One of the most wildly-popular video games on the market today is Minecraft. What makes this game so appealing is that its “anything goes” environment enables users to create their own world—machines, structures, potions, or whatever else you can think of. The addictive nature of the game has spurred one school to actually use it to teach and reinforce STEM-based skills. In a virtual word where everything is possible, there's plenty of room for meaningful instruction. It turns out that many of the principles that make Minecraft so unique can be used to teach subjects like physics, life sciences, and more.

The gamification of coursework is catching on in a big way, too. High schools and colleges alike are incorporating game-based learning into their curricula at an increasing rate. The proliferation of mobile apps has also prompted many educators to see how these downloadable programs can be used in the classroom. So for your next lesson, perhaps you’ll find yourself passing out game controllers instead of handouts. Just be sure to avoid the Creeper and whatever you do, don’t taunt the Chicken Jockey.