CERCA Slides: Video Games

Video Games

Kids and caregivers; politicians and pediatricians . . . Everyone has an opinion about gaming and screen time. It comes as no surprise, then, that “Video Games” is our most popular set of CERCA Slides.

Use this series of argumentative writing lessons to get kids discussing, researching, and making evidence-based claims about the pros and cons of gaming.

CERCA Slides by Grade

Grade 3: Social Gaming

How can video games help build social connections? (CCSS.ELA.RI.3.1-3.6; CCSS.W.3.1)

CERCA Slides

Student Guide

Pear Deck

Grade 4: Finding Balance In A World Of Gaming

How can people who enjoy playing video games balance on- and off-screen? (CCSS.ELA.RI.4.1-4.8; CCSS.W.4.1)

CERCA Slides

Student Guide

Pear Deck

Grade 5: Is Gaming Good For Kids?

Does the author make a convincing argument that the “pros” of gaming outweigh the “cons?” (CCSS.ELA.RI.5.1-5.8, CCSS.W.5.1)

CERCA Slides

Student Guide

Pear Deck

Grade 6: This Farming Video Game Is So Popular, People Pay To Watch Gamers Play It

Why are so many people drawn to games like Farming Simulator, and what benefits do they have for players? (CCSS.RI.6.1-6.5; CCSS.W.6.1)

CERCA Slides

Student Guide

Pear Deck

Grade 7: A New Spin On A Classic Video Game Gives Native Americans Better Representation

How do people learn bias through gaming, and how can the gaming industry help undo stereotypes? (CCSS.RI.7.1-7.4; CCSS.W.7.1)

CERCA Slides

Student Guide

Pear Deck

Grade 8: Can Video Games Be A Healthy Outlet For Stress Relief?

Does the author make a convincing argument that video games can have a positive impact on mental health for people of all ages? Why or why not? (CCSS.ELA.RI.8.1-8.6; CCSS.W.8.1)

CERCA Slides

Student Guide

Pear Deck

Grade 9: With Esports, a Wider And More Inclusive Playing Field

Why do some commentators believe that esports are creating a “wider and more inclusive” playing field? (CCSS.RI.9-10.6; CCSS.W.9-10.1)

CERCA Slides

Student Guide

Pear Deck

Grade 10: Critics Who Say That Online Gaming Is 'Just A Game' Completely Miss The Point

Why do some video game enthusiasts object to the statement that online gaming is, “just a game?” (CCSS.RI.9-10.6, CCSS.W.9-10.1)

CERCA Slides

Student Guide

Pear Deck

Grade 11: How Student-Designed Video Games Made Me Rethink How I Teach History

Would student-designed videogames be legitimate alternatives for academic tests and essays? (CCSS.RI.11-12.6; CCSS.W.11-12.1)

CERCA Slides

Student Guide

Pear Deck

Grade 12: How Video Games Can Teach Us To Play Well With Others

How can video games be used to develop more inclusive learning and work spaces? (CCSS.RI.11-12.6; CCSS.W.11-12.1)

CERCA Slides

Student Guide

Pear Deck

Video Games

CERCA Slides by Grade

Grade 3: Social Gaming

How can video games help build social connections? (CCSS.ELA.RI.3.1-3.6; CCSS.W.3.1)

Grade 4: Finding Balance In A World Of Gaming

How can people who enjoy playing video games balance on- and off-screen? (CCSS.ELA.RI.4.1-4.8; CCSS.W.4.1)

Grade 5: Is Gaming Good For Kids?

Does the author make a convincing argument that the “pros” of gaming outweigh the “cons?” (CCSS.ELA.RI.5.1-5.8, CCSS.W.5.1)

Grade 6: This Farming Video Game Is So Popular, People Pay To Watch Gamers Play It

Why are so many people drawn to games like Farming Simulator, and what benefits do they have for players? (CCSS.RI.6.1-6.5; CCSS.W.6.1)

Grade 7: A New Spin On A Classic Video Game Gives Native Americans Better Representation

How do people learn bias through gaming, and how can the gaming industry help undo stereotypes? (CCSS.RI.7.1-7.4; CCSS.W.7.1)

Grade 8: Can Video Games Be A Healthy Outlet For Stress Relief?

Does the author make a convincing argument that video games can have a positive impact on mental health for people of all ages? Why or why not? (CCSS.ELA.RI.8.1-8.6; CCSS.W.8.1)

Grade 9: With Esports, a Wider And More Inclusive Playing Field

Why do some commentators believe that esports are creating a “wider and more inclusive” playing field? (CCSS.RI.9-10.6; CCSS.W.9-10.1)

Grade 10: Critics Who Say That Online Gaming Is 'Just A Game' Completely Miss The Point

Why do some video game enthusiasts object to the statement that online gaming is, “just a game?” (CCSS.RI.9-10.6, CCSS.W.9-10.1)

Grade 11: How Student-Designed Video Games Made Me Rethink How I Teach History

Would student-designed videogames be legitimate alternatives for academic tests and essays? (CCSS.RI.11-12.6; CCSS.W.11-12.1)

Grade 12: How Video Games Can Teach Us To Play Well With Others

How can video games be used to develop more inclusive learning and work spaces? (CCSS.RI.11-12.6; CCSS.W.11-12.1)

Introduce ThinkCERCAinto Your Curriculum

Introduce ThinkCERCA
into Your Curriculum