New student and teacher resources boost STEM learning through game design

While the competition itself is exciting, one of its standout features is the wealth of free resources provided to help teachers confidently guide students through the game design process. Recognising that many educators may have limited technical experience, the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) has developed comprehensive teaching tools to make participation accessible for all.

Teacher-friendly resources 

For teachers new to game design, the Challenge offers 10-week lesson plans tailored for both primary and secondary classrooms. These plans include:

• Curriculum alignment: Each lesson connects to Australian Curriculum codes and general capabilities, ensuring relevance to broader educational goals.
• Learning intentions and prerequisites: Teachers are provided with clear objectives and a roadmap of foundational knowledge students need.
• Assessment trackers: Tools to monitor student progress and link achievements to curriculum outcomes.
• Industry resources: Links to professional tools and guides that deepen understanding of game design and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) applications.

These resources are specifically designed for teachers who may feel uncertain about leading a technology-focused project.  

In an interview with Teacher magazine, Lisa van Beeck, Research Fellow at ACER and Project Director of the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge said the approach ensures that teachers can learn alongside their students, fostering a collaborative and engaging classroom environment.

Guides for students and advanced learners 

To support more experienced students or those working independently, ACER also provides a student-led resource pack. This includes advanced challenges and ‘level-up' content to stretch their skills.  

A new guide to game design platforms helps both teachers and students select the right tools, with recommendations divided into beginner and advanced categories. Each platform is assessed for its educational suitability, technical requirements, and ease of access, ensuring inclusivity regardless of school resources. 

Fostering collaboration and real-world skills 

The resources also highlight the collaborative nature of game design. 'The Australian STEM Video Game Challenge involves many roles: storytellers, visual designers, audio creators, and testers. It’s a layered activity that showcases the diversity of STEM careers,' Lisa van Beeck explains. This multidimensional approach prepares students for the workforce, where STEM skills are increasingly critical. 

With registrations open until 19 June 2025, and submissions accepted between 20 June and 23 July, educators and students alike have ample time to explore these resources and participate. For more information, visit the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge website.