GameDesk develops interdisciplinary curricula that use video games, films, art, and maker projects to teach subjects from English to algebra. Its approach asks students to design and build projects—such as recreating Angry Birds—to internalize mathematical and scientific principles. The curriculum emphasizes tinkering, programming, design, and engineering to create a maker toolbelt for graduates. GameDesk gives teachers leeway to let student curiosity drive investigations and classroom projects. The organization is committed to serving underprivileged youth and expanding access to expensive technologies and qualified teachers. An expanded online reach and public teacher-learning spaces are core parts of its growth plans. Preliminary University of Southern California results cited in the article suggest that play can lead to better learning, which GameDesk hopes to leverage to demonstrate impact on standardized test scores.

Total raised

$4M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

May 2012