the chance to answer. The game goes on until there are no cups left!

Playing cup pong may seem like an unconventional way of teaching, but it will get the class involved and the students will have a blast.

11. Case Studies

As someone who studied business in college, I did my fair share of case studies. A case study is an amazing way to learn about the ins and outs of a specific business and industry.

The cases assigned to students can be adapted based on the subject matter being taught in the course. This is one of the teaching methods that prepared me the most for the real world.

Case studies can be done individually or in larger groups. If you expect a lot out of your students, giving a divided assignment and a lot of time for them to complete it, will ensure that they learn a lot and do a good job.

12. Guest Speakers

Having the class attend a guess speaker lecture is a good way to give your students a break from regular student life. Sometimes, having a laid back class where they get to hear a guest speaker is a nice change.

Having your students attend a live event, like a guest speaker, will get them out of their dorm rooms and attending the event.

13. Video Presentation

Video presentations are a really fun activity for students to express their creativity. It’s super easy for a group of students to create video presentations using social media apps like TikTok or Instagram.

You can have students create an advertisement, skit or educational video on a specific topic. When I was in college, these were my favorite kind of group activities. It was so much fun seeing what other students would create.

14. Hangman

Now, we all know the classic game Hangman. However, it’s a great ice breaker for new students. When freshman first arrive to college, they are super nervous. S o playing a game of hangman can put them at ease.

To make things interesting, give a small prize to the first student who guesses the answer.

15. Word Limit Answers

Word limit answers are is a creative way for students to express themselves. This may sound like a lazy student’s dream, but it’s actually more challenging than you might think.

Having your students answer a question with a limited word limit is pretty hard. Students will have fun with this activity and they will have to get creative when answering the question.

16. Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down is an ice breaker that every student is going to be familiar with. This is a game that students in elementary school, middle school and high school have all played before.

A few students come up to the front of the class, while the rest put their heads down on the desk, with their thumbs up. Each of the students standing at the front must choose one person at a desk, and put their thumb down.

The students who had their thumbs put down then have to guess who did it. This is a great way to have new students feel at ease in college.

17. Interview Role Play

Interview role play is an awesome activity for current students who are nearing the end of their time in college. Have your students pair up in groups, give them a scenario and have them interview each other.

This is a great activity, as you will have some students in leadership rolls doing the interview. Those students who are being interviewed are going to get valuable experience as well.

18. Attend an Upcoming Event

On college campus, there is always some sort of interesting upcoming event that is happening. Invite your students to a great event on that’s happening campus and they will have loads of fun.

Here are some educational, fun and special event ideas:

• Live concert
• Cultural events
• Sporting events
• Guest speaker

19. Breakout Rooms

Breakout rooms were a very popular method of getting students to interact when online classes were happening. It encouraged students to have group discussions, get to know each other and help one another get better grades.

Breakout rooms can be done in person and also online. Many students really liked doing school remotely, so having an online breakout room class once in a while is fun change.

20. Therapy Dogs

There are plenty of programs that will bring therapy dogs to schools. You may need to have this run by the office of student activities, but it’s a really good one.

Therapy dogs are great for mental health. Plus, what student doesn’t want to spend some time with adorable dogs?

College can be hard on students and get stressful . A recent study suggests that dogs lower stress , so why not bring animals in for your class and even the whole student body?

21. Building Card Towers

Building card towers is a super activity that encourages classmates to work together to achieve the common goal of building a card tower.

To run this activity, you will need to separate the class into groups, give each group a deck of cards and let them figure it out. This is one of the most fun ice breakers and a great way for students to make new friendships.

22. Mystery Puzzle

A mystery puzzle is another fantastic ice breaker that gets students working together. This one takes a bit of creativity, but if done properly, students will really enjoy it.

Begin by creating a few scenarios that cover a various different themes. When the mystery is created, separate the classroom into groups and have them solve it!

23. Favourite Song Project

Every student listens to music on their free time. What better way to get them engaged in an activity than to ask them to write about their favorite songs?

This is a really easy activity to organize. Just ask your students to write a bit about their favorite song, or songs, and why they like it so much.

24. Photo Challenge

The photo challenge is a great ice breaker for new students. This is a nice way for freshman to get familiar with the college campuses and get see what similar interests they have with their classmates.

For this activity, students will have to either take a cool, fun or interesting photo around campus and present it to the class. The more effort and creativity that goes into this challenge, the more fun it will be.

Related: How to Make Money as a College Student

25. Classroom Charades

Everyone knows how to play charades. Charades is a great game to get students out of their comfort zone and to create an environment in class where students feel comfortable.

For some students, they may feel shy or absolutely dread the idea of going up and doing charades in front of the whole class. It’s important that everyone has fun and feels comfortable doing this activity.

26. Bus Trip

In college, activities are often done indoors, but what about the outdoor activities? Taking a bus trip to a local museum or a local landmark is a great way to get students out of the classroom.

It’s a fun way to get to know your students outside of class and one of my most memorable trips I ever did in college, was an overnight camping trip. I got to know my teacher really well on the drive down and made some awesome memories.

27. Board Games

Nowadays, it can be hard to get a Gen Zer to name 5 different board games. For many college students, playing board games is a really fun experience.

There are some cool board games that can be played in the classroom and it’s a real change from phone games or video games. Having a class where you play some board games will a great activity for the whole class!

Board Game Recommendations:

• Snakes and Ladders
• Connect Four
• The Game of Life

28. Community Service Activity

If you’re looking to show school spirit while making a positive impact on campus, consider organizing a community service day. This is a great opportunity for students to bond with each other while making a positive impact on the community.

Invite students to volunteer at local organizations. Whether at an animal shelter, a nursing home, or a hospital.

If planning a field trip is not an option, you can always do something on campus. Organizing a trash cleanup is a good way to get the students outside and do something positive for the community.

29. Adult Coloring Books

If you’re looking for an activity that college students absolutely love, then check out Adult Coloring Books! This activity is relaxing engaging, making students feel young again.

Throughout my time in college, I had one teacher plan this activity during exam time. She gave the class the option of studying or doing adult coloring, and most students decided to color.

Coloring was an excellent way to wake our minds off of exams, and it was quite therapeutic.

30. Use YouTube For Classroom Activities

YouTube is a great tool for classroom activities. On YouTube, there are plenty of useful resources that can lead to some fantastic class discussions. Throughout my time in college, the professors would use TED Talks to inspire us and to get the class talking.

There are plenty of YouTube videos that encourage students to think outside of the box. Oftentimes, these videos can be very impactful, and they will resonate with them.

31. Collaborative Concept Mapping

Splitting the students into small parties and having them develop a concept map is a great activity that encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and group discussion. Since a concept map requires students to work together, this is a great activity for students to break the ice.

Start by giving the student a blank sheet of paper and giving them a concept. After 10-15 minutes, most groups should be done and ready to share their ideas with the class.

You can end this activity by having the students present their concept map to the class.

32. Crazy Hair Day

When it comes to campus events that get student engagement, Crazy Hair Day always works!

Planning a day where students can come to school with crazy hair is one of the best college event ideas. This activity is great because any student can get involved, it’s easy to plan.

A good way to encourage students to come to school with crazy hair is by making it a competition. Around lunchtime, host an event where students can vote on who has the craziest hair!

This is a great activity for Spirit Week, and it is a fun way to get your fellow students excited about an event.

33. The One-Minute Paper

If you’re looking for a fun activity for college students, consider trying the One-Minute Paper. This fun activity encourages students to think independently and develop their writing skills.

For this activity, you will begin by giving the students a prompt. The students will have one minute to write about the prompt, and then they can either read it to the class or submit it to the teacher.

This is an activity that I did several times throughout college, and I always found it a fun way to build writing skills.

34. Moral Dilemmas

Moral Dilemma is an interactive activity encouraging students to converse and voice their opinions.

For this activity, you create a few groups of students and provide them with an ethical dilemma. Students will then have to think outside the box and come up with a creative solution.

When students are coming up with a solution, they may share their personal experiences, which can lead to some heated discussions. It’s important to monitor the conversations and make sure students are pushing the conversations forward instead of arguing.

35. Movie Day

If you’re looking for an activity that every student loves, planning a movie day is a great idea. These movies can be classics, educational, or relevant to a theme you are trying to cover.

As students, we appreciate a fun activity that doesn’t involve “traditional” school work. Even if it’s a movie that leads to an assignment, college students will appreciate it.

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Final Thoughts on 35 Fun Activities For College Students

Getting a classroom full of college students to participate in an activity can be a real challenge. On the bright side, there are plenty of activities that are tons of fun for college students.

As a recent college graduate myself, I can say that all these activities mentioned above are really fun and a great way for students to get to know their classmates and teacher better.

What’s your favorite activity for college students? Please let me know in the comments below.

Ethan Schattauer

3 thoughts on “ 35 Fun Activities for College Students (interactive, team building, games)  ”

“I can guarantee that I’m not skipping class if I know there will be food!”…..haaa, truth though….total truth! 😁✌🏼

Crazy Hair Day – oh my gosh, I literally LOL’d when I saw that one! 😂💯

If I were one of the college students, I think my favorite activities would be Kahoot! (love that name), Two Truths and a Lie, the potluck, a bus trip, and definitely those coloring books – crayons, coloring, and drawing are the best!

Mr. Ethan – would love to see a post under lifestyle/miscellaneous where you give your own personal recommendations of some good books to read that are authored by Gen Z’ers.

The minds of Gen Z are….to be perfectly honest here…legendary. I’ve watched several online movies and series that revolve around Gen Z, not to mention witnessing the actual lives of Gen Z’ers that I know in real life, and the mindset with which you guys face this often times crazy world that you were born into is so uniquely smart and respectable. You are a generation that is both futuristic and classic at the same time – as I always say, you rock a bold 80’s vibe with a far superior level of 20’s sophistication.

The thoughts you guys have about life and the world in general are so on point and profound. I have had some of the most brilliantly engaging conversations ever with the 20-something members of your gen, and I would love to find at least one good book that delves even further into the inner mind and perspective of its Gen Z author as they navigate life in the new millennium.

Wow, superb blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is magnificent, as well as the content!

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15 active learning activities to energize your next college class

The evidence just keeps growing – postsecondary students engage more, learn more and accomplish more with active learning. In yet another proof point, a meta-analysis from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that student exam scores improved 6% when active learning approaches were used. And students in traditional classes were 1.5 times more likely to fail than those being taught with interactive methods.

Are you ready to move to a different way of teaching but need some ideas to get you started? Or maybe you’ve been running your courses this way for years but want ideas that work for hybrid and HyFlex learning. Whether your classes are in person, online or somewhere in between, here are 15 active learning activities to try with your students this semester.

1. Think-pair-repair

In this twist on think-pair-share , pose an open-ended question to your class and ask students to come up with their best answer. Next, pair learners up and get them to agree on a response. Get two pairs together, and the foursome needs to do the same thing. Continue until half the group goes head to head with the other half. If some of your students are online, breakout rooms in your conferencing software let you do the same thing virtually. Here’s how it works in Zoom .

2. Improv games

If your classroom is museum-level quiet no matter how you try to liven things up, try some low-stakes (read: not embarrassing) improv activities. In the three things in common game , pairs figure out the most unexpected things they share (this can also be done online in breakout rooms). Or challenge your students to count to 20 as a group with one person saying each number – but no one is assigned a number, and if two people talk at the same time, everyone starts again at 1. (If some students are in the room and some remote, you’ll need classroom audio with full-room coverage for this to work. Here’s how Nureva ® audio can help .)

3. Brainwriting

You’ve probably tried brainstorming, but have you tried brainwriting ? In this approach, students are given time to come up with their own ideas individually before sharing them out loud or posting them to an online whiteboard or other shared platform. Building in space for individual reflection leads to better ideas and less groupthink.

Help students build accountability by teaching each other. Start by dividing them into “home groups” (4 or 5 people works well). Again, breakout rooms in Zoom or Google Meet make this simple even if some people are remote. Assign each person in the group a different topic to explore – they’ll regroup to work with all the students from the other groups who are exploring the same idea. Once they’ve mastered the concept, students return to their home group and everyone shares newfound expertise.

5. Concept mapping

Collaborative concept mapping  is a great way for students to step away from their individual perspectives. Groups can do this to review previous work, or it can help them map ideas for projects and assignments. In pre-COVID times, you may have covered classroom walls with sticky notes and chart paper – now there are many online tools that make it simple to map out connections between ideas.

6. The one-minute paper

How much could you explain in one minute? At the end of class, set a timer and ask students to record their most eye-opening revelation or biggest question. This activity lets students reflect on learning and build writing skills – plus you’ll get a window into their understandings and misunderstandings. Here are  more prompts  you can use to get students writing.

7. Real-time reactions

When students are watching a video, a mini lecture or another student’s presentation, have them share their real-time reactions. This helps students spot trends and consider new points of view. You can set up a hashtag to allow for  live tweeting , or use the chat function in your conferencing software.

8. Chain notes

Write several questions on pieces of paper and pass each to a student. The first student adds a response (use a timer to keep things moving quickly) and then passes the page along to gather more responses. Multiple contributions help build more complete understanding. A digital alternative involves using shared documents that multiple students are invited to edit. Then your class can examine the responses and identify patterns and missing pieces.

9. Idea line up

Choose a question that has a range of responses, and then ask students where they stand – literally. Have them come to the front of the classroom and organize themselves in a line, based on where on the spectrum of answers they find themselves. In a hybrid classroom, get them to place themselves on a virtual number line instead.

10. Mystery quotation

Test how well students can apply their understanding of an issue or theoretical position. After they’ve explored a topic, show them a quotation about it they’ve never seen before. Their task is to figure out the point of view of the person behind the quotation – and justify it to the class. Students can debate this issue in small breakout groups before beginning a whole-class discussion.

11. Idea speed dating

Have students cycle through your space, or through breakout rooms in Zoom or Google Meet, sharing insights about a topic or their elevator pitch for an upcoming project. As they present their learnings multiple times on several “ speed dates ,” students’ presentation skills and perspectives will grow.

12. Peer review

The process of peer review is as old as academia, and it’s never too early to start. Have students swap drafts of their essays, proposals or lab reports, and then come up with comments and questions for each other. Make sure to be clear about what the goals are (using rubrics helps). For example, students could identify compelling arguments, unanswered questions and holes in logic.

13. Quescussion

Ever played Jeopardy? Then you’re ready for quescussion. It’s like a standard class discussion but only questions are allowed (students call “Statement!” if someone slips up). If you play this game at the beginning of the course, the questions can help shape your course. If you have students both in the room and calling in from a distance, make sure the remote learners get equal airtime and that your audio system is picking up student voices clearly.

14. Sketchnoting

Instead of taking traditional lecture notes, try getting your students to sketch a picture that represents what they’ve learned during class. Remember, it’s not about the quality of the art – it’s about how drawing prompts students to visualize their understanding and look at their learning from a different perspective.

15. Empathy mapping

Take a page from the designers’ handbook and get students to explore deeper by embracing a perspective. It’s deceptively simple – write down what a person says, thinks, does and feels . The ability to slow down and immerse yourself in another point of view is valuable. In design thinking, empathy maps help designers create better products for users. But this process can be just as valuable for analyzing characters from literature, historical figures or political stances.

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Discover the easiest and most cost-effective way to equip your classrooms for engaged hybrid learning. Nureva ® audio systems ensure that student and instructor voices are picked up in every inch of the classroom – with no need for expensive multicomponent setups.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published August 2018 and has been updated.

Topics: Higher education Hybrid learning

Posted on April 2, 2020

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18 Fun Online Games to Play at School for Higher Ed Students

The quest to captivate the minds of students is a challenge, especially if you teach a hybrid or virtual class. But what if learning could be as engaging as playing your favorite video game?

The concept of gamification in education has gained immense popularity, and for good reason. It transforms traditional lectures into interactive, immersive experiences. (Remember what it was like playing The Oregon Trail back in the day?)

These days there are multiple educational games and apps like Poll Everywhere that can help you transform your classroom. But with so many options, how do you choose? We’re sharing 18 of our favorite fun games to play at school online so you can narrow down your list to the best of the best!

Why play virtual games in higher ed classrooms?

Games enhance understanding and knowledge retention.

Games incorporate active learning, which encourages students to apply their knowledge and problem-solving skills. Think about the last time you played a puzzle or escape room game. You had to apply your critical-thinking skills to solve the puzzle or escape the room.

Additionally, games encourage students to come up with creative solutions. In contrast, traditional education methods tend to squash creativity by requiring both educators and learners to achieve uniform learning outcomes.

Gamification is also shown to boost knowledge retention and performance. A 2023 paper from Columbia Business School notes that gamified training improved employee retention and performance outcomes. The study’s authors ascribe this success to engaging elements like challenges, competition, and rewards, all of which can be applied to gain the same benefits in higher education classrooms.

Games are adaptable

With such a variety of online games available and multiple customization options, it’s easy for educators to adapt these learning tools to the needs of their classrooms.

Many educational games also use a variety of formats, including visuals, text, and even the movement of objects in 3D space. This promotes a more inclusive learning environment that better caters to students’ learning preferences.

Games develop essential skills

While games are often based on fantasy or science fiction, they still teach real-world skills. These include problem-solving, time management, negotiation, and critical thinking.

A Minecraft player crafts a creative solution to automate wheat farming. (Source: JC Playz on YouTube )

For example, Minecraft requires students to build efficient bases and come up with solutions to gather resources and fight off enemies. Players can take a simple approach by building 8-bit fortifications and hunting creatures for items like wool and meat. Or they can craft automated systems that apply creative solutions to the challenges the game poses.

18 educational and fun games to play at school online

Without further ado, here are some of the best games and fun activities to get your in-person, hybrid, and virtual classrooms buzzing:

Games for any subject

1. icebreakers.

Kick off class discussions with Poll Everywhere’s icebreaker questions. (Source: Poll Everywhere )

Works for: Online, in-person, and hybrid classes

The start of a semester can be awkward for both instructors and students. Thankfully, icebreakers can transform a room full of strangers into a vibrant community of engaged, collaborative learners.

Use Poll Everywhere to pose a question of your choice and display everyone’s answers with the Word Cloud feature. A mobile app like Poll Everywhere ensures all students get to participate by responding with their cell phones. Even in a hybrid or virtual class, this lets everyone chime in.

Discover more fun ways to start class: Here are 10 interactive presentation games you can play with Poll Everywhere.

2. Minecraft

A project designed by Dr. Valentina DeNardis, director of classical studies at Villanova, required students to recreate ancient landmarks. (Source: Minecraft Education )

Works for: Online classrooms (possibly hybrid and in-person if students bring their personal computers)

Most everyone who plays games on a computer knows about Minecraft, but did you know this popular game also offers educational opportunities? The Minecraft Education site features multiple tutorials for using the building game to engage students in science, math, history, art, and many other classes.

3. Google Earth scavenger hunt

If you and your students are feeling particularly adventurous, a Google Earth scavenger hunt is a great way to take them on a virtual field trip.

Challenge students to find and screenshot the seven wonders of the world or locations mentioned in literature, science, and history. Some ideas include the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array in Chile, or Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts.

4. “What if…” scenarios

Get students invested in classroom discussion by posing a broad question or “What if…” scenario that could have multiple correct answers. Have students write down their answers in a discussion thread, on a collaborative whiteboard, through a Poll Everywhere open-ended question , or share them verbally.

The main goal is to encourage students to express their thoughts and opinions. No matter their answer, students must use critical thinking to communicate their answer successfully and why they believe it’s correct. This type of intellectual exchange allows students to learn from you as well as each other.

5. Jeopardy!

Most everyone knows and loves Jeopardy!, so why not use it to review for upcoming assessments?

You can put together your own game board or start with a template for Google Slides . Select five different topics and five trivia questions for each topic. Don’t forget to add a Daily Double to the board as well, which awards participants double points if they get the answer right. Additionally, you’ll want to create a question for Final Jeopardy.

Try this: Challenge your class to a round of trivia with pre-built Poll Everywhere Competitions.

English and foreign language

6. duolingo.

Put students’ foreign language skills to the test with Duolingo’s in-app challenges and games. Students learn new vocabulary and conjugations in research-backed lessons, then quiz themselves with matching games and word hunts—or rise through the ranks in competitive leagues.

7. Role-play games

Students can challenge their vocabulary skills by starting a new game of Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, or Pokémon in another language. These role-play games often feature everyday elements such as families, towns, and dialogue. With help from in-game context, students can apply their foreign language skills to complete quests.

P.S. This also makes role-play games excellent learning experiences for English as a second language (ESL) students.

8. Scribblenauts Unlimited

Scribblenauts Unlimited encourages students to write scripts for nouns, adjectives, and verbs to solve puzzles and help the game’s characters. (Source: Steam )

In Scribblenauts, anything students type becomes real. The goal of this word game is to use these powers to help the game’s characters and solve puzzles. Using a magic notebook, students make nouns become unique objects, change those objects with adjectives, and use verbs to make those objects take certain actions.

“I’ve used it … to expand my English vocabulary quite a bit,” writes Reddit user KrevetkaOS .

9. Pictionary

This classic game is rooted in the age-old joy of drawing and guessing. Pictionary encourages students to get creative to represent language in visual ways and use deductive thinking to solve the puzzle.

Teaching a virtual or hybrid classroom? Use a whiteboard app like Canva to break the monotony of lectures and foster a lively and interactive learning environment.

10. Euclidea

Students must apply their geometry skills to discover solutions to Euclidea’s puzzles in the fewest possible moves. This math game starts by reviewing foundational skills like line and angle bisectors, then quickly moves to more challenging Euclidean constructions like golden sections.

11. RollerCoaster Tycoon: Deluxe

RollerCoaster Tycoon: Deluxe teaches students business finance and budget management. (Source: Steam )

This classic simulation game combines business math, money management, and resource management. Students must build the biggest and best amusement park rides and make money in a volatile business environment. This includes hitting a target revenue, paying back loans (with interest, of course), and budgeting to sustainably expand their park.

The New York Times offers free sudoku puzzles at easy, medium, and hard difficulties. (Source: NYTimes )

Sudoku is almost like a crossword puzzle with numbers. In this game, players must fill out a nine-by-nine grid so that every row, column, and three-by-three box contains the numbers one through nine—no repeats allowed.

While the game itself doesn’t require students to use advanced equations, it does promote familiarity with numbers and is an excellent way to start class.

Wake students up: These five distance learning activities are sure to spice up your online class.

13. SpaceChem

In SpaceChem, players must transform raw materials into chemical products. The game focuses on constructing factories and improving efficiency to overcome challenges and meet production quotas.

While the chemicals aren’t real, the game still requires students to approach crafting with an experimental mindset, develop hypotheses, and design chemical reactions.

14. Kerbal Space Program

Kerbal Space Program requires students to use real-life physics and astronautics science to send their little green men into space. (Source: Steam )

In this game, students must create and manage a space program. This includes building spacecraft and sending the game’s little green men, Kerbals, into space. While that may seem easy, the game takes things up a notch by using realistic orbital physics that requires students to use maneuvers like Hohmann transfer orbits.

Getting Kerbals into orbit is so realistic that the game received praise from NASA, the European Space Administration, and more.

15. Scratch coding projects

Scratch teaches students how to code by walking them through different projects. (Source: Scratch )

If you teach a computer science class, Scratch may offer a break from your usual lines of code. Using a friendly visual coding approach, Scratch helps new coders learn the basics of coding projects that make letters dance, move objects around the screen, and more.

Scratch also offers multiple tutorials, guides, and support groups for educators to share ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another.

16. This War of Mine

Based on the siege of Sarajevo and other modern-day conflicts, this survival video game doesn’t put students on the front line but rather in the shoes of civilians. The idea is to avoid glorifying war and provide a more realistic view of the suffering it causes.

This War of Mine is critically acclaimed, and in 2020, the Polish Chancellery of the Prime Minister added it to the country’s list of recommended high school reading.

17. Crusader Kings

Crusader Kings III requires students to understand historical laws in order to build their dynasty. (Source: Steam )

This medieval-themed game may seem like yet another fictional depiction of feudal life where monarchs could do whatever they wanted. But as Reddit user Lengyel2 says , “Crusader Kings teaches the player that it’s not true, kings were also the subjects of feudal law just as much as their vassals.”

18. Model UN

Cultivating well-rounded and globally aware students is a necessity in today’s classrooms, and you can use classroom games to help students improve their diplomacy, critical thinking, and negotiation skills. A model United Nations (UN) simulation can be a fun and highly engaging exercise where students can step into the shoes of international diplomats.

Using a random country generator , you can assign each student a country they must represent in the given scenario. Along with current events, you can choose from historical event scenarios—the United Nations Association of Greater Boston offers free ideas for Model UN scenarios if you’re out of ideas.

Tips for impactful classroom gaming

Maximize learning and minimize chaos with these tips for adding games to your classroom :

• Choose the right game: Pick games that align with your subject and learning goals. Or choose an app that’s flexible enough to gamify your course content, like Poll Everywhere.
• Set clear objectives: Don't just let the game play itself. Define what you want students to achieve, whether it's reviewing specific concepts or practicing critical thinking skills.
• Get everyone involved: Encourage participation and inclusivity by ensuring all students understand how to play the game and its objectives.
• Embrace the fun: Remember, this is supposed to make learning enjoyable. Loosen up, laugh, and don't be afraid to let students get a little competitive.

Build online games into your lesson plans with Poll Everywhere

Online games for higher-ed classrooms are like a cheat code for student engagement. Additionally, games are shown to build bonds and nurture cooperation along with exercising students’ critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

We challenge you to change up your teaching style and team up with your students in epic adventures with these 18 fun games to play at school online. Engaging classroom tech like Poll Everywhere makes it easy to capture students’ attention without spending hours, days, or weeks designing interactive games.

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Student Engagement

Student Development

30+ Experiential Learning Activities For The Classroom, Campus & Beyond

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When we think of education, we tend to separate classroom learning from experiential learning. For college students across thousands of colleges and universities, much learning takes place outside of the classroom. However, experiential learning can also take place inside the classroom. 

What is Experiential Learning?

Psychologist David Kolb described experiential learning as “the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience.” According to Kolb, experiential learning occurs in a cycle of four phases:

Concrete experience: Trying something new and seeing what happens

Reflective observation: Reflecting on the positive and negative aspects of the experience

Abstract conceptualization: Comparing the experience with existing knowledge, altering understanding based on the outcome and developing new questions as a result

Active experimentation: Developing a new experiment to explore questions that arose

Experiential learning activities have long been a major contributor to learning. One study from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that in classrooms where active learning had taken place, students’ exam scores increased by 6%. For college students, they provide valuable hands-on learning experiences that students cannot gain from traditional classroom activities, such as lectures, alone. Experiential learning has many benefits on students. It helps them focus, learn more quickly, and learn in a new way.

“ Employers are often looking for students who have had these types of experiences as part of their education, because of the value that comes with having students exposed to real-world problems and working on those problems in real-world situations," Matthew Theriot, an associate provost at the University of Tennessee, said to U.S. News & World Report . 

What Do Universities Need to Implement Successful Experiential Learning Activities?

Higher education institutions spend millions each year on student experiences, but higher education leaders often fail to connect these experiences to students’ learning. Without having a way to measure the value of these programs, how do these institutions know what works?

Suitable’s mobile-friendly digital solutions provide this missing link. By tracking students’ campus involvement , student affairs personnel and other higher education leaders have data they can evaluate to measure educational outcomes.

Let’s take a look at 10 examples of experiential learning activities that can take place both outside and inside the classroom.

• Apprenticeships Apprenticeships, which typically last one to three years, are paid and structured pre-professional opportunities that provide students with hands-on experience in their chosen profession with more specialized training and mentoring than internships. Apprentices also receive a specialized industry credential upon completion.
• Business Simulations For students studying business management or entrepreneurship, nothing beats the hands-on experience of starting a business. This can be done within a college classroom through a simulation or as an assignment for students to develop a business. Some college students even start successful businesses (such as Mark Zuckerberg, who started Facebook from his dorm room).
• Case Studies Case studies expose college students to real-world scenarios where they put their problem solving skills to work. Students gain valuable skills in critical thinking.
• Field Work Field work provides college students the opportunity to apply classroom learning in a setting away from the classroom. Field work experiences might include settings such as laboratories or archeological dig sites.
• Practicums A practicum is typically an unpaid experience that exposes college students to the day-in, day-out realities of their chosen field — along with college credit. It provides valuable opportunities for students to make observations and learn if a certain profession is a good fit. A practicum can take place off campus or on campus, such as within a specific department or office.
• Professional Development Organizations / Events Attending professional development workshops and events provides valuable learning opportunities to college students that extend beyond the classroom.
• Service Learning Service learning opportunities connect classroom learning with real-world community problem solving. While the term service learning is often used interchangeably with volunteering, a volunteer experience is typically less structured and does not involve an academic component. A service learning experience might involve learning about a problem within the community before putting their problem solving skills to work within a community nonprofit organization.
• Study Away Programs Study away programs enable college students to study in another setting without going abroad. For example, they might spend a semester studying at another national university, gaining hands-on experience in a city best for their chosen field. Journalism students may study in Washington, D.C., while film students might study in Los Angeles.
• Undergraduate Research Undergraduate research provides college students an invaluable opportunity to contribute to their chosen field by working with a faculty member on a research project. Whether seeking employment post-graduation or pursuing graduate study,   undergraduate research provides an impressive skill and resume builder.
• Virtual Reality in the Classroom With virtual reality, students can experience a totally different environment from their classroom, just by putting on a virtual reality (VR) headset. This simulation helps students feel as if they are in the middle of the action, whether flying an airplane, exploring outer space or witnessing a historical event.

Experiential learning activities do not end here. These are just a handful of the many types of learning opportunities — both inside and outside the classroom — available to college students. For our full list of 30+ experiential learning activities, download our guide here .

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Campus engagement models: traditional engagement methods outside the classroom.

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Strategies for Student Engagement During COVID-19

Classroom Q&A

With larry ferlazzo.

In this EdWeek blog, an experiment in knowledge-gathering, Ferlazzo will address readers’ questions on classroom management, ELL instruction, lesson planning, and other issues facing teachers. Send your questions to [email protected]. Read more from this blog.

17 Favorite Classroom-Learning Games

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(This is the first post in a two-part series.)

The new question-of-the-week is:

What are your favorite classroom games?

I’m taking a break from finishing the series on teacher observations and, instead, sharing this series on classroom-learning games.

In the midst of the pandemic, I’m finding games an essential part of classroom instruction. They serve two (and many more) purposes: engagement in learning and distraction from COVID.

Today, Shannon Jones, Jennifer Bay-Williams, Molly Ness, and Sheniqua Johnson share their favorites.

You might also be interested in several game collections I’ve created. You can find all the updated lists here , and here are a few key ones:

The Best Online Learning Games t o Play During Distance Learning

The Best Ideas f or Using Games i n the ESL/EFL/ELL Classroom

The Best Websites f or Creating Online Learning Games

Now, to today’s guests:

Shannon Jones is a 15-year educator working in Wheaton, Md. She is a focus teacher for students in kindergarten through 5th grades. She can be reached at [email protected] or @MsJonesLuvsMath:

Learning games are an effective way for students to review current and previously taught content. Zaretta Hammond states that: “The very act of playing the game encourages the brain to strengthen the new neural pathways by making the learner continuously search his memory for information.” I typically use learning games during my small-group time. I also may use them at the beginning of a lesson to spark engagement and raise the energy level in my classroom.

The text Mini-lessons for Math Practice by Rusty Bresser and Caren Holtzman is full of quick and engaging math games that are great for brain breaks in the classroom and time fillers for the very end of the school day. Several of my favorites from this text include: Digit Place, Estimation Jar, Whole-Class Pig, and Guess My Rule.

Mall Math from The Great Big Book of Super-Fun Math Activities’ Jean Liccione is year after year one of my students’ favorite games. Students are provided with a menu of items from different stores at the mall that they can buy. Students use the spinner to choose a store from which to buy or return items. The game reinforces adding and subtracting decimals, but the students love the shopping and choosing aspect.

Battleship can be played with either the coordinate grid system or place value. In the place-value version, each player builds a secret nine-digit number, and students take turns guessing the place value of their partner’s digits. This is a great way to fortify knowledge of place value because students are required to use place-value language on each of their turns.

Rio, from A Month-to-Month Guide: Fourth-Grade Math by Lainie Schuster or the game Knock It Off are games that focus on the most challenging of the multiplication facts. Typically, I choose the 6s, 7s, 8s, or 9s to set up the board due to the challenging nature of these facts. Focusing on just one set of facts at a time, students roll a 12-sided dice or find the sum of two six-sided dice, then they multiply their number by 6, 7, 8, or 9 depending on the game board they’ve chosen. They win by using all of their 10 “chips.”

Fraction War is played with the same rules as the popular card game War. Students have a deck of like or unlike fractions. They take turns flipping over a card, then they compare the size of their fractions to determine a winner for each round.

Minecraft and Fortnite are currently very popular with my students, and it is always great when you can take a current trend that is in demand with your students and turn it into a game that meets one of your grade-level standards. The figures from Minecraft can be printed in color on 10 by 10 or 5 by 10 grids. Students can then work in learning centers to determine the fraction, decimal, and percent that is shaded. With Fortnite, print the map in either one or four quadrants, and students can work to find the coordinates of given places and their reflections, etc.

Some of my favorite online games include: Nearpod’s Time to Climb, Kahoot, Quizziz, and Blooket. My students enjoyed each of these games during virtual learning. All of these games can easily be played in the classroom, with some even offering a self-paced version that is ideal for independent learning in the classroom.

Game Criteria

Jennifer Bay-Williams works with preservice and practicing teachers as a professor at the University of Louisville and with teachers all over the world through conferences and workshops. She is the author of over a dozen books, including two books with Corwin Press Figuring O ut Fluency in Mathematics Teaching and Learning , K-8 and Everything Y ou Need for Mathematics :

I love games. My favorite games involve mathematical reasoning. Over the years, I have found and created hundreds of games. Today, as I select or create games, here is what I consider.

• Is there a speed component? If yes, it is a “ no ” for me. When students are in a hurry, they can’t think straight. You can probably relate.
• Are students solving the same problem? Well, this goes back to the last bullet. If two or more people are solving the same problem, the faster thinker dominates the thinking in the game. This is a “ no ” for me.
• How is winning determined? If it is based on who knows more, or is faster, or any other personal attribute, then this is a “ no ” for me. No student should feel less “smart” than the person they are partnered with, even if they are competing to win a game.

With a scan for these three pitfalls, here is short list of what I hope to find, or that I build in, to games that make the cut:

• Student reasoning is embedded. Many games have strategies to win the games, but what I want in a game is reasoning strategies related to the mathematics.
• Students can learn from their opponent or partner as they play.
• I (and other teachers) can see and hear student reasoning as they play.
• It is adaptable and reusable (so we don’t get bogged down in a new game taking time to learn the directions).

A few favorites. It is really hard to pick, but here are two that I hold up for different reasons.

Rectangle Fit. Students have grid paper (e.g., 25 by 15). The teacher rolls two die, which are the sides of a rectangle. Students fit that rectangle on their grid paper and record the product inside that rectangle. Teacher rolls again. Eventually, the teacher rolls something like 5 and 6, and some students cannot fit that rectangle on their grid. These students are out of the game. Winners are the last ones still playing.

Why I like this game: It connects visual representation to multiplication facts and helps students “see” commutativity. It is easily adaptable—use regular die for smaller products, 10-sided die for larger; you can even adapt to decimals! Change the grid size. Play with a group of six instead of the whole class. Oh, yeah, and kids love it (just today I received such a message from a teacher in summer school):

Photo by Jennifer Bay-Williams

Strategories: This is not a misspelling but an adaptation of a popular game. Students are given a recording card with strategies listed and a blank cell to write in an example problem. For adding fractions, the card looks like this:

To begin, students work individually to create a problem that “fits” that strategy. Then, students find a partner and talk through how to solve their own problem (or alternatively, talk through how to solve their partner’s problem). Students can have a different partner for each strategory. If you want to score it, you can score a correct process and correct answer each at 5 points.

Why I like this game: Real fluency is knowing when a strategy is a good idea—AKA flexibility. Flexibility is a neglected component of fluency! As students create a problem, they are thinking about when they would use it. The pair-exchange is great peer teaching, active movement, built in accountability, and 100 percent participation. As follow-up, I can ask partners to describe how their two examples are alike (comparing is so important in math learning) or focus on nonexamples (What problems don’t “ fit” a strategory?)

A word has yet to be used in this response that is almost always used in response to the question, Why use games? “Fun.” Games are fun. I love fun. Math should be fun. But fun is an outcome, not a purpose. My favorite games happen to be fun, but they are my favorites because of the opportunities for students to engage in meaningful practice, show off their good reasoning, and learn with and from each other, realizing along the way that everyone can do math.

Literacy Games

Molly Ness is a teacher educator and author of four books about English/language arts instruction, the most recent titled Every Minute Matters: 40+ Activities for Literacy-Rich Classroom Transitions . She sits on the board of directors for the International Literacy Association. You can reach her at [email protected] , www.drmollyness.com , or @drmollyness on Twitter:

Elementary educators know how important it is to infuse fun into your classroom routines—and we know time is precious. Yet there are so many spaces throughout the day when we have transition times: starting the day, lining up for an assembly, waiting for buses, and even small spaces when lessons take less time than we’d planned. Instead of turning to worksheets to fill those spaces, teachers I work with play with language in those transition times throughout the day.

Remember the childhood favorite Battleship, where you would place your plastic ships in pegs without your opponent seeing? The goal was to sink your opponent’s ships using horizontal and vertical coordinates. Sink or Spell is an engaging adaptation. In this version, students use their spelling and/or vocabulary words as their ships. Simply make a 10 x 10 grid, with numbers running horizontally and letters running vertically. Glue two of these sheets inside a file folder and laminate (so it’s reusable and ready to go for many games!). Students play in pairs, so both players get folders. Give students a list of words (this is a great review activity!), and each player secretly chooses five words from the list and writes them on their board—horizontally or vertically (but not backward or diagonal). Players take turns calling out coordinates (for example, C7). If a player’s opponent has a letter in that box, the opponent says, “Hit” and tells the other player what letter is in the box. If the box is empty, the child says, “Miss.” Players may guess the word or continue to guess coordinates. To sink a word, the player must correctly spell the word—and they get bonus points for defining it, using in a sentence, etc.

Use a label maker or printing labels to adapt a Jenga game into a literacy-rich version of Tower Tumble . Write vocabulary words, sight words, or homophones on each block. Students pull a block, read the word, define it and/or use it in a sentence, and then place it on the topmost level. The game ends when the tower tumbles!

I’m all for getting kids up and active, and kids love doing this with Beach Ball Bonanza . Hit up the dollar store and buy inflatable beach balls. Using a permanent marker, write open-ended prompts on each section of the ball. Ideas include the following:

• Sight words
• Comprehension questions: “What’s your favorite character in the book … and why?”
• Prompts for vocabulary: “Use it in a sentence” or “Here’s a synonym”

Model soft throws (this isn’t dodgeball!) and how to read the prompt closest to your right thumb. When kids catch the ball, they read the prompt underneath and share their answer, before gently tossing it to a classmate. To use this as a vocabulary-review activity, call out the word while the ball is in midair. So if the word is furious , a child might catch the ball, see the prompt under their right thumb is “Give an antonym for the word,” and answer happy before tossing the ball to a friend.

Creating a fun, literacy-rich classroom is a win-win, especially when you infuse games into those “found moments” throughout the day.

Kahoot, Jenga, & More

Sheniqua Johnson is a language-acquisition specialist in north Texas:

The classroom-learning games I enjoy the most allow students to be interactive while applying their knowledge or having the opportunity to review academic-vocabulary terms, problem-solving skills, or concepts. These games include Draw Me, Headbands, Kahoot, and Jenga.

Draw Me: Students practice and apply knowledge of academic-vocabulary terms by drawing visuals of the terms and allowing players to guess the term.

Headbands: Students review knowledge of academic-vocabulary terms by placing a term over their heads while players give clues until the person holding the term guesses correctly.

Kahoot: Interactive game through an app. Provides immediate feedback for teacher to plan small-group interventions. This game can be played independently or with small groups.

Jenga: Academic-vocabulary terms are written or placed on game pieces. As students choose pieces to remove from the tower, they must define words or answer questions, such as, word problems.

Thanks to Shannon, Jennifer, Molly, and Sheniqua for contributing their thoughts!

Consider contributing a question to be answered in a future post. You can send one to me at [email protected] . When you send it in, let me know if I can use your real name if it’s selected or if you’d prefer remaining anonymous and have a pseudonym in mind.

You can also contact me on Twitter at @Larryferlazzo .

Education Week has published a collection of posts from this blog, along with new material, in an e-book form. It’s titled Classroom Management Q&As: Expert Strategies for Teaching .

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The Best Classroom Activities for College Courses

The right classroom activities can transform the way students learn in your course.

This free ebook has more than 45 interactive activities, learning strategies and icebreakers designed to engage students and build connections in your college course.

Download Our Free List of 45+ Classroom Activities

What’s in this ebook.

Interactive activities energize your classroom, get discussions flowing and serve as the foundation for building connections with your students.

In this free guide, you’ll get:

• 45+ interactive class activities for every stage of the learning process
• A user-friendly guide packed with tips and suggestions
• Solutions to break the ice, generate engaging discussions and stimulate higher-order thinking

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• Active Seating
• Classroom Management

• Resources & Research

4 Active Learning Activities for College Students

While the 10-minute limit on attention span for college students has not been effectively evinced, we do know there is an inverse relationship between the length of lecture and retention of material learned during that time. Additionally, Bradbury suggests that teachers matter more than the teaching format/length of the class . Thus, active learning at all age levels is a pretty well accepted and encouraged practice.

Active learning incorporates student-centered pedagogies fostering student engagement through a variety of tools such as group work, guided inquiry, debates, role-playing, among others. The truth about active learning is that it can still be done while sedentary. A bigger challenge as an instructor in higher education is to involve students in a physically active way so they aren’t sitting during the entire class period.

4 Activities for College-Aged Students

As a teacher of undergraduate and graduate students, I try to incorporate some sort of movement within each lesson. Here are some ideas that might resonate with college-aged students:

• Carousel activities – Place large post-its around the room with topics listed for each. Students divide themselves into fairly equal groups and begin at one “station”. Discussion ensues at each location for a set amount of time. Students use markers to include discussion points. When time is up, students rotate to the next station to discuss that topic and record their ideas.
• Four corners – Post questions with four possible responses on each corner of the board. Students walk to the corner of the room that represents the answer they choose.
• This or That – For debatable topics, have students stand in one line in the room. If they agree with “this” position, have them move to “this” side. If they agree with “that” position, have them move to “that” side. Lead discussions following each point.
• Walkie Talkie – Post questions or topics to review. You can also print questions on individual sheets of paper. Have students pair up and talk about their questions while they walk and talk in the hallways. Have them meet back in the classroom in a specific amount of time, prepared to share what they discussed.

With students who stay up late, don’t get enough sleep, work at random times, and have inconsistent schedules, it is important to gauge their attention while they are with me. I hope these strategies help you draw your students into the content in meaningful ways!

Bradbury, N. A. (2016). Attention span during lectures: 8 seconds, 10 minutes, or more?.  Advances in physiology education ,  40 (4), 509-513.

McLeish, J. (1968). The lecture method . Cambridge Institute of Education, Cambridge, England. National Research Council, 1999, How People Learn: Bridging Research and Practice.

Wilson, K., & Korn, J.H. (2007). Attention during Lectures: Beyond ten minutes. Teaching of Psychology 34:85–89. doi:10.1177/009862830703400202; 10.1080/ 00986280701291291.

Heather is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Kentucky. She is a former physical education teacher, and co-author of Dynamic Physical Education for Secondary School Children, 8ed. Heather was also the recipient of the NASPE Curriculum and Instruction Young Scholar Award and a AAHPERD Research Consortium Fellow.

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Related posts.

How to Integrate Movement into the Season of Gratitude

2 Easy Yoga Poses for the Classroom

Halloween Activity Break Ideas

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College Knowledge Games Toolkit

Learn how to use games and activities strategically to build students and families' college knowledge.

Engaging games and activities work well to introduce or reinforce college knowledge topics and can be used in classrooms, workshops and meetings with students, parents and educators.

Table of contents

Why college knowledge games matter

Planning a college knowledge game.

Get to know the group

Group competition

Individual activities

★ = Oregon Goes To College resource

Research has shown that students with lower levels of information about college, especially information focused on cost and aid are less likely to expect to attend, apply for admission or actually enroll in college. Students of color, low-income parents and parents who have no direct personal experience with college are more likely to lack this “college knowledge”.

Research also says that games can be effective learning tools, by engaging students to explore, build, collaborate and win. Games can be effective in increasing student motivation and interest; however, experiential learning must be paired with learner support including an opportunity to reflect.

Learning can be fun. Students as well as parents and educators can benefit from engaging activities that challenge knowledge, spur reflection, require teamwork and build connections.

Games and activities work well to introduce or reinforce topics and can be used in classrooms, workshops, staff meetings and in many other situations. Use our Activity Planning Guide   ★ to help you strategically outline your game.

Identify audience and size

The first step is to identify the audience. Is it students, parents or educators? What grade level?

Also consider the size that your game or activity can accommodate. Is there a minimum or maximum number of participants?

Choose a topic and goal

Next, decide on the key concept or topic for the activity. What do you want participants to learn? Use our 101 College Trivia ★ and 101 College Terms ★ as a starting place.

Ideas for topics

• College types & degrees
• Preparing for & applying to college
• Paying for college
• College vocab & support services
• Specific colleges
• College entrance test prep
• College and career self-reflection

Also, be intentional about your goal for the game. Is it to introduce or reinforce a topic? Do you want participants to work with others and build relationships or work individually and self-reflect?

Consider time and materials

Consider the amount of time it will take to introduce, play and debrief the game. If an activity will take more than 30 minutes, consider breaking it up into two sessions. Make a list of materials needed as well.

Outline the activity

Write a brief introduction to the game, including the goal you’ve identified (“We are going to start with an activity to get to know ourselves and each other.”) Outline the basic rules (“Here’s how it will work…”)

Include time to debrief

Finally, identify a few open-ended questions for reflection to be used in the debrief that reiterates the purpose. (“What did you learn? Why is this important?”) This gives participants an opportunity to reflect on what they have learned, listen respectfully to others, and become more bonded to a group.

Types of games and activities

See below for specific examples of games in three main categories: get to know the group, group competition, and individual activities. However, almost any of the activities can be adapted to a different topic or audience—be creative and feel free to mix and match. Encourage students to develop their own activities and lead them for a younger group.

Commonly known as icebreakers, these types of activities encourage participants to interact with each other and build relationships.

Catch & Throw Intros : Participants introduce themselves and respond to a prompt (e.g. a career they are interested in, a college they want to learn more about) when they have a ball or other soft object before throwing it to another participant.

Alliteration Intros : Participants go around the room and introduce themselves with their first name plus a noun or adjective that starts with the same letter (e.g. a college plus first name like “Pacific Patrick”). Challenge the group to repeat back each name combination before they share.

M&M Intros : Participants select a small handful of M&Ms and share one fact about themselves based on the colors in their hand (e.g. red = a career you’re interested in, orange = favorite subject in school, yellow = student club you’re in, green = college you want to learn more about, blue = random fun fact, brown = something you are nervous or excited about for college).

Categories : Participants get up and moving and see what they have in common with others in the room. Add categories related to college and careers (e.g. favorite Oregon college or how many campuses visited).

College Human BINGO ★ : Participants get up and moving to find others who fit the criteria on their BINGO cards.

Agree/Disagree : Participants silently share their opinions on statements (e.g. I want to go to college or I am nervous about going to college) by physically moving across the room. Great as an introductory activity before group conversations.

Group Rock-Paper-Scissors : Participants introduce themselves to another person before challenging them to a game of rock-paper-scissors. The loser then joins the winner’s team who finds another team to play until there is a final winner.

Competition is an easy way to engage participants and builds teamwork and collaboration. Consider giving a small prize to the winning team to incentivize participation.

Ideas for prizes

• Food: Candy or snack item
• Special privileges: Choose music to play during breaks, extra recess or lunch privileges
• School supplies and swag: Pencils, pens, stickers
• Money Template ★ : Use at a school or classroom store

Jeopardy : The classic answer-and-question show is easy to adapt to just about any topic. Download a PowerPoint template , play it online , or use an app .

Wheel of Fortune : Great to reinforce key college vocabulary. Give bonus points if the team can define the term after correctly guessing it. Don’t have access to a computer or technology? Use a whiteboard or piece of paper to play Hangman instead. Download a PowerPoint template or use an online wheel .

Trivia/Knowledge Bowl : Teach and test knowledge with a trivia competition.

Kahoot : Free online learning game maker. Make your own or use our College Kahoots ★ .

Family Feud : Participants work together and individually. Download a PowerPoint template or use our instructions for College Trivia Games ★ .

Board and card games

College Taboo: Reinforce college vocabulary. Use our instructions in College Trivia Games ★ .

College Poker : A fun way to use trivia questions. Use our instructions in College Trivia Games ★ .

Pictionary : Reinforce college vocabulary with a creative twist; one participant draws a term while the others guess.

Party and carnival games

Career Charades : An interactive game for large or small groups. Consider having two people work together to act out a career.

College BINGO ★ (coming soon): Use to reinforce college terms or get to know Oregon colleges.

Swat! Game : A fast-paced game to introduce or reinforce financial aid vocabulary. Use our Financial Aid Swat! Game ★ or College Terms Swat! Game ★ .

Hot Potato : Useful as a getting to know you game or to reinforce college knowledge. Use our instructions in College Trivia Games ★ .

20 Questions : Low-tech and easy to adapt to just about any topic. See example instructions in College Trivia Games ★ .

Where Am I? : Good for getting to know colleges. Use our instructions in College Trivia Games ★ .

Talent show

Commercial/PSA : Participants work in small groups to perform a commercial or public service announcement (e.g. info about a college or behavior, such as filling out the FAFSA or ORSAA). Invite guest judges to award prizes.

Games and activities that can be done individually to learn or reinforce topics as well as provide time for self-reflection.

College Crossword : Reinforce college vocabulary. Use an online crossword maker or use our Applying to College Crossword ★ .

Word Search : Introduce and reinforce college vocabulary. Use an online word search maker or use our W ord Search - Key Terms ★ or Word Search - Oregon College Nicknames ★ .

Word Scramble : Introduce and reinforce college vocabulary. Simply mix up the letters of common terms and have participants unscramble them.

Creative self-reflection

Display the results in classrooms or in hallways to build a college-going culture throughout your school.

Ideal College : Participants learn about the importance of college fit and consider their ideal college, drawing the results.

DIY College Pennants ★ : Students design their own pennants for the college they aspire to or will attend.

Why College? Box Activity ★ : Participants reflect on the benefits and challenges of attending college.

Fold Your Future : Participants fold origami graduation caps , then write their future goals for after high school on the top.

College Knowledge Games Resources

★ associated resources.

• Activity Planning Guide
• 101 College Trivia
• 101 College Terms
• College Human BINGO
• Money Template
• College Kahoots
• College Trivia Games
• Financial Aid Swat! Game
• College Terms Swat! Game
• Crossword - Applying to College
• Word Search - Key Terms
• Word Search - Oregon College Nicknames
• DIY Pennant
• Why College? Box Activity  

See all resources

Sources & more information

• Bell, Rowan-Kenyon & Perna, 2009. College Knowledge of 9th and 11th Grade Students: Variation by School and State Context
• Borovoy, 2015. Game-Based Learning: Resource Roundup
• Garris, Ahlers & Driskell, 2002. Games, Motivation and Learning: A Research and Practice Model
• GEAR UP Washington State, College Knowledge Games for Students and Families
• Trophy icon by Font Awesome Free is licensed under CC BY 4.0

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17 Fun Interactive Games For Students

By: Grace He | Updated: February 26, 2024

Here is our list of the best interactive games for students.

Interactive games for students are fun activities and games in which students participate in groups. These games also offer a fun and hands-on learning experience. Examples include Charades, Four Corners, and Pictionary. The purpose of these activities is to help students absorb educational material and make them feel comfortable in school. These activities are also known as “classroom games.”

These ideas are similar to interactive games for kids , study game s, team building games for students , online classroom activities and team building exercises . Two examples of these activities are vocabulary games and communication games .

This list includes:

• interactive games for college students
• interactive games for kids
• interactive games for high school students
• online interactive games for students
• interactive classroom games
• interactive quiz games for students
• education games for students
• school appropriate games
• school friendly games

Here we go!

List of interactive games for students

Interactive games for students are necessary for schools because they provide a new learning experience while giving a break to the students from the mundane school routine. These games also develop skills and competencies in children. To help you engage students in the classroom, here is our list of the best interactive classroom games for students.

Hangman is a fun and interactive game for students, which you can play in the classroom or online. When playing in the classroom, you will need an interactive display or a whiteboard. When playing online, you can use a virtual whiteboard app.

Every student participates and takes turns guessing while the teacher draws on the board.

The rules of the game are simple. The teacher will think of a word and draw blanks according to the number of letters. For example, if the word has six letters, then you draw six blanks. To make the game easy, you can also tell about the category, like if it is the name of a singer, a movie, or a famous place.

The students will think of some letters, and for every wrong letter, the teacher will draw a portion of the hangman. When the drawing is complete, the game is lost. However, if players guess the correct letters, then they save the hangman.

2. 10 Questions

10 Questions is one of the best interactive games for college students because it uses collective critical thinking.

In this game, you will divide the class into two groups. One group will think of an item. Then, the other group will prepare ten questions to ask to guess the object. Since the group has a limited number of questions, they must choose strategically.

You can set a rule that every group member will ask one question. The group can decide on the questions, and their answer will be either yes or no. The groups cannot ask for explanations or details.

After getting all the answers, the other group will think of an object and give their guess. The group will get a point if they make the right guess.

This game highlights the importance of group discussion and indicates how the groups must analyze the information and develop a unified answer.

Check out more question games .

Get our free team building toolbox

• icebreaker games
• bingo cards

3. 101 And Out

101 And Out is a fun game that will test your students’ math skills. This game is also easy to play, which makes it among the best interactive games for kids.

Here is how to play:

• Divide the class into two groups.
• Give a die to each group.
• Each group gets two dice rolls.
• With each dice roll, they can either keep the exact number or multiply it. So, for example, if one group gets a five on a dice roll, they can keep the same number or multiply it and keep 25.
• The groups will keep adding numbers with each dice roll.
• The goal is to reach 101 or close to it to win the game.

If you are playing this game with children, then you can set easy rules and ask them to add the numbers only and eliminate the multiplying rule.

4. Don’t Answer

Don’t Answer is a fun and engaging game that will check how well your students know each other.

In this game, you will make the class sit in a group. It is better to make good friends sit with each other because it will make the game easier.

Each student will randomly pick another student from the crowd and ask a question.

For instance:

• What is the name of your favorite superhero?
• Which is your favorite dish?
• When was the last time you got scolded?
• When is your birthday?
• How many siblings do you have?

However, this game has a twist. The addressed student cannot directly answer. The asked-about student cannot speak and can tell the other players whether an answer is right or wrong by a thumbs up or thumbs down. If the initial response is wrong, then they can ask follow-up questions to get the correct answer.

Trivia can be a great choice if you are looking for interactive quiz games for students. These challenges can disguise learning as a fun and spirited competition. Facing off in feats of knowledge can bring lessons alive and help students better retain information.

To make this game interactive, you can divide the class into groups. Then, when children discuss the answers in groups and decide mutually, it will strengthen their bond and friendship.

The best idea is to tell the kids about the trivia beforehand. Then, when they give the correct answers after coming fully prepared, it will boost their confidence and morale as well.

Here is a list of starter trivia questions and a guide to team Jeopardy .

6. Simon Says

Simon Says is a fun game that will get groups laughing. The fact that you play it both in-person and online makes it among the best online interactive games for students.

This game also builds a friendly relationship between the teacher and students.

How to play:

• Make all the students stand while keeping a distance between them.
• When everyone is ready, the teacher will say a sentence.
• The rule is that if the sentence starts with “Simon says,” the students must do it. If it does not begin with “Simon says,” then the students will not act. For example, the teacher will say, “Simon says, jump on both feet,” In this case, the children will jump.

To make the game more challenging, rattle off commands quickly. Rapidfire instructions will test and sharpen students’ focus. You will be surprised at how the students will act without listening for the particular phrase.

7. Charades

Charades is an interactive game you can play at any event. In this game, you will divide the class into two groups.

Each group will decide on a word for another group. Then, one member from the other group will come to act that word for their team. However, the member who acts cannot speak the word.

The team members will keep guessing until they reach the correct answer.

You can also set a time limit to make the game enjoyable. You can also make it more fun by asking the students to do activities specific to the classroom. For example, you can ask them to act like their favorite teacher.

8. Blindfold Conversation

Blindfold Conversation is an engaging game that will make your students interact and collaborate during the activity.

In this game, you will make your class stand in a circle. Then, one student will come to the center, and you will blindfold them. Next, a few students will make the blindfolded child spin in a circle. When stopped, he will point to one student. That student will speak in a funny voice, and the blindfolded student will guess their name.

9. Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled Eggs is the best game for a large classroom. The more participants you have, the more fun this game will be.

In this game, you will choose one student and make them leave the classroom or blindfold them. Then, you will pick one student to hide. You can hide them under the chair or make them leave the class to be out of sight. Then, all the other students in the class will change their places.

Then, the blindfolded student will enter the class and guess which student is missing.

This game boosts students’ powers of observation, which can come in handy while studying.

10. Pictionary

Pictionary has been the favorite game of children and adults alike. Pictionary can be a great choice if you are looking for some interactive games for high school students.

This game involves drawing a picture on the board without speaking the word. One student will come to the board and draw the image of the word given. Then, the whole class will participate in guessing the picture.

You can also play Pictionary online if you have online classes. The online version offers the same level of fun as the in-person version of this game. You can play online Pictionary on Drawize or conduct a Zoom meeting and use the digital whiteboard.

Learn more about Drawize.

11. Geography Puzzles

Geography puzzles are a great idea to make the geography class fun and engaging for students. Children often get bored in such classes. You can bring a twist with a class activity.

To do a geography puzzle, first, divide the class into groups. Then, you will give blank maps to each group. Finally, ask the class to fill out the maps and write the names of the countries.

You can also make it specific and include the topics in the puzzle taught in the class.

12. Ad Making

Making an advertisement is a unique and creative activity that students will enjoy. As this activity requires critical and creative thinking, it best suits high schoolers and teenagers.

First, give a product to your students. For example, soap, pencil, or notebook. It is better to hand out familiar, everyday objects to make the activity easy.

Then, ask the students to make an advertisement in groups to sell the product. The students can take inspiration from the ads they watch on television. Then, the students will perform in the class, and the team with the most creative idea will win.

13. Minute To Win It

Minute To Win It is a beloved game show. This exercise consists of different activities and games that participants will only have one minute to complete. The player who gets the most points in one minute will win the round. The best part about this game is that multiple players can participate, making it ideal for the classroom.

It is better to have the theme and decor of the original game show to improve the competitive skills of the students. Some examples of activities are:

• Stack plastic cups on each other without making them fall.
• Get a biscuit from your head into your mouth without using your hands.
• Keep three balloons in the air.
• Using a straw, such up skittles from one plate and transfer them to another.
• Throw ping pong balls into a basket from a distance.

These activities will make the students focus, and due to the limited time, they will try their best to be as quick as possible. The best part of this activity is that you can play multiple games, as each challenge takes under a minute.

Check out more Minute to Win It games .

14. Invent A Solution

Inventing a solution requires critical thinking, as students will work together in groups to fix a problem.

In this game, you will give an imaginary scenario to your students. For example, an alien spaceship has attacked the world, and the aliens want to invade your hometown. How will you make a deal with them or kick them out?

You can also use examples from everyday life, like giving a scenario of your friend who is in trouble and you have to save them.

Then, the students will get five minutes to discuss the answer in the group. Once done, one student from each group will come on the stage and explain their solution to the class.

Check out more problem-solving activities .

15. GoNoodle

GoNoodle is the favorite online platform of teachers. This website contains many fun games and interactive activities that help students participate and boost their confidence. If you are looking for some online interactive games for students, then GoNoodle can be the right platform.

The website gives you different categories of games to choose from. You can play games according to specific subjects and topics and do activities like stretching in video sessions.

Learn more about GoNoodle.

16. Debate Competition

A debate competition is among the best interactive games for high school students. Such competitions and activities improve students’ critical thinking skills, boost their confidence, and improve their communication skills.

To ensure interaction, you can divide the class into two groups and give an argumentative topic for discussion. One group will focus on the cons, and the other will highlight the pros. For example, you can provide globalization as the topic for discussion and ask the class to have speeches and arguments on it.

17. Four Corners

Four Corners is among the best interactive classroom games. This challenge involves four groups of students. You will also blindfold one student.

The rest of the students will run to four corners of the room. The blindfolded student will point to one corner, and students at the other corners will be out of the game.

Then, the remaining four students will run to the four corners again. Finally, the blindfolded child will again point to one corner, and the student there will win.

This game is easy to play, takes limited time, and only has one winner in each round.

Interactive games for students are necessary to boost their focus on their studies and keep them active in class. These games also build trust and friendly relationships as students play in groups to win.

Our list of interactive games for students includes in-person and virtual games that can keep students engaged and boost their confidence. For best results, match activities to the subject and your class’ age group, learning styles, and personalities.

For more fun with students, check out virtual field trips and family day activities .

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FAQ: Interactive games for students

Here are answers to questions about interactive games for students.

What are some interactive games for students?

Here is a list of some interactive games for students:

• Scrambled Eggs
• Making an advertisement
• Debate competitions
• Solving puzzles

In these games, students participate in groups or help one student with a problem. Such games also boost the thinking skills and confidence of children.

How do you get students to interact through games?

The best idea to get students to interact through games is by making them participate in groups. The students will use their abilities and work will full confidence. Also, they will be anxious about not letting their teammates down with poor performance, which will help them focus on the game. Also, the students will discuss the solutions before taking action. Discussing in groups and putting forward their points will also help them build trust and eliminate shyness.

Why are interactive games important for students?

Interactive games are important for students to help them learn better and develop or improve their skills. Interactive games also take the students out of the standard classroom routine and provide a new learning path.

Interactive games also build confidence, improve communication, and help students determine what to do in situations using their critical thinking.

Author: Grace He

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com. Grace is the Director of People & Culture at TeamBuilding. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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20+ College Campus Event Ideas To Engage Students On Campus

Engaging students on a college campus can be challenging. Everyone is looking for new and exciting ways to bring people together and make lasting memories. One key fact stands out: On-Campus college events play a vital role in promoting student engagement and building connections within the student community. This article offers a comprehensive guide, filled with 20+ unique and customizable event ideas to captivate students’ interests across different areas. From educational workshops to fun outdoor activities we’ve got you covered.

Discover how easy it can be to light up campus life and create meaningful experiences for everyone involved. Get ready for inspiration for your brands on-campus event!

Key Takeaways

• Campus college events can range from educational workshops to fun outdoor activities, helping students learn new skills and build connections.
• Events like video game tournaments, cooking classes, and cultural festivals engage students in various interests, promoting campus life enjoyment.
• Online events keep the campus & college community connected remotely through virtual career fairs and online courses Q&A sessions.
• Engaging with professionals and alumni at meet-and-greet events provides valuable insights and networking opportunities for students’ careers.
• Creative event ideas like obstacle races, film festivals, and pet therapy sessions enhance student well-being and foster strong community bonds.

20+ College Campus Event Ideas For Your Brand

Discover a wide range of college campus event ideas to keep students engaged and entertained. From cooking classes to virtual career fairs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Cooking Classes

Cooking classes on college campuses offer students a dynamic way to learn essential cooking skills. These events can range from basic cooking skill workshops to healthy eating seminars, all aimed at promoting better food habits.

The Nutrition and Culinary in the Kitchen Program exemplifies how hands-on culinary workshops based on specific food groups enhance students’ knowledge about nutrition and meal planning.

These culinary workshops not only teach students how to prepare meals but also introduce them to healthier food choices. Students who might lack cooking experience gain valuable life skills that contribute to their well-being outside of college.

By participating in these classes, they discover new flavors, learn about balanced diets, and develop a newfound appreciation for the art of cooking.

Meet and Greet with Professionals/Alumni

After exploring the culinary world through cooking classes, students can shift gears and connect with industry leaders and successful graduates at meet-and-greet events with professionals and alumni.

These gatherings allow students to network, gain mentorship, and receive career development advice. They offer a unique platform for academic support, social interaction, and the building of valuable industry connections.

The Alumni Association often organizes these campus events, creating opportunities for students to learn from those who have walked their path before.

These sessions provide firsthand professional insights that are crucial for students’ growth outside the classroom. Engaging with alumni and professionals helps in strengthening ties between current students and the broader community.

Such interactions can lead to internships, job offers, or even lifelong mentorships that contribute significantly to a student’s personal and professional development. For anyone looking to build a solid foundation for their future careers while still in college, attending these meet-and-greets is an essential step.

Gallery Crawls

Gallery crawls are engaging college events that bring students together, promoting a sense of community. These activities involve tours of local art galleries with transportation provided to ensure accessibility for all students.

They offer fun and educational cultural experiences, allowing students to explore various forms of art within their community. By participating in gallery crawls, students not only enjoy socializing opportunities but also enhance their understanding of different cultures.

This inclusivity fosters a more welcoming campus environment where every student feels valued.

These events serve as great networking opportunities, connecting students with local artists and culture enthusiasts. Gallery crawls stand out as unique among campus community events by encouraging exploration and building camaraderie.

Moving on to craft workshops allows us to delve into another creative way to engage the student body further.

Craft Workshops

Craft workshops offer a creative outlet for college students, blending fun with learning in a hands-on environment. These sessions cover everything from DIY projects to artisanal crafts, making them an excellent addition to campus events.

They serve as a unique opportunity to improve connections among students while promoting engagement and supporting local businesses. Crafting classes can cater not only to first-year students and Greek life but also provide an enriching experience for those over 21.

Hosting maker workshops on campus can be part of innovative event planning that aims for memorable success. These workshops not only add variety to social, cultural, and academic gatherings but also introduce students to new skills in an enjoyable setting.

By including craft workshops in your roster of college events, you contribute to a vibrant campus atmosphere where creativity thrives and community bonds are strengthened.

Video Game Tournaments

Moving from craft workshops, video game tournaments offer a dynamic shift in campus event ideas. Such events have grown popular over the last 30 years, merging competitive gaming with community building.

They require venues equipped with the right technology and enough space to accommodate players and spectators alike. This setup creates an immersive experience for everyone involved.

Gaming tournament clubs on campuses typically organize these esports events, drawing students who enjoy both participating in and watching competitions. With a long history dating back to the first recorded college-level video gaming tournament, these events continue to engage students by offering a platform for them to showcase their gaming skills while fostering camaraderie among peers.

Trivia Night

Trivia night is a fun event for college students to come together and test their knowledge on various topics, including school history, pop culture, and current events. Held in campus venues, these quiz nights encourage students to compete for prizes, promoting a sense of community and engagement among participants.

This interactive activity is especially popular among students 21 and older, offering an entertaining way to socialize and learn in a casual setting.

Organizing trivia night can foster student interaction and showcase their knowledge in an enjoyable environment. With questions ranging from academic subjects to entertainment trivia, this event caters to a wide array of interests.

It not only serves as a break from the academic routine but also helps build connections within the college community. Through this engaging platform, students can demonstrate their skills while enjoying a lively atmosphere with friends.

Hot-Plate Cook-Off

A hot-plate cook-off is a thrilling event for college students to display their culinary skills and creativity. This competition involves students using limited kitchen equipment, like a hot plate, to prepare delicious dishes.

Judges, who can be celebrity chefs or faculty with culinary knowledge, evaluate the dishes based on taste, presentation, and originality. This fun challenge not only brings out students’ cooking talents but also fosters community spirit and friendly rivalry among participants.

Hosting a hot-plate cook-off on campus serves as an exciting way to engage students in a friendly culinary battle. It promotes food creativity, allows for the showcasing of culinary expertise, and builds lasting friendships through shared experiences.

The presence of experienced judges adds an element of seriousness to the competition while keeping the atmosphere light and entertaining. Such events undoubtedly make college life more enjoyable and memorable for students by adding an extra layer of excitement to campus activities.

An Obstacle Race

Obstacle races on college campuses offer a fun way to engage students in outdoor physical activities. These events spark friendly competition and encourage cross-campus collaboration.

They vary from simple challenge courses to full-blown adventure races, making them a versatile option for welcome week activities or campus wellness events. Hosting an obstacle race not only promotes physical fitness amongst students but also enhances the campus quality of life by fostering social connections.

Participants in obstacle races get a chance to tackle various physical challenges, from climbing walls to crawling under nets and jumping over hurdles. This type of event can easily become a highlight of the academic year, drawing participants across different faculties and promoting an inclusive outdoor fitness experience.

It’s an excellent opportunity for students to break from their academic routine, enjoy some fresh air, and test their limits in a supportive environment.

Film Festival

After crossing the finish line at the obstacle race, students can wind down with a film festival. This event brings together movie enthusiasts for cinema showcases and movie marathons.

Colleges create an immersive experience by screening films from various genres, including works produced by students themselves. It’s an excellent way for departments to collaborate, fostering a sense of community on campus.

Film festivals also serve as engaging platforms for first-year students and members of Greek life.

Hosting a college film society event encourages student participation through activities like student film competitions. It not only entertains but also educates attendees on different cultures and storytelling techniques.

Through these events, colleges engage students in meaningful ways, sparking creativity and discussions among peers. A well-organized film festival can be one of the most anticipated events on campus, providing entertainment while connecting different parts of the college community.

Food Truck Popup

Food truck popups bring a unique and convenient dining experience to college campuses. They offer culinary diversity and on-the-go dining options for students. These mobile food vendors can quickly become the highlight of campus events, providing both variety and convenience.

Inviting food trucks to college events makes the student dining experience more enjoyable and varied.

Hosting food truck popups highlights the importance of offering diverse dining options on campus. Healthy food trucks promote better eating habits among students while revolutionizing their dining experiences.

This setup not only supports local businesses but also introduces culinary innovation into the everyday life of a college student. Food truck popups are an essential addition to college event planning, ensuring unique dining experiences for every attendee.

Comedy Nights

Comedy nights offer students a break from their academic routines with laughter and entertainment. These events can draw large crowds, making them a popular choice for campus activities.

Organizers often invite local or student comedians to perform, creating a lively atmosphere that encourages student engagement. Hosting a comedy show serves as unique campus fun night, fostering social connections among attendees.

Next up are pickleball tournaments, which introduce competitive yet enjoyable sporting action to the campus event lineup.

Pickleball Tournament

Pickleball tournaments have become a hit on college campuses, drawing interest from students eager for some competitive fun. SUU faced off against Dixie State in an unforgettable match featuring 60 intense games.

Their hard work paid off when SUU emerged as the first-ever winner of this intercollegiate pickleball competition. This victory not only celebrated their success but also highlighted the growing popularity of pickleball among college students nationwide.

Now, with prize money at stake, more students are joining the fray, making these tournaments a much-anticipated event across various colleges.

Next up is learning how campus farmer’s markets can offer more than just fresh produce to the student body and surrounding community.

Campus Farmer’s Market

Moving from the competitive spirit of a pickleball tournament to the more serene atmosphere of a campus farmer’s market, students get a change of pace. This event brings fresh produce right to those who might find it hard to access fruits and vegetables.

It supports local farmers and vendors, creating a sense of community among students and staff. By offering goods directly from farms, markets encourage healthy eating habits and raise awareness about food sustainability.

A campus farmer’s market also ties closely with educational goals by reinforcing lessons in sustainable development and agriculture. It serves as a practical example for academic programs focused on these areas, connecting theory with real-world applications.

Markets like these not only foster an understanding of local food systems but also promote sustainable living among the campus population.

Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts on college campuses get students moving and thinking creatively. They can explore the community, meet new friends, and face fun challenges together. Organizers can theme these hunts around sports, spooky adventures, or campus mysteries to attract different interests.

By incorporating local landmarks or historical sites, the event becomes both an adventure and a learning experience.

Virtual scavenger hunts offer flexibility and wider participation. Students from anywhere can join in, solving puzzles and completing tasks online. This format encourages teamwork and problem-solving skills without requiring physical presence on campus.

Whether in person or virtual, scavenger hunts are effective in building community engagement and enhancing educational experiences through creative thinking and team-building activities.

Pet Therapy Sessions

Pet therapy sessions on campus offer a unique way to support student well-being. Bringing in dogs for students to interact with can significantly reduce anxiety and improve moods. Studies show that these interactions lead to a more positive affect, especially during stressful times like exams.

Implementing a therapy dog program provides not only stress relief but also emotional support, aiding students’ psychological well-being.

These sessions serve as an effective relaxation technique and contribute positively to the campus environment by offering mental health support through animal-assisted therapy. Engaging with emotional support animals creates a cheerful atmosphere, giving students a delightful break from their hectic schedules.

Charity Auction

A charity auction on campus can gather students, faculty, and the community for a good cause. These events are great for fundraising and engaging donors in a fun and meaningful way.

Organizations like CharityAuctionsToday offer tools to make running these auctions smooth and successful. Colleges can auction donated items or services, with proceeds supporting student organizations or external charities.

Creative ideas make charity auctions more exciting. For instance, colleges can include unique experiences, like dinner with a professor or behind-the-scenes tours of special campus locations.

This encourages higher bids and more participation. Next up, let’s talk about cultural festivals that bring diverse insights to the student body.

Cultural Festivals

Cultural festivals on campus celebrate diversity and bring students together. Clubs and student organizations can host events showcasing traditions from around the world, like Diwali or Chinese New Year celebrations.

These festivals offer a taste of global cultures through food, music, dance, and art displays. They not only educate but also entertain, creating an inclusive environment for all students.

Engaging cultural activities during these festivals might include multicultural parades, traditional cooking demonstrations, and cultural fashion shows. By participating in these events, students gain a broader understanding of the world’s diverse communities.

Next up: Spirit week promises to continue the excitement with themed days and spirited competitions.

Spirit Week

Spirit week stands out as a highlight among college campus events, stirring school spirit and building a sense of community. It features themed dress-up days, talent shows, pep rallies, along with other activities designed to boost participation and enthusiasm.

This week-long celebration aims at reinforcing pride among students and promoting unity.

Students enjoy expressing themselves through various spirited activities which encourage creativity and camaraderie. From showcasing talents to cheering at pep rallies, the energy of Spirit Week unites everyone on campus.

Engaging in these events not only fosters a feeling of belonging but also strengthens school pride amongst the student body.

Neighborhood Cleanup

Neighborhood cleanup events offer a powerful way for college students to contribute to environmental conservation and community service. These events tackle trash accumulation, promoting sustainability and ecofriendly initiatives.

Students learn the importance of civic engagement and environmental stewardship by actively participating in litter cleanup activities. Colleges can use their resources centers to organize these cleanups, making it easy for students to join in.

Participating in neighborhood cleanups not only benefits the community by removing trash but also instills a sense of volunteerism among students. It drives student engagement and fosters a culture of community involvement on campus.

Through these activities, students get a hands-on experience in contributing towards a cleaner, healthier environment, highlighting the impact of collective effort on sustainability goals.

Online Scavenger Hunt or Puzzle

Online scavenger hunts or puzzles serve as innovative orientation activities for new college students, helping them ease into university life. These events use cryptic clues and interactive elements like graphics with double meanings or embedded games, engaging students in a fun online chase across the campus or even beyond.

They promote team-building and act as icebreakers, making them ideal for freshmen and existing student groups alike.

Organizing an online treasure hunt encourages creative teamwork and campus exploration without leaving a digital environment. Tailoring these activities to various age groups ensures that everyone from high school visitors to college seniors can participate and bond over shared challenges.

This form of event fosters group bonding and provides a memorable way for students to connect with each other and their new surroundings.

Virtual Campus Walking Tour for New Students

After exploring the idea of a neighborhood cleanup, transitioning into a digital space offers new students an exciting way to connect. A virtual campus walking tour introduces them to their future home from anywhere in the world.

These tours are increasingly popular, allowing newcomers to experience campus landmarks and culture remotely. Through immersive virtual tours, students get a firsthand look at college life without stepping foot on ground.

Colleges use online platforms to showcase unique features and provide an interactive experience of the campus environment. Prospective students can assess the authenticity and vibe of the place they might soon call home.

This remote exploration makes learning about different colleges convenient, engaging online visitors with the spirit and values of the institution.

Online Career fair

Colleges host online career fairs to increase student engagement and help early talent recruitment. These virtual events connect students directly with industry professionals and college admission representatives.

Students learn about various career opportunities and educational resources from the comfort of their homes. Families can also participate, making these events an informative experience for everyone involved.

Virtual job fairs provide a platform for networking without geographical limitations. They offer workshops on career development, sessions on college recruitment strategies, and panels featuring alumni who share their professional journeys.

This setup encourages active participation from students looking for internships or early career opportunities across different industries.

Tips for Planning Successful College Campus Events

Planning successful college campus events starts with involving students and ambassadors early in the process. Collaborating across different departments can bring diverse ideas and increase attendance.

Get students & ambassadors involved

Engaging students and ambassadors in event planning makes college events more successful. Early involvement means they can share their ideas, helping to organize events that everyone enjoys.

Student ambassadors are key in reaching out to potential participants and guiding campus tours. They play a huge role in creating an inviting atmosphere for new and existing students.

A student ambassador program provides a structured way for ambassadors to contribute on campus. These guides outline various activities where ambassadors can support, facilitate, involve, and coordinate efforts with the college community.

By working together, students and ambassadors create lively, well-attended events that enrich campus life.

Collaborate with different departments

Working with different departments brings a wealth of ideas and resources that make events more impactful. Collaborating ensures events align with the university’s mission and department goals, creating meaningful experiences for students.

By engaging with academic departments, student organizations, and external brands, planners can incorporate academic-related elements into fun campus activities. This approach not only diversifies event offerings but also enriches the college experience for attendees.

Connecting events to department goals fosters a sense of community and purposeful engagement across campus. It opens doors to innovative collaborations like integrating brand partnerships or incorporating relevant organizations’ missions into the event theme.

Such collaboration promotes consistency with university objectives, enhancing overall event quality. Moving forward, providing incentives for attendance is another crucial aspect to consider in planning successful college campus events.

Provide incentives for attendance

Offering incentives for attending events can significantly increase student turnout. Examples include campus-branded merchandise, gift cards, or exclusive perks. Making these rewards appealing and accessible encourages more students to participate.

It’s a proven strategy that has boosted attendance at various co-curricular activities on college campuses.

Getting students involved in the planning process for these incentives ensures they are enticing and relevant. Budget-friendly prizes like gift baskets or no-cost perks often see great success.

This approach not only motivates attendance but also fosters deeper engagement and involvement in campus life.

Work with an experienced agency

Working with an experienced agency streamlines the event planning process for college campus events. Agencies like The Campus Agency bring valuable expertise and guidance, ensuring successful event execution.

They offer a range of services including event coordination, logistics, organization, consultation, production, marketing, and promotion. This approach saves time and resources while maximizing the impact of the event.

An agency experienced in campus event planning can also provide essential downloadable resources that simplify various stages of organizing an event. They rely on proven strategies for engaging students and ensuring high attendance rates.

Their knowledge in areas such as event marketing allows them to effectively promote your events across multiple channels to reach a wider audience. With their help, planners can focus more on content and less on logistics.

As we reflect on the diverse and enriching college campus event ideas presented, it becomes evident how pivotal these activities are in enhancing the college experience. From educational workshops that build life skills to exhilarating outdoor activities that foster community spirit, each event plays a crucial role in promoting engagement, personal growth, and inclusivity among students. The collaboration between students, faculty, and external partners is key to crafting events that are not only entertaining but also align with the educational mission, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive campus atmosphere where every student feels valued.

The success of these campus events hinges on their ability to resonate with and adapt to students’ changing interests and needs, emphasizing the importance of creativity, technology, and collaboration in planning. By incorporating diverse, educational, and innovative event ideas, organizers can create meaningful experiences that significantly enhance student life. Embracing this challenge, colleges can continue to build an engaging, dynamic community that supports students’ well-being and academic achievements, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit that lasts well beyond their college years.

If you have any question about how to organize and activate an on campus event, feel free to contact us today!

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35 Fun Classroom Activities to Keep Students Engaged

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The fun classroom activities to keep students engaged in your classroom are designed to spark creativity and foster a love for learning.

From interactive games to hands-on experiments, these activities cater to diverse learning styles and interests.

By incorporating engaging activities into your lesson plans, you can create a dynamic and stimulating learning environment that promotes active participation and knowledge retention.

Whether you’re looking to reinforce math concepts through games like Fraction War or ignite the imagination with Story Cubes, these activities are sure to captivate students’ attention and make learning enjoyable.

Fun Classroom Activities to Keep Students Engaged

Fraction War

Fraction War is a thrilling educational game that transforms learning fractions into an exciting competition. Students engage in friendly battles using math-inspired cards, enhancing their understanding of fractions while having a blast.

This interactive activity not only reinforces mathematical concepts but also fosters a sense of competitiveness and teamwork among students.

By incorporating Fraction War into your classroom routine, you can create a dynamic learning environment that promotes both academic growth and social skills development.

Get ready to witness students eagerly participating in this engaging game, eager to showcase their math prowess and strategic thinking. Fraction War is the perfect blend of fun and learning, making it a valuable addition to any math curriculum.

Hangman is a classic and interactive word game that adds an element of excitement to the classroom.

This engaging activity is not only a fun way to unwind at the end of the day but also a fantastic opportunity for students to enhance their vocabulary and spelling skills. By guessing letters to uncover a hidden word, students can sharpen their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in a playful setting.

Hangman encourages active participation and collaboration among students as they work together to solve the puzzle and avoid the “hanging” outcome.

Integrating Hangman into your classroom routine can create a lively and engaging atmosphere that promotes language development and teamwork. Students will eagerly anticipate their turn to guess letters and solve the mystery word, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition.

This game is a versatile tool that can be adapted to various subjects and themes, making it a valuable addition to any teacher’s repertoire. Incorporate Hangman into your classroom activities to inject a dose of fun and learning into your students’ day.

Scavenger Hunt

Get students moving and thinking by organizing a themed scavenger hunt within the classroom.

Scavenger hunts are not only a fun and interactive way to engage students but also a great opportunity to promote teamwork and problem-solving skills. By creating clues related to the lesson material or a specific theme, students can actively apply their knowledge in a hands-on and exciting way.

This activity encourages critical thinking as students decipher clues, collaborate with their peers, and navigate the classroom to find hidden treasures.

Incorporating a scavenger hunt into your classroom activities can spark curiosity and enthusiasm among students, making learning more enjoyable and memorable. It provides a dynamic learning experience that caters to different learning styles and encourages active participation.

Additionally, scavenger hunts can be easily customized to suit various subjects and age groups, adding versatility to your teaching toolkit. By incorporating this engaging activity, you can create a stimulating learning environment that fosters creativity, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment among students.

Encourage creativity and teamwork by playing the classic drawing and guessing game, Pictionary.

This engaging activity not only sparks imagination but also fosters collaboration among students as they work together to decipher drawings and guess the correct words.

Pictionary is a fantastic way to enhance communication skills and promote a sense of camaraderie in the classroom. By incorporating themed words related to the lesson material, you can also reinforce learning in a fun and interactive manner.

This game provides a refreshing break from traditional teaching methods and allows students to express themselves artistically while honing their observational skills.

Pictionary is a versatile activity that can be adapted to various subjects and age groups, making it a valuable addition to your repertoire of classroom activities.

Combine learning and fun with this educational twist on the traditional bingo game. Math Bingo is a fantastic way to reinforce mathematical concepts playfully and engagingly.

By incorporating numbers, equations, or math problems into the bingo cards, students can practice arithmetic skills while enjoying a friendly competition with their peers.

This activity not only helps improve numerical fluency but also boosts students’ confidence in solving math problems.

Math Bingo can be customized to suit different skill levels, from basic addition and subtraction for younger students to more complex multiplication and division for older ones.

Teachers can adapt the game to align with specific learning objectives or curriculum standards, making it a versatile tool for classroom instruction.

Additionally, Math Bingo encourages active participation and attentiveness, as students eagerly listen for the next number or equation to mark on their cards.

With Math Bingo, learning math becomes an interactive and enjoyable experience, fostering a positive attitude toward numbers and problem-solving.

This game not only enhances mathematical proficiency but also promotes teamwork and strategic thinking among students.

Incorporate Math Bingo into your lesson plans to make math lessons more dynamic and engaging for your students.

“Charades” is a classic game that not only entertains but also enhances communication skills and creativity.

By engaging in this interactive activity, students have the opportunity to think on their feet, express ideas non-verbally, and interpret gestures and expressions.

This game encourages teamwork as students work together to convey and decipher messages through actions and gestures.

Additionally, “Charades” promotes creativity as participants must think creatively to convey specific words or phrases without speaking. Through this fun and engaging game, students can improve their ability to communicate effectively, think outside the box, and collaborate with their peers.

“Charades” is a versatile activity that can be adapted to various themes or subjects, making it a valuable addition to classroom activities that promote both social interaction and cognitive development.

STEM Challenges

STEM Challenges offer a dynamic way to engage students in hands-on learning experiences that inspire critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

By integrating science, technology, engineering, and math concepts into interactive challenges, students can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. These activities encourage creativity, collaboration , and innovation as students work together to design solutions and overcome obstacles.

STEM Challenges not only foster a deeper understanding of STEM subjects but also promote skills essential for future success in various fields. Through these engaging challenges, students can develop a growth mindset, enhance their analytical abilities, and cultivate a passion for exploration and discovery.

Story Cubes

Encourage creativity and narrative skills in your classroom by incorporating the engaging activity of Story Cubes.

By rolling dice featuring various images, students can spark their imagination and craft original stories based on the pictures they land on.

This interactive game not only fosters storytelling abilities but also enhances students’ creativity and critical thinking skills as they connect the different images into a cohesive narrative.

Story Cubes provide a fun and dynamic way for students to explore different story elements, characters, settings, and plot twists. This activity can be adapted to various subjects, allowing students to express their ideas and thoughts creatively.

By engaging in storytelling through Story Cubes, students can improve their communication skills, boost their confidence, and develop a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling in conveying messages and emotions effectively.

Integrating Story Cubes into your classroom activities can transform traditional learning into a captivating and interactive experience that motivates students to think outside the box and unleash their storytelling potential.

Test students’ knowledge with a classroom adaptation of the popular quiz show, “Jeopardy.” This interactive game format challenges students to showcase their understanding of various subjects through engaging trivia questions and answers.

By incorporating “Jeopardy” into your classroom activities, you can create a competitive yet fun learning environment that motivates students to actively participate and dynamically demonstrate their knowledge.

This activity not only reinforces key concepts and information but also encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and quick decision-making skills.

“Jeopardy” can be customized to suit different topics and learning objectives, making it a versatile and effective tool for reviewing material, assessing comprehension, and fostering a spirit of healthy competition among students.

Paper Airplane Contest

Challenge students to unleash their creativity and competitive spirit in a thrilling “Paper Airplane Contest.”

This engaging activity not only encourages students to showcase their artistic skills but also fosters teamwork and sportsmanship.

By designing and testing their paper airplanes, students can explore aerodynamics, physics, and problem-solving in a hands-on and entertaining way.

The contest provides a platform for students to experiment with different designs, materials, and techniques, promoting innovation and critical thinking.

Additionally, the friendly competition aspect adds excitement and motivation , making learning a fun and interactive experience.

Memory Game

Challenge students’ cognitive abilities and boost their focus with an engaging “Memory Game.”

This classic activity not only enhances concentration and memory skills but also promotes cognitive development in a playful setting.

By encouraging students to match pairs of cards or objects, they can sharpen their memory retention and cognitive processing abilities.

The competitive element adds excitement and motivation, making the learning experience both educational and entertaining.

Additionally, the game fosters a sense of achievement as students successfully recall and match items, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.

Incorporating this interactive and stimulating activity into the classroom can provide a valuable opportunity for students to enhance their cognitive skills while having fun.

Classroom Karaoke

Start the “Classroom Karaoke” session by creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere where students can showcase their talents and have fun.

By encouraging students to sing along to their favorite songs, you not only promote confidence but also foster creativity in a relaxed setting. This activity provides a platform for students to express themselves through music, boosting their self-esteem and encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones.

Karaoke sessions can also enhance teamwork and collaboration as students cheer each other on and participate in group performances. This collaborative aspect promotes a sense of camaraderie and unity among classmates, creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

Moreover, incorporating karaoke into the curriculum can have educational benefits, such as improving pronunciation, language skills, and public speaking abilities. Students can practice enunciation and vocal projection while having a great time singing along to popular tunes.

Overall, “Classroom Karaoke” is a dynamic and engaging activity that not only encourages confidence and creativity but also promotes teamwork and provides educational benefits in a fun and interactive way.

Painting Party

Transform your classroom into a vibrant art studio with a “Painting Party” that encourages students to unleash their artistic expression.

By providing a creative outlet through painting, students can explore different themes and express themselves through colors and brushstrokes. This activity not only fosters creativity but also allows students to relax and unwind in a fun and engaging way.

Engaging in a painting party can also promote mindfulness and focus as students immerse themselves in the artistic process. It provides a break from traditional learning methods and allows students to tap into their imagination while developing their fine motor skills.

Moreover, hosting a painting party can enhance social interactions and collaboration as students share their artwork, provide feedback, and appreciate each other’s creativity.

This collaborative aspect fosters a sense of community and support within the classroom, creating a positive and inclusive environment for all students to thrive.

Sudoku Challenge

“Engage your students in a stimulating mental workout with the ‘Sudoku Challenge.’ This activity is designed to boost their logic and problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive way.

By introducing Sudoku puzzles tailored for students, you can encourage critical thinking and strategic planning in a playful setting. Sudoku is not only a brain-teasing game but also a great tool to enhance concentration and attention to detail.

As students tackle the challenge of filling in the grid with numbers while adhering to the rules, they sharpen their analytical abilities and perseverance. Moreover, the Sudoku

Challenge promotes a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when students successfully complete a puzzle. This feeling of achievement can boost their confidence and motivation to take on more complex tasks.

Integrating Sudoku puzzles into the classroom routine can also provide a refreshing break from traditional learning methods, offering a mental exercise that is both entertaining and beneficial for cognitive development.

Challenge your students’ minds with Sudoku and watch them thrive in the realm of logic and problem-solving.”

Get students energized and active with a lively “Dance Off” session. Encourage students to showcase their best dance moves in a friendly competition or simply let loose and have fun at a dance party.

Dancing not only promotes physical activity but also boosts mood and creativity, making it a fantastic way to break the monotony of the classroom routine. By incorporating a “Dance Off” activity, you create a dynamic and engaging environment where students can express themselves through movement and music.

This interactive experience fosters teamwork, confidence, and self-expression, all while providing a fun and memorable learning opportunity.

So, turn up the music, let the students groove, and watch as they unleash their inner dancers in this exciting and energizing activity.

Wind down with an educational film related to the curriculum or for pure entertainment. “Movie Day” is a fantastic way to engage students in a different learning format while providing a well-deserved break.

By incorporating films that tie into the curriculum, you can reinforce key concepts visually and engagingly. Alternatively, selecting movies purely for entertainment can also help students relax and enjoy a shared experience.

This activity encourages critical thinking, discussion, and reflection, making it a valuable addition to your classroom routine. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and let the magic of cinema enhance your students’ learning experience.

Creative Writing Prompts

Inspire storytelling and writing skills with engaging writing prompts. Encourage students to unleash their creativity by providing thought-provoking prompts that spark their imagination.

From prompts that transport them to far-off lands to those that delve into personal reflections, these exercises help students develop their narrative abilities and express their thoughts effectively.

By incorporating a variety of prompts, you can cater to different interests and writing styles, fostering a love for storytelling and language.

Whether it’s a prompt about a mysterious object or a futuristic world, these activities not only enhance writing skills but also encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.

Watch as your students’ creativity flourishes through the power of storytelling and imagination.

Cooking Class

Enhance students’ understanding of measurements and foster teamwork skills through an interactive cooking class.

By engaging in hands-on culinary activities, students can apply math concepts in a practical setting while collaborating with their peers to create delicious dishes.

Encourage students to follow recipes, measure ingredients accurately, and work together to achieve a common goal. This fun and educational experience not only teaches cooking skills but also promotes communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities.

Watch as students bond over shared culinary creations and develop a deeper appreciation for the art of cooking.

Incorporating a cooking class into the classroom curriculum provides a unique and engaging way to learn valuable life skills while having a tasty time together.

Science Experiment

Make learning hands-on and exciting with interactive science experiments. Engage students in a variety of captivating experiments that spark curiosity and deepen their understanding of scientific concepts.

From creating chemical reactions to exploring the laws of physics, these hands-on activities provide a dynamic way for students to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.

Encourage students to hypothesize, observe, and draw conclusions from their experiments, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. By immersing students in the world of science through engaging experiments, you can ignite a passion for discovery and exploration.

Watch as students light up with excitement as they witness scientific principles come to life right before their eyes. Science experiments not only make learning fun but also cultivate a love for STEM subjects and inspire future scientists and innovators.

Origami Workshop

Engage students in the “Origami Workshop” to develop their fine motor skills and patience through the intricate art of paper folding.

This hands-on activity not only enhances creativity but also encourages focus and attention to detail. By guiding students through the step-by-step process of creating various origami shapes, they can experience the satisfaction of turning a simple piece of paper into a beautiful work of art.

Origami workshops provide a calming and meditative experience, promoting relaxation and mindfulness in the classroom. Encourage students to explore different folding techniques and patterns, fostering their problem-solving skills and spatial awareness.

Through the Origami Workshop, students can unleash their creativity and discover the joy of transforming paper into unique creations.

Classroom Olympics

Organize a thrilling “Classroom Olympics” event to foster sportsmanship and teamwork among students. By hosting mini indoor games like relay races, bean bag toss, or balloon pop challenge, students can engage in friendly competition while learning the value of collaboration and fair play.

Encourage students to participate in various activities that test their physical abilities and coordination, creating a fun and inclusive environment for all.

The Classroom Olympics not only promote a healthy sense of competition but also instill important life skills such as communication, leadership, and resilience.

Through this exciting event, students can bond with their peers, boost their self-confidence, and create lasting memories of teamwork and camaraderie.

Role-Playing Games

“Role-playing games” provide a dynamic platform for students to immerse themselves in interactive scenarios, fostering creativity and empathy.

By assuming different roles and engaging in fictional situations, students can develop their imagination and understanding of diverse perspectives. These games not only enhance communication skills but also promote teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Encouraging students to step into the shoes of various characters allows them to explore different emotions and experiences, nurturing their empathy and social awareness.

Through role-playing, students can break out of their comfort zones, build confidence, and cultivate a deeper sense of understanding towards others.

Incorporating diverse scenarios and characters in these games can enrich students’ learning experiences and encourage them to embrace new perspectives and ideas.

Jigsaw Puzzle Race

Engage students in a thrilling Jigsaw Puzzle Race that promotes teamwork and critical thinking skills. This activity encourages collaboration as students work together to piece together the puzzle against the clock.

By racing against time, students enhance their problem-solving abilities and learn to communicate effectively under pressure. The competitive element adds excitement and motivation, making the learning experience dynamic and engaging.

Through this fast-paced challenge, students not only sharpen their cognitive skills but also develop resilience and adaptability. Encourage friendly competition and celebrate teamwork as students race to complete the puzzle, fostering a sense of achievement and camaraderie.

Get ready to witness students’ creativity and strategic thinking in action during this exhilarating Jigsaw Puzzle Race.

Trivia Quiz

Test knowledge across various subjects with a fun and educational trivia quiz. Challenge students to showcase their understanding of history, science, literature, and more in a lively competition.

By incorporating diverse questions, this activity not only reinforces learning but also sparks curiosity and critical thinking. Engage students in a friendly battle of wits, encouraging teamwork and healthy competition.

The trivia quiz provides a platform for students to demonstrate their knowledge in a fun and interactive way, fostering a sense of accomplishment and intellectual growth.

Enjoy the excitement as students eagerly participate, eager to showcase their expertise and learn from their peers.

Elevate the classroom atmosphere with this engaging and enlightening activity that promotes both individual achievement and collaborative learning.

Transitioning from the mental challenge of trivia to physical and mental rejuvenation, “Yoga Break” offers students a moment of relaxation and mindfulness.

By incorporating a brief yoga session into the classroom routine, students can destress and refocus, promoting overall well-being and mental clarity.

Encourage students to stretch, breathe, and connect with their bodies, fostering a sense of calm and balance. This activity not only provides a physical break but also cultivates mindfulness and self-awareness, essential skills for academic success and personal growth.

Embrace the opportunity to introduce students to the benefits of yoga, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and stress management techniques. Let the soothing practice of yoga create a peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere in the classroom.

Engage students in hands-on creativity with “DIY Crafts.” These projects not only boost creativity and fine motor skills but also encourage self-expression and innovation.

By providing materials for students to create their own unique crafts, you foster a sense of pride and accomplishment. DIY crafts can range from simple paper creations to more complex projects, allowing students of all skill levels to participate and showcase their talents.

Encourage students to think outside the box, experiment with different materials, and unleash their imagination. This activity promotes problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and patience, all essential for personal and academic growth.

Coding Games

Introduce basic coding concepts through interactive and fun coding games. Engaging students in coding games not only teaches them valuable technical skills but also fosters problem-solving abilities and critical thinking.

By incorporating elements of play and competition, students are motivated to learn coding in an enjoyable and stimulating environment. These games can range from simple block-coding puzzles to more complex programming challenges, catering to students of varying skill levels.

Encourage teamwork and collaboration among students as they work together to solve coding problems and achieve common goals. Coding games provide a hands-on approach to learning technology, preparing students for future careers in STEM fields.

Teddy Bear Picnic

Transform your classroom into a whimsical wonderland by hosting a “Teddy Bear Picnic” activity. Invite students to bring their favorite stuffed animals for a cozy indoor picnic filled with fun and laughter.

This creative and interactive event not only fosters a sense of camaraderie among students but also encourages imaginative play and social interaction. Incorporate storytelling or themed activities to enhance the picnic experience and keep students engaged throughout.

By creating a relaxed and playful atmosphere, students can unwind and recharge while still participating in a structured educational activity.

Start a vibrant “Book Club” in your classroom to foster a love for reading and meaningful discussions among students.

Select engaging books that spark curiosity and ignite imaginations, creating a space for intellectual exploration and critical thinking.

By encouraging students to delve into diverse genres and themes, you can broaden their perspectives and enhance their analytical skills.

Facilitate lively discussions where students can share their insights, interpretations, and emotions related to the books they read.

This interactive and collaborative activity not only promotes literacy but also cultivates communication and empathy among peers.

Mystery Box Challenge

Stimulate curiosity and problem-solving by presenting students with mystery box challenges. Engage students’ critical thinking skills as they eagerly unravel the mysteries hidden within the boxes.

Encourage teamwork and collaboration as they brainstorm creative solutions to the unknown content. This interactive activity fosters a sense of excitement and anticipation, keeping students actively engaged in the learning process.

By incorporating the mystery box challenge into your classroom, you provide a hands-on experience that promotes exploration and experimentation. Watch as students eagerly embrace the challenge, honing their analytical abilities and thinking outside the box to uncover solutions.

Mystery box challenges offer a fun and dynamic way to enhance problem-solving skills and ignite a sense of discovery among students.

Poetry Slam

Encourage students to unleash their creativity and express themselves through the power of words during a “Poetry Slam.”

This engaging activity provides a platform for students to share their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives through poetry recitals and performances. By participating in a Poetry Slam, students not only enhance their public speaking skills but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for literature and self-expression.

Encourage students to explore various poetic forms, themes, and styles, fostering a love for language and creativity.

Through this interactive experience, students can build confidence, empathy, and communication skills while celebrating the beauty of words and emotions.

Escape Room Puzzle

Create an immersive “Escape Room Puzzle” experience in your classroom to ignite students’ teamwork and critical thinking abilities.

Design intricate puzzles and challenges that require collaboration and problem-solving to unlock clues and escape the room within a set time limit. This activity not only fosters strategic thinking but also enhances communication and decision-making skills.

Students will have a blast working together to unravel mysteries and crack codes, all while honing their ability to think outside the box.

The thrill of solving each puzzle will keep students engaged and motivated, making learning a fun and interactive adventure.

Watch as your students immerse themselves in the excitement of the escape room challenge, building resilience and perseverance along the way.

Board Game Bonanza

Engage students in a thrilling “Board Game Bonanza” where they can immerse themselves in a day filled with strategic thinking and friendly competition.

Rotate through a selection of classic and modern board games to cater to different interests and skill levels. Encourage teamwork, critical thinking, and decision-making as students strategize to outwit their opponents.

This activity not only promotes cognitive skills but also fosters social interaction and sportsmanship. Watch as students engage in friendly rivalries, learn to follow rules, and celebrate victories together.

A Board Game Bonanza is a fantastic way to break the routine, spark creativity, and create lasting memories in the classroom.

Puppet Show

Transform your classroom into a stage for creativity and public speaking with a captivating “Puppet Show” activity.

Students can unleash their imagination as they create unique characters and storylines for an entertaining performance. This interactive experience not only fosters creativity but also enhances public speaking skills as students bring their puppets to life and engage with their audience.

Encourage collaboration and teamwork as students work together to script and rehearse their show, promoting communication and cooperation.

The Puppet Show activity provides a fun and engaging way for students to express themselves, build confidence, and showcase their talents in a supportive environment.

Watch as students shine on stage, delivering memorable performances that leave a lasting impact on both the performers and the audience.

Outdoor Exploration

Take learning outside with nature walks, outdoor experiments, or observational studies for a refreshing change of environment.

“Outdoor exploration” provides a hands-on approach to learning, allowing students to connect with nature while engaging in educational activities. Encourage curiosity and discovery as students observe the natural world around them, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment.

By incorporating outdoor exploration into the curriculum, educators can promote physical activity, sensory experiences, and environmental awareness.

This interactive learning experience not only enhances academic knowledge but also promotes holistic development by nurturing students’ connection to the outdoors.

These diverse activities aim to make learning more engaging, interactive, and enjoyable for students, fostering a positive and dynamic classroom environment.

By incorporating a variety of fun and educational activities into the curriculum, educators can cater to different learning styles and interests, keeping students motivated and eager to participate.

From hands-on STEM challenges to creative writing prompts and interactive games, these activities not only enhance academic knowledge but also promote teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

Encouraging students to explore, experiment, and collaborate through these engaging activities can lead to a more enriching learning experience.

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20 interactive teaching activities for in the interactive classroom

Interactive teaching is all about instructing the students in a way they are actively involved with their learning process. There are different ways to create an involvement like this. Most of the time it’s through

• teacher-student interaction
• student-student interaction
• the use of audio, visuals, video
• hands-on demonstrations and exercises

You encourage your students to be active members of your class, thinking on their own, using their brains, resulting in long-term memory retention . Not only the students’ knowledge will improve, but their interest, strength, knowledge, team spirit and freedom of expression will increase as well.

In this blog post, I will talk about the use of interactive methods for teaching, encouraging more dedication towards the lesson material. We will see some interactive teaching tools, interactive teaching ideas, and interactive teaching games. Not only will I talk about the use of interactive methods of teaching, but I’ll also give you some examples of methods used in the present classroom as well.

Ready? Let’s find out some interactive classroom activities to engage your pupils!

3 Effective interactive teaching strategies to encourage speech in your classroom

First, I want to put some activities in the spotlight. The following interactive student activities are three of the most effective ways to encourage more speech in your classroom.

1. Think, pair and share

2. Brainstorming

3. Buzz session

Of course, there are many other interactive teaching ideas as well. I split up the activities in different categories:

Individual student activities

Student pair activities, student group activities, interactive game activities, 4. exit slips.

5. Misconception check

6. Circle the questions

Create corners concerning different questions that were circled. Let your students work on the extra exercises and explanation in the corners, individually. As your students will all have circled different questions, you have to give each student a different and personalized order to visit the corners.

7. Ask the winner

8. Pair-share-repeat

9. Teacher and student

10. Wisdom from another

11. Forced debate

Variation: one half of the class takes one position, the other half takes the other position. Students line up and face each other. Each student may only speak once so that all students on both sides can engage the issue.

12. Optimist/Pessimist

13. Peer review writing task

14. Board rotation

15. Pick the Winner

16. Movie Application

Create an interactive classroom full of interactive learning games. Games are so much fun for students since it doesn’t feel like learning. With BookWidgets, you can make interactive learning games like crossword puzzles, pair matching games, bingo games, jigsaw puzzles, memory games, and many more in minutes (and there’s a Google Classroom integration as well).

17. Crossword puzzle

18. Scrabble

19. Who/what am I?

Want to create a bingo game yourself? You can start for free right here:

Create a Bingo Game

That’s it! Like in any list, you could add many other interactive lesson ideas. I could go on for quite a while myself. But what about you? Share your creative, interactive classroom ideas in our Facebook Group . This way, we can build out this article with many more great ideas!

One more thing… Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter ! 😉

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7 Experiential Learning Activities to Engage Students

Written by Justin Raudys

Did you know?

Students at one school district mastered 68% more math skills on average when they used Prodigy Math.

• Teaching Strategies
• Pro and Con Grid
• Cross-Age Peer Tutoring
• Student-Generated Test Questions
• Make a Mnemonic
• Field Trip Activities

“Is disengaged.”

“Is easily distracted.”

“Shows no interest in learning.

”No teacher wants to use these phrases to describe a student, but disengagement in schools is a persistent problem -- making descriptions such as these all too common in classrooms today.

Experiential learning activities  can help students : 

• Remain focused  -- Students who are engaged and learning actively are less likely to become bored and disinterested.
• Learn differently  -- When students are involved in the learning process they are more engaged emotionally, helping them experience learning in a dynamic, new way.
• Learn faster  -- Learning firsthand requires deep problem-solving and critical thinking. These processes boost student engagement, accelerating learning and improving content retention.

To help you get started, we’ve collected a list of seven fun and engaging experiential learning activities for students in 1st to 8th Grade, complete with detailed descriptions and research-backed explanations showing why they’re effective.

This article is accompanied by a  downloadable list of experiential learning activities  to keep at your desk for quick reference. 

Note : Be sure to arrange the layout, activities, and expectations of all the activities below in a way that connects to your curriculum while giving students the chance to engage, interact, and apply concepts to relevant experiences.

Time : Unrestricted  

Size : Individual

Prodigy  is the engaging math platform that can help make learning fun! As students explore a fantasy world full of new quests and adventures, they'll also answer curriculum-aligned math questions for 1st-8th grade to help them prepare for standardized testing.

• Visit  the Prodigy website  and create your own free teacher account.
• After creating an account, you'll receive a unique class code. This makes it simple for students to join the class and link their account to yours when they first begin playing. You can also type in your students’ names to create accounts for them.
• Once your student has activated their account, they'll create an in-game avatar, choosing from various attributes such as hair color, eye color, skin color and more.
• In minutes, your students will start exploring the world of Prodigy and begin building their math skills through exciting math battles against in-game characters.
• Open your class dashboard to take advantage of all the options within your teacher account, including assignment and topic plans and reports on how your students are progressing in all areas of your curriculum.

a) It's   engaging

Video game based learning has been shown to heighten the level of interest, concentration, and enjoyment of educational materials among students.

Video game based learning is one of the most engaging ways to use technology in the classroom . It is also changing the face of how experiential education can be applied in the classroom.

As the professor, mathematician and author Keith Devlin observes:

Video games provide an entirely different medium, better suited in many ways to representing and doing mathematics than writing on a sheet of paper or punching numbers in a calculator.

b) It’s empowering

Receiving instant feedback in a game helps students stay on track and invested in their own progress, further improving participation and interest .

Features such as in-game rewards help stimulate the learning process by keeping students interested in the content and by giving them an incentive to complete tasks.

c) It’s competitive

Few other learning methods offer the powerfully competitive features made possible within video game based learning.

Factors like healthy competition amongst students or the target of achieving personal high scores help to motivate students to attempt – and complete – a given task.

2. Pro and Con Grid

The Pro and Con Grid involves students developing a list of advantages and disadvantages about a suitable issue related to your lesson, helping them to see a topic from different angles and to develop skills in analysis and evaluation.

Time : 25-30 minutes  

Size : Groups of 2-6

• After students have finished an assignment or lesson plan, identify a topic in the lesson that is  open-ended  -- suitable for discussion and debate -- and that will serve as an appropriate subject for building a list of advantages/disadvantages.
• Divide students into groups and specify how many pros and cons you would like each group to come up with. Allow ten minutes for students to discuss and write down the list of pros and cons
• Now, use the remainder of the activity’s time to ask for each group to go over their list. Bring attention to pros and cons that are similar, and note how many times they have appeared across different groups to emphasize their importance.
• ( Optional ) After students have finished the Pro and Con Grid and have discussed it with the class, challenge them to back up their pros and cons with research, evidence, and/or analysis.
• ( Optional ) If students have written pros and cons on a piece of paper, read the list to the class  without  disclosing the authors in order to stimulate conversation.
• ( Optional ) Place the Pro and Con Grid activity  before  a lesson instead of after as a “knowledge check” at the beginning of a class. This will help you get a feel for what students think and know about a topic. You might be surprised at what misconceptions or assumptions students make about the subject.

By allowing students to take up a position that might not have aligned with their original point of view -- and by encouraging them to look at a topic from different angles -- you are driving them to approach a lesson or assignment in a dynamic, original way.

This activity also touches on a few other properties of experiential learning, helping students to:

• Become engaged  intellectually, emotionally, and socially
• Take initiative , make decisions, and feel accountable for the results of the activity
• Synthesize observations   and   reflections  in a new way, opening up different interpretations of course material
• Learn from the natural consequences  of group debate and discussion, opening a healthy platform for dialogue where students feel they are allowed to make mistakes

And, like all effective experiential learning activities, this activity will help teachers learn more about students, too .

3.Cross-Age Peer Tutoring

Cross-age peer tutoring is an approach to peer learning where one student instructs another on material in which the first student is proficient and the second student is a novice.

Time : 20-30 minutes  

Size : Pairs

• Decide which role your student will take: tutor or tutee.
• Connect with the teacher of a class in a higher or lower grade who is open to the activity. In general, a range of two to three grades higher or lower will work well. Select a student from each class and pair them together.
• Choose a topic or lesson plan for the students to discuss. While you are welcome to pick any lesson for the activity, subjects that have been shown to be suitable for cross-age peer tutoring include: number sense and numeration, identification of sight words, vocabulary, and general reading skills.
• Explain to both students that the activity is an open conversation, and questions from both participants are encouraged. Facilitate this by asking the students to come up with three things the tutee learned during the activity.
• After the allotted time, follow up with the students to discuss their questions and gain an idea of how the process went.

Overall, peer learning activities can give students a range of advantages, including increased literacy scores, improved comfort and openness, and enhanced critical thinking skills.

Encouraging a student to delve into a given selection of educational content to explain it to a colleague can help both participants:

• Question each other’s views  and reach their own consensus
• Develop   skills  in the planning and organization of learning activities
• Give and receive feedback  to evaluate their own learning
• Put into practice  the  knowledge and skills  they have been developing through more traditional teaching methods

Importantly, the benefits of this type of activity go both ways: cross-age peer tutoring has been shown to offer  academic benefits to both tutors and tutees .

4. Student-Generated Test Questions

Time : 20-30 minutes

A student-generated test question activity gives participants the opportunity to ask the questions instead of just answering them.

• After finishing a lesson plan, ask students to prepare between three and five test questions of their own related to the lesson material.
• Next, explain that your students must also create the related  answers  to the questions they come up with.
• After the allotted time, split your students into pairs and have them test each other with the questions they have written.
• If time permits, get students to share their results with the class.

By repositioning students’ approach to a lesson by provoking a series of questions and a set of answers, this activity builds participants’ understanding by involving them in a process of inquiry and reflection – the heart and soul of experiential learning.And it’s not just about the students. This exercise is an excellent example of how experiential learning activities can help teachers achieve added insight into what students consider to be the most significant or memorable content in a lesson.The questions and answers students come up with will give teachers a gauge of:

• What students see as the  key concepts  within a lesson
• What students consider to be  reasonable and valuable test questions
• Whether students have  inaccurate expectations for an upcoming test

5. Fishbowl

Time : 20-30 minutes

Size : Groups of 4-8

The fishbowl activity involves medium-sized groups of students sitting at the front of the classroom and openly discussing an assigned topic so the entire classroom can hear. 

• Have four to eight students students (Group A) volunteer to be “inside” the fishbowl, while the remainder of the class (Group B) forms a circle or outer ring (with or without their desks) “outside” of the fishbowl to observe the activity.  
• Assign Group A an open-ended topic or question to discuss with the goal of reaching a consensus on the topic’s three most important issues.
• Once the consensus has been reached or once time has run out, have Group A and Group B switch roles – with Group B performing an open-air discussion and Group A watching in the “outside” ring. This second stage can involve an identical format or a modified version featuring a new approach, topic, or discussion.
• ( Optional )  At the end of the exercise, have both groups offer feedback on each group’s discussion to one another – either individually, in a group-to-group format, or in pairs.

When performed effectively, this activity fosters and opens a spirit of investigation, risk-taking, experimentation, curiosity, problem-solving and creativity -- all elements seen as fundamental to the process of experiential learning.

Crucially, this activity also encourages students to take responsibility for the discussion and, by extension, of their own learning.

The fishbowl activity is particularly dependent on your students’ comfort with taking risks and being open to failure.

6. Make a Mnemonic

Time : 20-25 minutes

Size : Groups of 2-3

A mnemonic is a device like a rhyme or acronym that helps students to associate concepts to help them remembering something.

• Establish how a mnemonic works by giving your students one or two popular examples such as the two outlined below.
• Select a topic related to your course material or allow students to pick a topic themselves.
• Break your students into groups and give them writing materials, allowing the allotted time to work together and make their own mnemonic.
• Get each group to present their mnemonic in front of the class.
• ( Optional ) Challenge your students to memorize their own mnemonic and perform it off by heart.

The design of this activity gives students the chance to tie personally relevant topics and images to educational content , in turn creating an internal reflection on their learning and bringing greater meaning to the lesson -- a key part of experiential learning.

Researcher and author on memory and learning in elementary education, Milton J. Dehn explains why mnemonics are effective, saying:

If new information is related to something that is firmly locked in the long-term memory, such as images of everyday objects, retrieval will be easier.

Naturally, students will better remember content if they are actively thinking through new information instead of just repeating it .

The mnemonic is a flexible and effective educational technique, facilitating learning in virtually any educational topic, from language skills to mental math practices.

7. Field Trip Activities

Time : >30 minutes

Size : Entire class

Field trips  are an effective platform for experiential learning activities because they let students bridge educational experiences to actual settings.

Be mindful that a field trip where students are simply talked to by a guide or teacher often doesn't qualify as true experiential learning.

A field trip that correctly activates experiential learning requires some preparation and interaction from the teacher. Consider the example below.

Sample Activity

• After completing a science unit on animal habitats, ensure that your students are familiar with what components of survival are necessary for different types of animals.
• Visit a local zoo! Have your students apply their learnings by encouraging  a collective commentary on each animal exhibit and how it displays important components of survival like habitat and animal adaptations.

Instead of simply internalizing material in a textbook, this example shows how a field trip helps students:

• Apply what they’ve learned firsthand
• Create new connections and reinforce the lessons they’ve learned by putting them into practice in a fun, engaging context

Experiential Learning Activities for Students: Final Thoughts

At some point, most teachers are confronted with the fact that merely giving a student information is no guarantee that it will be internalized in a meaningful way. For this reason, these seven examples of experiential learning activities demonstrate the importance of experiential learning as a pedagogy.

Experiential learning activities such as the seven above help you sidestep this problem by deploying a student-centered approach that empowers participants to take learning into their own hands and apply it in an engaging context .

In his book Teaching for Experiential Learning , professor of experiential education Scott Wurdinger observes:

Students are most excited about learning when  they are an active part of the process  – be it through scenarios including discussion, group work, or hands-on participation.

If you use these activities correctly, you’ll be able to see that excitement firsthand.

After all, the demonstrated success of experiential learning suggests that it’s not always what your students are taught, but how they’re taught that can make all the difference.

Downloadable List of the 7 Experiential Learning Activities

Click here  to download the list of activities ideas to print and keep at your desk.

Create or log in to your teacher account on Prodigy  — the game-based learning platform that assesses student progress and performance as they play.

18 Top Games for College Students

Want some exciting icebreaker games for college students? Playing a fast-paced game with your students is a great way of opening your introductory classes.

College students have young, active minds that quickly become exhausted after hours of classroom studies. Playing an exciting, fun game, or performing a creative group activity together, helps reduce the pressure. 

To refresh their minds, many teachers play different fun games in class to keep things interesting. Playing games can effectively lift the mood in your class.

Table of Contents

Here are 18 exciting games you can play in your class. 

Simon says .

Key Benefit: It stimulates the senses and develops motor skills.

You must have played Simon Says when you were a kid. It’s one of the best icebreaker games for college students as well. It’s a simple and easy game with a basic rule to do whatever “Simon” says. You can pick any student as “Simon” or be him yourself and call out the actions.

Simon Says is an excellent way of getting a group of college students to do something simultaneously and is a surefire way of creating joy and laughter in your classroom. Plus, it helps to energize students through simple physical activities. 

Word Limit Answers

Key Benefit: It stimulates cognitive abilities.

This game is best for those college students who are uncomfortable making speeches or who fear getting stuck in conversations with strangers. It is a great way to help them interact with other team members.

Using their creativity, students will be more at ease when expressing themselves within specific limits.

You can set precise limits to challenge their minds. Whoever creates the shortest word wins the maximum points. Students who have a way with words will love this mind-challenging game.

Two truths and a Lie

Key Benefit: It builds the ability to read people.

Two truths and a Lie is a classic game that allows your students to open up and mingle with others, and it’s a great way to start your morning class. The game encourages students to feel at ease around classmates and get familiar with each other. 

All you need to do is organize small groups of students who compete against each other.

Students share two truths and a lie, and their group members must guess which is true and which is false. The group that guesses the greatest number of lies wins.

Classroom Charades

Key Benefit: It builds light-hearted competitiveness in students.

Irrespective of age, everyone loves playing charades, and most people know the simple rules. It’s a simple guessing game. The game involves miming different actions and roles to help the group guess the right word. This could be a character, movie, song, or dialogue. 

The target phrase is written on a slip, and all the slips are placed inside a box. After shuffling the box, one student picks a slip and then tries to mime or perform something related to the target word.

If your group answers correctly, you’ll win the round. The team with the best score wins the game.

Draw Swords

Key Benefit: It builds quick scanning and skimming abilities.

This is another fast-paced, thrilling game for college students. It involves using your textbook to find whatever the head asks. 

Each student holds their book under their arm, like a soldier prepared for battle with their sword. Students compete by searching their books to find the requested item when commanded. It could be a quote, a formula, or even a word.

The first student to complete the search wins the round. It’s a great way to teach physics laws and mathematical formulas. 

Trivia Quizzes

Key Benefit: It stimulates reasoning abilities.

Various trivia games are like many popular board games that most students play in college. The game details are easy to understand, without any complicated rules. 

It’s a fun, refreshing game that brings people closer. Shy, new college students can enjoy playing trivia together and making friends. Create random pairs and show off your fun side.

General Knowledge Pop Quizzes

Key Benefit: It increases general knowledge.

College students often need to increase their general knowledge, and pop quizzes are often the best way to learn some basic general knowledge. This could include facts, figures, and geographical or social information. 

Arrange healthy competition with pop quizzes in your classes now and then.

Speech Presentation 

Key Benefit: It helps to boost creativity and confidence.

Speech Presentation is an excellent way of boosting confidence in students who are shy and talk slowly. Giving a speech can be a nightmare for them, but this experience can be far less frightening when they work as a group to compose a speech.

The collective meaning of conducting group presentations is an excellent idea for an assignment.

This way, a group presents a speech that can be judged by the collective performances of all the college students. 

Dance Party

Key Benefit: Entertainment and fun

When you’re tired of doing assignments, plan a game night! You can enjoy playing party games to freshen up the moods of students. 

Have them pick a song and try combining several songs to create super fun song mashups.

Then, take the game to the next level and enjoy dancing to the newly created beats.

Students can show off their dance moves, make new friends, and enjoy college life to its fullest. 

Scavenger Hunt

Key Benefit: It stimulates thinking abilities.

This is a party game that you can easily play in college. It’s a treasure hunt where students are divided into small groups. All the groups compete against each other to find the treasure first.

You can create a map filled with clever clues that lead to the treasure. It helps to provide different clues in a systematic fashion that lead the teams to a master room full of treasure.

The game develops critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities in college students.

Murder Mystery

Key Benefit: It builds investigational abilities.

Add more thrill with another exciting party game of solving a Murder Mystery! This is an intriguing game for college students to play.

Create a murder scene and divide students into two teams. Provide a separate set of clues for both teams. The first team to solve the murder wins the game.

It’s a great cooperative game, useful for teaching students about critical thinking. It also helps to develop investigative skills, plus it is so much fun to play with your friends.

Find the Mistake

Key Benefit: It builds error-finding skills.

Finding clues is a thrilling type of game loved by most college students. This is another game for college pupils that involves finding their teacher’s mistakes.

It’s a unique game that builds better relationships between students and teachers. Students in sudden positions of authority will feel comfortable sharing their thoughts with their teachers in this fun activity.

Teachers or their team members can intentionally make mistakes and let students point them out to increase interactions. Students can form their alliances with a team of teachers to discover their mistakes.

Key Benefit: It promotes strength.

Time to gear up to play some physical games like Tug of War. This classic outdoor game is so much fun to play with your classmates.

The game is pretty simple. Two teams hold opposite ends of a long rope marked at the center with a marker or a tie.

Each team has an equal number of students who need to pull the rope from their side while the opposing team must resist, using all their strength. The team that can’t hold onto their end of the rope and is pulled over the line first loses the game.

Building Card Towers

Key Benefit: It builds discipline.

This is one of the favorite card games of all college students, and students love playing it in their leisure time too. This card game is simple to play with no hard or fast rules.

All you need is a deck of cards in good shape. The game begins with creating the base pillars to build the card tower. The college student who succeeds in making the highest card tower wins the game.

You can also create several teams and play the game as a group activity. This way, it’ll be more competitive but a fun game to play with your college mates. 

Settlers Of Catan

Key Benefit: It stimulates future planning abilities.

Settlers Of Catan is one of the best board games for college friends. It’s a creative group game based on building a civilization. The game is similar to SimCity, or Empire Earth, which you play online.

Note that Settlers Of Catan is a board game. So unlike computer code, you’ll use game pieces, dice, and cards to play the game. 

This board game is excellent for developing strategic skills in students. You’ll have to be smart enough to dodge your enemies while you try to govern your country! Then, take turns to build the best civilization.

Secret Hitler 

Key Benefit: It stimulates deception abilities.

Another one of the best board games for college, Secret Hitler, is an excellent idea for board game enthusiasts. It’s a classic version of poker as a board game.

The game details are pretty simple, but one needs a cunning mind to play this board game. You’ll have to be a tricky liar if you want to win!

A single round of Secret Hitler only takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Although it’s a fast board game, students can quickly become addicted to playing it.

Key Benefit: It stimulates critical identifying abilities.

Next on the list of board games for college pupils, we have Codenames. It’s a unique board game where you pretend to be a spy. 

Codenames are one of those board games that are utterly engrossing. Students become addicted to playing this game, trying to become the ultimate spymaster.

Although the game needs at least four players to start, you can play it with as many people as you like. After all, the more, the merrier!

You must protect the assassin and hide his identity. Each student gets an identity card and behaves like that character. The ultimate goal of the assassin is to stay hidden until there’s no one left but him.

Key Benefit: It stimulates arrangement abilities.

Rummikub is a popular card game turned into a board game. It is one of the best board games for college. However, people of all ages love playing this board game in their free time.

It is easy to play with a simple set of rules. If you’re into playing card games, you will love Rummikub. The game details are all about numbers, patterns, and strategy. The first team to get rid of all their tiles wins the game. 

You can create sequential numbers like 3, 4, 6, and so on for a better score. You can also create a similar tile sequence for numbers of the same kind, like 3, 3, 3, or 6, 6, 6. Use tiles strategically and create an even set to beat other students in Rummikub. 

Recommended: Best Air Fryer for College Students

Q. Is Playing Board Games Allowed in College?

Board games can easily be played in college. They’re fun to play with your college friends. However, you’ll need to bring your board and pieces to college.

Q. Which is the most fun game to play with college friends?

A majority of students enjoy playing cards with their friends. This could poker, bluff, UNO, hearts, etc. Any card game can be easily played in college and university.

Entertain your class with these 18 exciting games. Let them have a fun experience with board games, speeches, dance parties, etc. Let them create their group to come up with unique ideas. Make sure to explain all the game details clearly before getting started. And have some great fun playing games with students in your college.

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40+ Best Online Educational Games for Every Grade in 2023

Make screen time meaningful and fun!

Kids are always asking for more screen time, and parents and teachers are always looking for ways to make that screen time more worthwhile. Fortunately, there are endless free online games for kids that teach language arts, math, science, art, and STEM. If you’re not quite sure where to get started, try this list of our favorite teacher-approved online educational games. You’ll find educational games for students in every subject and every grade.

Preschool and Elementary Online Educational Games

Middle and high school online educational games.

Offering a full curriculum for children ages 2 to 8, this site includes fun and interactive games, songs, and puzzles for reading, math, science, and art. (Free for teachers and classrooms; subscription available for home use)

Adventure Academy

From the same company as ABCMouse, Adventure Academy takes kids ages 8 to 13 on a knowledge quest through language arts, math, science, and social studies. (First month free, then monthly subscription fee)

Looking to improve outcomes in a way that kids will enjoy? This educational game takes K-12 students on a time-traveling adventure to meet some of the most influential mathematicians in history. (Monthly or annual subscription plans for families; schools request price quote)

Duck Duck Moose Reading

Based on Common Core State Standards, this app teaches phonics including the letter sounds for all consonants, short vowels, and long vowels. Kids will also practice spelling consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words. If you like this one, check out Duck Duck Moose’s whole collection of school games online. (Apps are free to download and play.)

Test your knowledge while earning rice for those in need! Each time you play, you’re helping the United Nations World Food Programme provide food to those around the world who need it. The game offers a variety of subjects and difficulty levels. (Free)

Dive into a coral reef or be a star climber on this great site that features a wide assortment of free online games for kids. These educational games focus mainly on reading and math, but you’ll find lots of fun activities here with options for pre-K through grade 8. (Free)

Gamestar Mechanic

Do you have gamers in your class? This site helps kids ages 7 through 14 learn how to design their very own video games through game-based quests and courses. (Free)

Whether they’re jetpacking through the stars in Zapp Von Doubler’s Space Race or clearing weeds in the garden in Om Petalhead’s Flower Power, kids will enjoy this collection of fun educational games that get them up and moving! (Free)

KUBO Play – Coding for Kids

KUBO Play is an interactive online platform that teaches coding and computational thinking to early learners. Its three activity modes (Free Play, Practice, and Story) include more than 100 coding tasks combined. You can even customize your students’ learning pathways. (Contact for pricing)

Learning Games for Kids: Health Games

Kids in grades K-5 can learn about a range of health topics, from body parts to staying fit, with these interactive online games. They’re perfect for science learning enrichment. (Free)

Little Alchemy 2

This deceptively simple game is actually a lot of fun. Kids (and teachers!) can experiment with combining different elements, such as fire or dirt, to create something entirely new. It encourages creative thinking as well as knowledge of the world around us. (Free)

Minecraft: Education Edition

Kids love the regular Minecraft video game, but this education-focused version takes learning to the next level. With lessons, STEM curriculum, and project-based challenges, this immersive digital environment promotes creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. (Priced per user, per year)

Moose Math engages kids in a mathematical adventure and teaches counting, addition, subtraction, sorting, geometry, and more. While playing five multi-level activities in the Moose Juice Store, Puck’s Pet Shop, and Lost & Found, kids can earn rewards to help build their own city and decorate buildings. (Free)

Multiplication.com

Need to master your multiplication facts? This is the site to try! Fun games and memory-building strategies will help students tackle this key skill. (Free, with Premium membership available for extra features)

National Geographic Kids

Head out on the trail with Captain John Smith, explore Ancient Greece with Zeus the Mighty, or just take a quiz about sharks on this robust site filled with great educational games for students. (Free)

PBS Kids Games

You’ll find everything from social studies to teamwork and feelings in this incredible collection of games that vary in degree of difficulty. The website is truly filled with some of the very best educational games centering on science, social studies, history, and art. (Free)

Prodigy Math

Looking for personalized math lessons for your students? Kids in grades 1-8 take a Prodigy placement test that generates games tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. They’ll build confidence by solving math challenges to progress in the game. (Free)

RoomRecess.com

Access over 140 online educational games for kids in grades K-6 on this site, which was developed by an elementary school teacher with a focus on reinforcing fundamental learning concepts in math, reading, spelling, language arts, typing, and problem-solving. (Free)

Roy: Tale of a Singing Zebra

Kids pre-K to grade 2 will enjoy the punctuation, reading, and spelling games on this cute, simple site. You’ll also find online guided-reading stories and lesson plans for teachers. (Free)

Starfall activities are research-based and align with individual and Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics. There are engaging and interactive games for students in grades K-3. (Some free content with subscriptions available)

Teachers love this great site that offers personalized math and spelling practice for kids ages 5 through 13 through adaptive learning and multi-player games. This is definitely one of the best online educational game sites out there! (Monthly subscription fee)

How good are your airbrush skills? Which famous artist should design your bedroom? Are you a master of street art? Kids can explore these questions and more with the cool quizzes and games on this art-focused site from the Tate Gallery. (Free)

Toy Theater

How would your students like to learn multiplication while shooting hoops? They can do that and more at Toy Theater, which teaches early math concepts through game-based learning. (Free)

Turtle Diary

Introduce kids to new, exciting ways of learning with the help of fun online games, videos, experiments, puzzles, coloring sheets, and more! Turtle Diary activities pair with the appropriate grade level to enhance retention of material and increase success in the classroom. (Free)

The games and challenges on Tynker give kids ages 5 and up a fun and easy way to build coding skills. This is one of the top online educational games for young coders— see more of our favorites here . (Subscription required)

Vocabulary A-Z

Dive into engaging learning activities and games for kids in first through sixth grades, designed to promote vocabulary, spelling, phonics, and language arts. (Free basic access; Premium membership unlocks complete library)

Algebraic Reasoning Sweet Shop

Who doesn’t like candy? Buy and sell sweet treats in this game that helps students grasp concepts related to price and purchasing. (Free)

Boat Coordinates

Use this fun boating game to learn and practice concepts related to grids and quadrants. Race along the X and Y axes to get to the finish line as fast as you can! (Free)

Cells Alive

This information website provides all sorts of interactive ways to learn about cells! Interactive models, puzzles, and more all help tell the story of this building block of life. (Free)

This guessing game uses maps and photos from around the world to educate kids on world locations as well as historical landmarks and famous cities. User-made quizzes add to the guessing fun! (Free)

Get the Math

Explore all the ways you really do use algebra in the real world. Students see how professionals use math in music, fashion, video games, restaurants, basketball, and special effects. Then take on interactive challenges related to those careers. (Free)

Created by a high school student, this interactive review game is something kids can play on their own devices, earning in-game money for correct answers that they can use to buy upgrades and power-ups! (Free, with Pro subscriptions available)

High-Stakes Heist

Kids use their knowledge of the order of operations to crack the safes and help hero Kit Foxtail return the townspeoples’ money that was stolen by the evil Duke von Wolfington. They’ll have to think fast as they try to solve equations in the correct order before time runs out! (Free)

Help kids learn the foundations of civics and government with this collection of highly interactive games including Court Quest, Newsfeed Defenders, and Do I Have the Right? (Free)

Kids Environment Kids Health

Through a wide assortment of puzzles, riddles, brainteasers, and more, kids can learn about their own health and the health of the environment on this website from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (Free)

NASA STEM Engagement

With a variety of games, activities, and educational options to choose from, the NASA Stem Engagement site offers options for all grades. Learn, discover, and play online educational games related to space technology and exploration. (Free)

Physicsgames.net

This website offers dozens of different simple games to choose from that help educate kids on the mechanics of physics. Whether they are shooting pigs, knocking down walls, or trying to balance a building, they’ll learn and have fun at the same time. (Free)

Science Vocabulary Hangman

Use the clues to guess the scientific term before the cellular hangman disappears. Choose from literally hundreds of subject sets that include grade-specific vocab, state-level standardized tests, and more. (Free)

smokeSCREEN

As part of their #BeTheFirst Initiative, smokeSCREEN was developed by the play2PREVENT Lab, 1stPlayable, and Schell Games and funded by the NIH/FDA and the CVS Health Foundation. The game addresses the range of challenges that young teens face, with a dedicated focus on youth decision-making around smoking and vaping and strategies for both smoking prevention and cessation. Educators can request free access to the web-based game here . (Free)

Sortify: Angles

Learning about angles can be tricky, but this game uses cue cards and sorting bins to help students learn to properly classify angles into different categories. Make sure they’re all correct and then submit the responses to earn the most points. (Free)

Though Quizlet is known for its huge array of digital flash cards, this educational site offers much more for students. AI tutors help kids learn more about tricky subjects, plus transform their own notes into interactive learning activities. (Free; Quizlet Plus has more features available for a subscription fee)

Trigonometry Minigolf

Trigonometry has never been more fun than in this game that uses correct answers to power your golf swing as you aim for a hole in one! Miss an answer? The game will let you know what you did wrong and give you another shot. (Free)

Wrecks Factor

S.O.S.! Ships are sailing into your harbor and you need to help keep them from sinking! Solve the quadratic equations to keep the boats afloat and clear the board … if you take too long, boats start to sink and you lose a life. (Free)

Did we miss one of your favorite online educational games? Share in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, 28 online interactive math games kids will love ..

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28 Online Interactive Math Games Kids Will Love

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How to make the most of your summer as a college student

Internships, study abroad programs, road trips and creative tasks are all great options to enjoy an energizing summer break.

By Caroline McDonald

Most colleges have wrapped up their spring semester, leaving students to face the task of figuring out their summer plans.

As a kid, I always loved the summer. There was absolutely nothing I needed to do — no intimidating deadlines or rent to be paid — and I spent most of my days chilling in the pool, eating popsicles or going on road trips.

As a college student, I’m usually swimming in a metaphorical pool of responsibilities even when I’m not enrolled in a full load of classes. I’ve often wondered to myself, how can summer still be fun — even with all the busyness?

Everyone’s summer situation is different. Some students go home, some work, some take summer classes and others really don’t have much to do.

No matter your situation, there are ways to make the most of your summer before the next school year begins.

What should I do in the summer as a college student?

Harvard University says college students should think about this list of questions before they plan for the summer:

• What are my overall academic goals?
• What are some interests I have yet to explore?
• What are some interests I want to explore further?
• What programs, companies, organizations or institutions align with my values?
• What opportunities can I pursue now and which ones may be for term-time or future summers?
• What do I need for my health and well-being?

“Ask yourself questions,” Harvard tells its students. “Narrow down your interests, and seek out more information about opportunities that interest you.”

Consider these opportunities:

Study abroad . Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience. Not only do you complete college credit in a foreign country, you experience new cultures and customs along the way.

Do an internship . An internship provides experiences that contribute to your learning and professional development. Connect online or through your university to secure an internship in a field of study you enjoy.

Create your own project . If you’re itching for something new, create your own project. According to The Princeton Review , you can “turn your interests and talents into your own summer-long project.” There are a variety of things you can do that don’t require college credit or experience.

Find creative ways to celebrate holidays . Memorial Day, Juneteenth and the Fourth of July are all holidays you can celebrate in fun ways. According to the University of Arizona , graduations, birthdays and anniversaries are additional occasions to commemorate. If you’re feeling creative, think of new ways to spend the holidays.

How can college students make money over the summer?

If money is particularly tight this summer, consider a few creative opportunities to earn some extra cash.

Build an online profile . LinkedIn, Handshake and Indeed are a few of the many online networking platforms that can connect you with potential employers and recruiters. Take some time to build your profile.

Do something simple . Summer jobs range from the office to the yard to a restaurant. According to Forbes , you can find a job that works for you based on your interests. Check out their list of factors to consider as you search.

Connect with your adviser . Your campus adviser may let you know of potential student job opportunities.

Network within your community . Your community can be a great resource for connecting with professionals who work in your field of interest.

Farewell Celebration for South Gate Educational Center

Wednesday, may 22, 2024.

We are excited to extend an invitation to all to join us in bidding farewell to the South Gate Educational Center. As we prepare for the campus relocation, we want to take a moment to celebrate the legacy and service it has provided to the Southeast Community.

Please join us for an afternoon filled with nostalgia, camaraderie, and fun activities:

Farewell Celebration Details:

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm Location: 2340 Firestone Blvd, South Gate, CA 90280

We will have free food and games for everyone who attends, ensuring a memorable time for all.

Kindly RSVP using the following link: RSVP Link

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17 Best Gifts for College Students 2024

When shopping for gifts for college students, you want something that strikes the balance between fun and functional that will elevate any higher-education experience. Whether your recipient is attending a big 10 university, a small liberal arts college, a trade school, or anything in between, your gift can do its small part to help bridge the gap between high school and “the real world” that awaits after graduation.

You could choose a cool and useful piece of tech, dorm decor that brings The Vibes, a book or journal that supports self-reflection, or a thoughtful accessory that aligns with the student’s interests. Whatever your gifting goals or budget, there is an ideal present for the college student on your list right here among our expert-backed and consumer-tested picks.

Table of Contents

• Best Gifts for College Students
• College Student Gift Card Etiquette 
• How We Chose

Crosley Rondo Bluetooth Speaker  »

List Price:

This speaker wins best overall due to its combination of practicality, quality, and sleek aesthetics — all for a can’t-be-beaten price point. From the iconic music player brand Crosley, this cute little speaker pairs with Bluetooth and lets your college kid easily stream chill study tunes and weekend party music alike. It also lets you accept phone calls and skip tracks thanks to its side controls. Choose from a handful of retro-inspired colors — and relax, because it’s got a one-year warranty to boot.

Cotopaxi Laundry Bag Del Dia  »

For an even lower price point than our already-affordable best overall pick, this chic and functional laundry bag makes one aspect of college drudgery a little bit more fun. Cotopaxi creates cute, clip-closing bags out of 100% repurposed materials. This “Del Día” laundry bag has garnered rave reviews from customers and is produced — like any Cotopaxi pack — at factories committed to sustainable and worker-friendly practices. College students can use the bags as a hamper, dirty clothes transportation, or as a makeshift suitcase when they come home for holidays.

Ilios Lighting Rechargeable Table Mirror  »

For a tech-savvy college student who wants more than an old-school looking glass, an LED light-up mirror makes a great useful gift, explains tech expert Erin Lawrence. Lawrence is an educator and YouTuber with over 80,000 subscribers who helps young adults wade through tons of tech to hone in on what’s worthwhile.

“I love the Ilios LED mirror in part because it offers both adjustable LED light and a rechargeable battery, which helps make it a little more sustainable,” she explains. It fits easily in any dorm corner, from bathroom to tabletop. Plus, it doubles as a ring light thanks to a convenient phone holder – so if the techie student is also social-media savvy (aren’t they all?!) they’ll find myriad uses for it.

Calpak Luka Hanging Toiletry Bag  »

Ah, the toiletry bag – a classic visual answer to the question, “are you an adult or not?” Show a college student that they are a grown-up and deserve a grown-up — but still fun and youthful — container for their daily skincare and hygiene essentials. We love the Luka, especially in the on-trend celery shade, for its easy-to-clean material and retractable hook for hanging. Plus, with its many compartments and plush but modern exterior, it looks like something straight out of a design museum.

Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport  »

“If college taught me one thing, it was to subscribe to hustle culture early on,” warns Young Adult Services Librarian Jessica Siddharth, who works with pre-college-age and college-age kids and makes book recommendations ranging from fiction to personal development. Siddharth hopes reading Slow Productivity can counter that negative impact for college kids.

“This book is a breath of fresh air,” she says. “Reminding readers that we can be productive and efficient and also take care of ourselves — that last part being something that many college students tend to forget to do.”

If you want to go beyond the product route, Cerene Prince, LCSW, a social worker and parent coach who specializes in supporting teens and college students through life transitions, suggests an invaluable gift: counseling. “Mental health counseling can provide crucial support during times of transition, helping teens and young adults navigate the challenges of college life and beyond,” Prince explains.

Notes to Self Positive Affirmation Socks  »

Why not send a double message of cozy self-care plus positive affirmation with these Notes to Self Socks? “I love affirmation socks as a gift,” says Jill. Grimes, MD, physician and author of The Ultimate College Handbook: Your Guide to Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness. “Starting your day with a little private ‘you’re awesome’ message as you put on your shoes brings a smile to most of us.” Let the college student in your life know they are “crushing it,” among other messages of encouragement, via every step they take. “And,” adds Dr. Grimes, “extra socks mean longer times till you have to do laundry” — a true boon for college kids if there ever was one.

The Seriously Good Student Cookbook  »

This cookbook by Quadrille includes 80 colorful recipes that strike the ideal balance for college cooking. What does that mean? They’re delicious, affordable, nutritious, and they don’t require the college student to attend culinary school in order to pull them off. From study fuel like fish fingers to late-night staples like pizza and kebabs to morning-after, egg-laden delights, there’s something for every student and every phase of school in this easy-to-use recipe book.

Mark and Graham Italian Canvas Camera Bag  »

Maybe your college student giftee is pursuing photography as their degree in art school. Or maybe they’re just psyched to start snapping pics throughout a study-abroad semester in Europe. If they’ve already sourced the camera of their choice, support their interest with an elegant camera bag that looks like it came from Italy, not Best Buy. This beauty from Mark and Graham is made from canvas sourced from — you guessed it — Italy and can be monogrammed for an extra personal touch. Sizing-wise, it works for most instant and mirrorless cameras as well as many SLRs. The interior divider can even be removed so the bag doubles as a minimalist crossbody when camera-free.

Feast By Louisa Persian Coffee Time Gift Set  »

If you want to support a college student’s study sessions, you don’t need to go for some super-specific tech tools. In fact, studies have shown that one of the most helpful hacks for productivity is taking breaks. So, gift something that supports a small, sustainable pause in that study session. This beautiful coffee gift set from Feast By Louisa includes all the ingredients for a decadent break that will leave any student feeling refueled, energized, and ready to dive back into the books. It includes a premium ground coffee blend mixed with cardamom seeds, date syrup (a Persian coffee sweetener), and two dozen handmade chickpea flour cookies, or nokhodchi. Caffeinating never felt this elegant.

NOCO Boost Plus Car Battery Jump Starter  »

Melissa Inman is a mom of two young adults, one of whom is a college student, and she gifted both of them what every driver needs and often forgets to buy: “We got them portable car battery chargers to jump-start their cars solo,” says Inman. “It’s one of those things you hope they won’t have to use, but both of my kids have ended up with a dead battery charger after leaving headlights or interior lights on.” And, she says, thanks to the jump starter she gifted, “both of them have been able to handle the problem on their own!” Practicality bonus: This jump starter can be used to charge phones and other devices, “which also comes in handy,” notes Inman.

Oars + Alps Athlete Line Kit  »

College athletes likely already have their favorite foam rollers, hand weights, and the like — as well as team gear or other fitness wear. Instead of aiming your gift to support their sport, help their recovery afterward with this muscle-easing kit from Oars + Alps. It comes with a roll-on, clinical strength recovery balm for sore muscles, an “Anti-Everything” body powder that fights chafing and stickiness, and a soothing epsom salt soap for post-workout washes.

Greenrow Colored Recycled Drinking Glasses Set  »

Let the host with the most — in the dorm, at least — lean into their love of entertaining with this jewel-toned set of recycled-glass tumblers. They’re made from hand-cut glass but still sturdy enough for stacking and the dishwasher. The shape works great for water, iced coffee, and cocktails (for 21+ college students only, of course). After all, isn’t saying goodbye to the red Solo cup the true testament to a student’s transition into adulthood?

Pink Picasso Paint By Number Kit  »

Jen O'Brien is the Director of Communications for Student Life at Miami University, and she works with college student interns on campus activities, orientation, and student outreach. O’Brien recommends a fun and stress-relieving art activity to help creative students unwind. “I've gifted a Harry Potter Paint By Number to my daughter,” she says. “It was such a great way to decompress after a long day, de-stress, and work on creating something.”

Of course, not every college kid is a Harry Potter fan, but Pink Picasso has gorgeous paint by number kits with plenty of motifs to choose from. “It’s similar to adult coloring,” adds O’Brien, “but the end product is something beautiful you can actually hang on your wall.” Dorm craft corner, anyone?

Keep Going First Aid Superkit  »

Dr. Grimes says her number-one pick for a gift that supports a college student’s health and wellness is “an awesome first aid kit — because when you need it, you NEED it, and you don’t want to have to run to the store in the middle of the night or with a bleeding cut or sprained ankle!” The Keep Going 270-piece Superkit sets up students to battle any boo-boos with hot and cold therapy, gauze, Band-Aids, and all the wipes and ointments they’ll need. PLus, the hunter green canvas case is gender-neutral and just a bit grown-up.

Exploradora Coffee Three-Pack Sampler  »

For the coffee aficionado, gift them a sampler pack with a purpose. Exploradora is an independent coffee brand with a mission. Founded in Mississippi, it’s mother-daughter-owned and sells exclusively female-grown coffee and beans — no small feat in the traditionally male-dominated coffee industry. Plus, one dollar from every bag sale is donated to Springboard to Opportunities Magnolia Mother’s Trust, which supports low-income Black mothers in Jackson, Mississippi. College students will be grateful for the opportunity to enact positive change — and caffeinate at the same time.

Papier Follow the Sun Travel Journal  »

“I often encounter young individuals seeking guidance in building confidence, managing perfectionism, and navigating intimacy,” Prince explains, and notes that encouraging a college student’s self-exploration through travel can be the greatest gift of all. Of course, if funding an entire trip for them is out of your budget, a travel journal can be a valuable resource they’ll use for any upcoming journeys they may have — and look back on for years to come. “A journal encourages self-reflection and introspection, allowing young individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions in a safe and private space,” says Prince. And if that self-reflection is happening while backpacking across Europe, all the better for overcoming anxieties and forging new paths.

Rocketbook Reusable Paper Notebook  »

This simple yet genius reusable paper notebook combines the best of both worlds: analog, handwritten note-taking and the ability to upload it all to the cloud for preservation and ongoing reference. It’s the ideal gift for an environmentally-conscious college student who doesn’t want to spend every lecture taking notes on a screen but can’t bear to go through all that paper required by traditional note-taking. It’s efficient, organized, and saves the planet. Win-win-win. Don’t you wish the Rocketbook were invented back when you were in college?

College Student Gift Card Etiquette 

If you’re shopping for gifts for college students, the conventional wisdom does hold true: college kids will certainly appreciate cash or gift cards. Grimes says that if you’re going the gift card route, you should “encourage health, independence, and/or non-screen based socialization. Gift cards for healthy local restaurants (including smoothie shops) within walking distance of campus are always a hit. Young adults love meeting friends or studying at coffee shops, so Starbucks (or a local equivalent) is another good choice.”

Or, consider something to promote activity and fitness: “A gift card for a sports clothing shop or for a studio class of yoga, Pilates, Spin, cross-training, martial arts, or even pickle ball,” can be a fun and functional fit that supports healthy choices.

How We Chose the Best Gifts for College Students

We at U.S. News 360 Reviews know that college is the ultimate midpoint: College students are adults, but still kinda kids. They are forging their own path but still need support. We think the best gifts for college students should reflect this balance. That’s why we interviewed experts, polled parents of college students, and combed through product reviews to hone in on gifts that are grown-up but also have an element of fun — and make ever-complicated college life just a little bit easier. We spoke with:

• Jill Grimes, MD, physician and author of The Ultimate College Handbook: Your Guide to Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness, who provided tips and gifts focused on college students’ health and wellbeing.
• J en O’Brien, Director of Communications and Student Life at Miami University , who leads college kids and administrators alike in supporting the student community and their ongoing needs.
• Tech expert and educator Erin Lawrence, who recommended the best dorm-friendly gadgets she has tested and vetted.
• Young Adult Services Librarian Jessica Siddharth , who shared a burnout-battling book rec all college kids can benefit from.
• Cerene Prince, LCSW, a social worker and coach who specializes in supporting teens and college students. Prince’s tips are not clinical recommendations and do not guarantee any results. As with all things mental health, parents and kids should consult a doctor or licensed mental health professional for personalized advice and guidance.

Other considerations included gift quality, practicality, price point, and long-term functionality (not something that loses its use when college ends). From there, we also looked at interests common among college kids, from the arts to athletics, to find unique gifts that can support the recipient’s hobbies. With all of this in mind, we narrowed down our search to the best gifts for college students today.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Amelia Edelman , the author of this piece, has been researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content including gift guides and best-of lists for 16 years. Her specialties include travel, parenting, and education, and at U.S. News 360 she has published guides ranging from the best gifts for new moms to the best gifts for teens . Her previous work has included product picks for kids and families at publications such as Refinery29, SheKnows, Real Simple, and Parents. For this article, Amelia spoke with expert professionals who are focused on the unique needs of college students and young adults, and also tested products to pinpoint the best gifts for college students right now. Her own favorite gift from her college years was a travel journal she still loves looking back on.

Megan Wood is U.S. News 360 Reviews Senior Editor, focusing on baby gear, a role that perfectly combines her decade of product review and editorial testing experience with her love of obsessively helping parents find the right products for their families.

About Our Team

Amelia Edelman

Contributor

Senior Editor

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

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Business in action job shadow leads weiand to internship.

3 days ago · 4 min read

Business in Action Job Shadow leads Weiand to internship

Addie Weiand got an introduction to a new industry through the Business in Action Job Shadow, a new program in the Business Career Center in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Business. For Weiand, it also opened the door to an internship and further career exploration.

A junior management major from Lincoln, Weiand said she valued learning about new job options and thinks it can lend a hand to students who are still narrowing down what they want to do.

“This might help to guide them,” she said. “This gives a good understanding of what is out there.”

The Business in Action Job Shadow program launched in January. The College of Business Career Center partnered with more than a dozen area businesses to offer shadow opportunities. Students in their freshman to junior years can apply to shadow one business or can choose to shadow multiple. It is one of many University of Nebraska–Lincoln programs offering students a real-world, experiential opportunity before graduation .

The program caught Weiand’s eye because it was the first time she had heard about a college-wide program dedicated to job shadowing. She spent a day following an operations manager at Crete Carrier in January. For her summer internship, she is working with an asset manager on coordinating shipping relays. She credited her job shadowing experience as her reason for applying for her current internship.

During her shadow, she sat in on meetings, learned about their data processing system and watched as employees solved daily operational issues. When she heard “job shadow,” Weiand assumed she would just be observing, but she found the experience much more interactive.

“It was a very quick, on-your-feet kind of experience,” she said. “I thought this would be me sitting down and watching all day, but they would break something down for me as if I was training, and they would really take the time to explain something to me if I had a question.”

Weiand, who is also minoring in fashion merchandising, did not have much experience in supply chain management, so she learned more about the process from the supplier and shipping side.

“This was definitely a whole new world to me,” Weiand said. “I would not know that’s an opportunity I had available if I didn’t go out there and see it for myself.”

She watched as staff at Crete Carrier navigated getting drivers and their loads to the right locations and how many people come together to make the process move smoothly.

“It was really cool to see the web of what it takes to get that truck from Vegas to Minneapolis,” Weiand said. “It’s interesting to see what kind of problems come up for drivers and how you adapt to that almost immediately.”

Weigand appreciated being able to explore several departments during the short time she was shadowing. She got a glimpse into the work of customer service representatives, office manager and more.

“It made it more of a learning opportunity,” she said. “They gave me a tour of the building, and I got to meet people from different departments and talk about what they do. They really gave me a broad understanding of what Crete Carrier does even before I sat down with the operations manager.”

The College of Business also hosts an Employer in Residence program, which offers informal introductions and networking, and Weiand said Business in Action takes that program to the next level by getting students into businesses. She said the program is a good opportunity for students to explore future career opportunities in a lower pressure environment before stepping into an internship or job.

“This is a casual introduction to a specific job or industry or maybe to better understand your type of degree,” she said. “I feel like this a great way to have that low fear of failure. There’s a lot of room to learn.”

Even for students who think they’ve already determined their career path, Weiand thinks the program can open their eyes to all their options.

“They still don’t fully know the opportunities that wait for them,” she said. “You really don’t know how many opportunities you have until you see.”

Related Links

• Business in Action Job Shadow Program
• Business in Action Job Shadow
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Inaugural Competition for the Kalanithi Cup Builds Community

Lucy and cady kalanithi with the kalanithi cup winners, ysm college cup, victorious green college, student college representatives, paul kalanithi, ma, mphil, md ’07: official ysm photo, with a fake mustache.

What do Mario Kart, Cornhole, Trivia, Tug-of-War, Smash Brothers, and Dodgeball have in common? These activities comprised the first annual Yale School of Medicine (YSM) College Cup, held on May 4, 2024, in Café Med, Harkness Ballroom, and the Harkness Lawn. The prize? YSM College pride and possessing the coveted Kalanithi Cup—a specially-engraved Mory’s cup—for a year, until the 2025 competition.

YSM’s six student college representatives—August Allocco, Frankie Carr, Ashwin Chetty, Anita Jegarl, Allison Law, and Carlisle Topping—who conceived of and organized the College Cup, decided to name the actual cup for YSM alumnus Paul Kalanithi, MA, MPhil, MD ’07, who died in 2015 at age 37. They knew that Kalanithi is an important name to many students, due to the powerful words in his memoir, When Breath Becomes Air —which many students have read—which includes his attempts to find meaning in having a terminal illness.

The Saturday afternoon event was spirited, playful, and poignant. Many MD, MD-PhD, and PA students, ranging from first-year students to those about to graduate, were decked out in specially made t-shirts whose colors corresponded with the Red, Orange, Gold, Green, Blue, and Purple colleges. (A Purple College member brought her dog, who was sporting a purple bandana.) College heads, who also serve as academic advisors, were present — wearing their respective t-shirts and carrying colorful signs the students created — to cheer their teams on. A number of longitudinal coaches and college affiliates, similarly adorned in their College colors, joined in the camaraderie.

Vision for the colleges

“Seeing this is a dream come true,” said Jessica Illuzzi, MD, MS, deputy dean for education and Harold W. Jockers Professor of Medical Education, in opening remarks before the competition began. She described how the school’s vision when the colleges were conceived was to create a community where students from different degree programs and different years could come together, both within a college and across colleges. She referred to the large and growing number of alumni becoming college affiliates, wanting to be part of this mentoring network for students.

Illuzzi continued, “it couldn’t be more fitting that this event, with everyone coming together, honors Paul.” Illuzzi then shared poignant memories of Kalanithi and his classmate and eventual wife, Lucy Kalanithi, MD ’07, from when she was the Ob/Gyn associate clerkship director and they were students. Illuzzi said that in weekly didactic sessions, she remembers Paul’s smile, his sense of humor, and high level of engagement with her and with his peers. He had a way of outwardly conveying that he appreciated being there and learning with and from his classmates. She shared how an Ob/Gyn resident, who did not have the opportunity to work clinically with Paul, told Illuzzi that one day Paul just stopped her and “asked if I was ok, seeing I was stressed,” displaying his deep humanism.

Illuzzi then shared that she was Lucy’s thesis mentor, and so the two met for many hours over many months, during which Illuzzi often would hear about Paul from Lucy. Illuzzi recalled the pure joy Lucy had when she told Illuzzi that she and Paul had gotten engaged.

A really fun and funny person

Lucy, who was joined at the College Cup by her and Paul’s nine-year old daughter Cady, as well as Paul’s parents, cousin, and YSM friend Ryan Kaple ’08 MD, opened her remarks by saying, "As you can imagine, our family really relishes a chance to celebrate Paul... and it's really an honor." She shared that the two met in their first year of medical school and got married during their fourth year. After acknowledging that When Breath Becomes Air is “a serious book about serious topics,” she explained that Paul was “really fun and a funny person,” and that she wanted to share two stories that reflect this.

After recounting how he wore a fake, really big, lopsided mustache in his official medical school photo, she then shared a comical story of a notorious email he wrote in their first year of medical school. She explained that at the time there was an ongoing email debate between the administrator of Marigolds (the predecessor to Café Med), who wanted students to spend money on Marigolds’ food, and students wanting the school to get a microwave for food they brought from home. One student chimed in that his fiancée had a microwave in her lab that people could use. In response to the absurd debate, Paul wrote an over-the-top email to a wide distribution list, including several administrators, about microwaves, $300,000 bagels, and his proposal to have fiancées (rather than microwaves) in Marigolds, because he needed one.

Lucy then described how when the student organizers first reached out to her about wanting to honor Paul with the College Cup event, she thought it was such an honor and it made her so happy. When they wrote back explaining it would involve activities like Cornhole and Smash Brothers, she thought, “that’s perfect!” She expressed how she was glad her daughter Cady could be present for the College Cup and, in closing, said, "This is all just to say that as doctors and students, we're all complex, multifaceted, deep, striving people who also are really funny and joyful. And it's awesome to be here and celebrate that with you today."

Green College victory

Before launching into the games, which took place over several hours, a student college representative held up the shiny Kalanithi Cup, “to motivate” everyone. And who was most motivated to win? Green College!

Reflecting on the day, Topping, Orange College’s student representative, said it was “a fun day that showcased the spirit of students and faculty alike and a memorable start of a tradition in honor of Dr. Kalanithi.” Chetty, Red College’s student representative, echoed the positivity, “It was a blast to see MD and PA students from all years coming together and competing with a lot of passion. We even had some professors join the games! In my eyes, this was a great step forward to establishing a community-building tradition for this burgeoning college system.”

Featured in this article

• August Allocco Clinical Technologist
• Frankie Carr
• Ashwin Chetty
• Jessica Illuzzi, MD, MS, FACOG Deputy Dean for Education and Harold W. Jockers Professor of Medical Education and Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
• Anita Jegarl
• Allison Law
• Carlisle Topping