Learning Resources

Legends of Learning Doles Out Free Games, Lessons for Aug. 21 Eclipse

• By Sri Ravipati
• 08/03/17

Legends of Learning has released a slew of eclipse-related curricula games and resources for teachers and students ahead of the total solar eclipse happening on Aug. 21 from coast to coast in the United States.

First, the game-based learning (GBL) platform offers a library of more than 900 curricula games for middle school students focused on Earth and space, life and physical sciences — two of which are related to eclipses and now free-to-play. Both “Bubble Eclipse” and “Walter’s Travels” are now available on its Alpha Games page, according to the company announcement.

Legends of Learning has released an accompanying eclipse-related lesson plan, created by its resident science teacher. The objective is to demonstrate to students the significance of the total solar eclipse, which hasn’t been sighted anywhere in the U.S. in 38 years. It comes complete with digital education games playlists, assessment questions and a visual eclipse simulation to give students an overview of the rare phenomenon, the lesson plan web page explains. (A PDF version is available as well.)

Finally, they have curated a list of 16 public resources to help engage students in learning about the total solar eclipse, ranging from apps and interactive media to hands-on classroom activities.

Legends of Learning is a startup company that launched earlier this year. Its GBL platform allows educators to launch “playlists” of curriculum-based games tied to learning objectives. It is driven by rigorous academic research conducted in partnership with Vanderbilt University.

Further information about the platform can be found in the video below or the Legends of Learning site.