Bamboozle is an online platform of games that are intentionally connected to teaching and learning. It offers a flexible set of games that teachers of any subject or topic can use to support their instruction while engaging students.
Because Bamboozle's gamified learning offerings are so widespread and cover a large number of areas, this lesson plan can be used to support any educational lesson.
For an overview of Bamboozle, see What is Baamboozle and how can it be used for teaching? Tips and tricks.
Bamboozle offers several ways to interact with online games, including Slideshow, Game, and Studio modes. As such, this sample lesson plan provides guidance on using those three modes in an integrated way.
Subject: Any
Issue: All
Grade Band: Primary, Secondary, Secondary
Game Search
The first step is to choose the games you want to use to support instruction. Since there are over half a million games, the most efficient way to decide on one is to use the search function. Inside the first box, you can write the topic you are looking for based on the lesson. As a reminder, you can focus on whatever topic or subject area you are working on improving! Then choose games that line up.
For example, you search for “biology” and almost 900 games will appear. If you provide more specificity and search for “ecology”, you will be shown closer to 200 games. If you are a physical education/health teacher, you can search for “fitness”, which will give you over 600 games, or “health”, which will give you over 2,500 games.
In addition to the hundreds of thousands of pre-designed games, you as a teacher can customize your own game, so whatever your need, you'll be sure to find a game that connects with it. You can also filter your search by language and view it alphabetically or by popularity.
Slideshow and playback
Once you have games that connect to the theme and theme of your lesson, you can use the slideshow feature to play games while also teaching content to students.
The collections option allows you to pull from where there are already several packaged games based on the same theme. For example, the “adverbs” collection has 12 games included.
You can create a class pin for students to access the game from their devices, or you can use your class projector and interactive whiteboard to have the entire class participate without the need for separate devices.
After playing a game or two using the slideshow feature, you can play as a friendly competition and participation activity. Decide if you want students to work in teams while in game mode, or even create their own games.
Study
If you use study mode, games transform into study squares that students can work on independently, reviewing content from the previous lesson. This makes it a great option for homework or general extra practice to complement the lesson.
What if I'm not familiar with Baamboozle?
Review the baamboozle blog! It is packed with information, tips and tricks on using the platform. Additionally, the blog highlights some of the most popular games that other teachers and students have participated in. Within the blog space, a beginner's guide is also available which is useful to review as a new user. So, even if you have never heard of Baamboozle before or used similar platforms, you will be able to take advantage of the resources provided and quickly learn how to navigate and use the system.
What if all students don't have compatible devices?
This is one of the unique aspects of Baamboozle. You can use a projector and interactive whiteboard and have the game appear for the entire in-person class, or share your screen for an online class. Not having to have individual screens can also help students stay focused on the same thing you are teaching them.
Baamboozle is fun, simple, and full of opportunities to enhance lessons while increasing student interest and interaction with the content. Try one of the Bamboozle games for any of the topics and subjects coming up next in your lesson and enjoy student engagement and learning.
