25 Classroom Games Ideas for High School (2025)

Classroom Games Ideas for High School

1. Jeopardy!

Objective: Reinforce subject matter in a fun, competitive format. How to Run:

• Preparation: Create a Jeopardy! game board using PowerPoint, a whiteboard, or an online tool. Prepare categories and questions of varying difficulties, assigning point values (e.g., 100 to 500).
• Setup: Divide the class into teams of 3-5 students. Display the game board where everyone can see.
• Gameplay:
  • Teams take turns selecting a category and point value.
  • Read the corresponding question aloud. The team must respond in the form of a question (e.g., “What is photosynthesis?”).
  • If the team answers correctly, they earn the points and choose the next question. If incorrect, other teams can buzz in to answer.
• Winning: The team with the most points at the end wins. Optionally, include a Final Jeopardy! round where teams can wager their points on one last question.

2. Trivia

Objective: Test students’ knowledge in a fun and engaging way. How to Run:

• Preparation: Prepare a list of trivia questions related to the current subject matter. Mix in some general knowledge questions to keep it interesting.
• Setup: Divide the class into teams of 3-5 students. Provide each team with a buzzer or a signaling device.
• Gameplay:
  • Ask questions one at a time. The first team to buzz in gets to answer.
  • If the answer is correct, the team earns a point. If incorrect, other teams have a chance to buzz in.
  • Keep track of scores on the board.
• Winning: The team with the most points at the end wins. Consider giving small prizes to the winners.

3. Kahoot!

Objective: Engage students in a fun, interactive quiz using their devices. How to Run:

• Preparation: Create a free account on Kahoot! and design a quiz based on the lesson. Include multiple-choice questions, true/false questions, and even polls.
• Setup: Ensure all students have access to a device (phone, tablet, or computer) and an internet connection.
• Gameplay:
  • Launch the Kahoot! game and display the game PIN for students to join.
  • As questions appear on the screen, students select their answers on their devices.
  • Points are awarded based on correct answers and response speed. A leaderboard updates after each question.
• Winning: The student or team with the highest score at the end wins. Consider using Kahoot!’s features like themes and music to make the experience more engaging.

4. Pictionary

Objective: Improve students’ understanding of concepts through drawing and guessing. How to Run:

• Preparation: Write down key terms or concepts from the lesson on slips of paper.
• Setup: Divide the class into two teams. Equip each team with a whiteboard and markers.
• Gameplay:
  • A student from one team draws a slip and must draw the concept without using letters or numbers.
  • The team has 1-2 minutes to guess the word based on the drawing.
  • If the team guesses correctly, they earn a point. If not, the other team can attempt to guess for a point.
• Winning: The team with the most points at the end wins. Rotate drawers frequently to involve more students.

5. Charades

Objective: Enhance students’ grasp of terms or concepts through acting and guessing. How to Run:

• Preparation: Write key terms, events, or concepts on slips of paper.
• Setup: Divide the class into two teams.
• Gameplay:
  • A student from one team draws a slip and has to act out the word or concept without speaking.
  • The team has 1-2 minutes to guess based on the acting.
  • If the team guesses correctly, they earn a point. If not, the other team can guess for a point.
• Winning: The team with the most points at the end wins. Ensure that each student gets a chance to act.

6. Escape Room

Objective: Solve puzzles related to the lesson to ‘escape’ the room, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills. How to Run:

• Preparation: Create a series of puzzles and clues that relate to the lesson. Each puzzle should lead to the next clue. You can use locks, hidden messages, and riddles. Place clues around the classroom.
• Setup: Divide the class into small groups. Explain the story and objective (e.g., they are locked in a room and must solve all puzzles to find the key to escape).
• Gameplay:
  • Give each group the first clue. They must solve it to find the next one.
  • Monitor the groups, offering hints if they get stuck.
  • Set a time limit for the escape.
• Winning: The first group to solve all the puzzles and escape wins. You can offer a small reward for the winning team.

7. Debate

Objective: Develop critical thinking and public speaking skills by arguing different sides of a topic. How to Run:

• Preparation: Choose a relevant and thought-provoking topic. Prepare a list of arguments for both sides.
• Setup: Divide the class into two teams, assigning each team a side of the debate. Designate one student as the moderator.
• Gameplay:
  • Each team researches and prepares their arguments.
  • The moderator opens the debate and allows each side to present their opening statements.
  • Teams take turns presenting their arguments, rebuttals, and closing statements.
  • Allow a Q&A session where teams can ask each other questions.
• Winning: Decide the winner based on the strength of arguments, presentation skills, and audience votes if applicable.

8. Scavenger Hunt

Objective: Engage students in an interactive activity to find items or information related to the lesson. How to Run:

• Preparation: Create a list of items or pieces of information for students to find, all related to the lesson. Hide items around the classroom or school, or create a list of questions they need to answer by finding information.
• Setup: Divide the class into small groups. Give each group the scavenger hunt list.
• Gameplay:
  • Groups race to find the items or answers on the list within a set time limit.
  • Encourage teamwork and critical thinking as they search and solve clues.
• Winning: The group that finds all items or answers all questions first wins. Provide a small prize or extra credit as a reward.

9. Hot Seat

Objective: Test students’ knowledge by having them describe or answer questions about a topic while others guess. How to Run:

• Preparation: Write down key terms, concepts, or names related to the lesson on slips of paper.
• Setup: Place a chair (the ‘hot seat’) at the front of the classroom. Divide the class into two teams.
• Gameplay:
  • A student from one team sits in the hot seat with their back to the board. Another student selects a slip of paper and writes the word on the board.
  • The team gives hints or descriptions to help the student in the hot seat guess the word. They cannot use the word itself or rhyming words.
  • Set a time limit (e.g., 1 minute) for each round.
• Winning: The team with the most correct guesses at the end wins. Rotate students so everyone has a chance to sit in the hot seat.

10. Role Play

Objective: Enhance understanding of historical events, literary scenes, or scientific concepts by acting them out. How to Run:

• Preparation: Choose a scene, event, or concept from the lesson. Write brief scripts or guidelines for each role.
• Setup: Assign roles to students or allow them to choose. Provide any necessary props or costumes to enhance the experience.
• Gameplay:
  • Students rehearse their roles, understanding the context and key points they need to convey.
  • They perform the role play in front of the class, bringing the lesson to life.
  • After the performance, hold a discussion to analyze the event or scene and its significance.
• Winning: Not a competitive game, but you can praise and provide feedback on students’ performances to encourage participation.

11. Word Association

Objective: Help students quickly recall and connect related concepts. How to Run:

• Preparation: Prepare a list of key terms related to the lesson.
• Setup: Divide the class into two teams. Arrange students in a circle if space allows.
• Gameplay:
  • Start with a term from your list and say it aloud.
  • A student from Team A responds with a word related to the initial term.
  • A student from Team B then responds with a word related to the previous term from Team A.
  • Continue alternating between teams. Set a time limit for each response (e.g., 5 seconds).
  • If a student fails to respond in time or repeats a word, their team loses a point.
• Winning: The team with the most points at the end wins. Ensure that each student has a chance to participate.

12. Quiz Bowl

Objective: Encourage quick recall of facts and deepen subject understanding through competition. How to Run:

• Preparation: Create a list of questions related to the lesson, ranging in difficulty.
• Setup: Divide the class into teams of 3-5 students. Provide buzzers or other signaling devices.
• Gameplay:
  • Read questions aloud. The first team to buzz in gets to answer.
  • If the answer is correct, they earn a point. If incorrect, other teams can buzz in to answer.
  • Keep track of scores on the board.
• Winning: The team with the most points at the end wins. Offer small prizes or extra credit as an incentive.

13. Two Truths and a Lie

Objective: Foster engagement and critical thinking by having students discern truth from falsehood. How to Run:

• Preparation: Have students think of two true statements and one false statement related to the lesson or a personal experience connected to the topic.
• Setup: Arrange students in a circle or small groups.
• Gameplay:
  • A student shares their three statements with the group.
  • The rest of the group discusses and decides which statement they believe is the lie.
  • The student reveals which statement was the lie.
• Winning: Not a competitive game, but it encourages participation and critical thinking. Rotate so each student gets a chance to present.

14. Who Am I?

Objective: Reinforce knowledge of key figures, characters, or concepts by having students guess based on clues. How to Run:

• Preparation: Write down names of important historical figures, literary characters, or scientific concepts on sticky notes or index cards.
• Setup: Divide the class into teams. Each team member gets a sticky note with a name or concept stuck to their forehead or back without seeing it.
• Gameplay:
  • Students ask yes/no questions to figure out their assigned identity.
  • Set a time limit (e.g., 5 minutes) for each round.
  • Teams can help each other, but the student with the identity must ask the questions.
• Winning: The team that guesses all their identities first wins. Rotate roles so each student has a chance to participate.

15. Bingo

Objective: Reinforce vocabulary and key concepts through a fun and interactive game. How to Run:

• Preparation: Create bingo cards with vocabulary words or key concepts instead of numbers. Prepare a list of definitions or descriptions.
• Setup: Distribute the bingo cards and markers to students.
• Gameplay:
  • Read out definitions or descriptions one at a time.
  • Students mark the corresponding word on their bingo cards.
  • The first student to complete a row, column, or diagonal shouts “Bingo!” and reads back the words they have marked.
  • Check the answers to ensure they are correct.
• Winning: The first student to correctly complete a bingo wins. Offer a small prize or extra credit as a reward. You can continue playing multiple rounds with different cards.

16. Around the World

Objective: Review material quickly and engage students in a competitive, fast-paced format. How to Run:

• Preparation: Prepare a set of questions related to the lesson. These can be facts, vocabulary words, math problems, etc.
• Setup: Have all students stand up. The first student starts by standing next to the student seated next to them.
• Gameplay:
  • The teacher asks a question. The two standing students compete to answer first.
  • The student who answers correctly first moves to the next student’s desk, and the other student sits down.
  • Continue until one student has gone “around the world” by answering correctly against all other students.
• Winning: The student who successfully answers questions against all other students and returns to their original desk wins.

17. Fishbowl

Objective: Combine elements of charades, password, and taboo to review key concepts in an engaging way. How to Run:

• Preparation: Write down key terms, phrases, or concepts from the lesson on slips of paper. Place them in a bowl.
• Setup: Divide the class into two teams.
• Gameplay:
  • Round 1: Taboo – One student draws a slip and describes the word without using the word itself or any obvious hints. Their team guesses as many as possible within a time limit.
  • Round 2: Password – Same slips, but this time, the student can only give one-word clues. Their team guesses as many as possible within the time limit.
  • Round 3: Charades – Same slips again, but the student acts out the word without speaking. Their team guesses as many as possible within the time limit.
• Winning: The team with the most correct guesses after all three rounds wins. Rotate players so everyone gets a turn in each round.

18. Sentence Scramble

Objective: Improve understanding of grammar, sentence structure, and key concepts by unscrambling sentences. How to Run:

• Preparation: Write out sentences from the lesson and cut them into individual words or phrases. Mix them up and place them in envelopes.
• Setup: Divide the class into small groups. Give each group an envelope with scrambled sentences.
• Gameplay:
  • Groups work together to unscramble the words or phrases to form correct sentences.
  • The first group to correctly unscramble all sentences wins.
  • Review the sentences as a class, discussing any errors and why the correct order is important.
• Winning: The group that correctly unscrambles their sentences first wins. This game helps reinforce sentence structure and key lesson points.

19. Jigsaw Puzzles

Objective: Reinforce key concepts or visual elements by having students assemble pieces to form a complete image or diagram. How to Run:

• Preparation: Create or print images, diagrams, or charts related to the lesson. Cut them into puzzle pieces.
• Setup: Divide the class into small groups. Give each group a set of puzzle pieces.
• Gameplay:
  • Groups work together to assemble the puzzle.
  • The first group to correctly complete their puzzle wins.
  • After completing the puzzle, discuss its significance and how it relates to the lesson.
• Winning: The group that completes their puzzle first wins. This game helps with visual learning and reinforces key concepts.

20. Minute to Win It

Objective: Engage students with quick, fun challenges that relate to the lesson or build skills relevant to the subject. How to Run:

• Preparation: Prepare a list of one-minute challenges that are related to the lesson or require skills relevant to the subject.
• Setup: Gather necessary materials and explain the challenges to the students.
• Gameplay:
  • Students compete individually or in teams to complete the challenges within one minute.
  • Challenges can include things like spelling words with letter tiles, solving quick math problems, matching terms to definitions, etc.
  • Use a timer to keep track of the one-minute limit for each challenge.
• Winning: The student or team that successfully completes the most challenges within the time limit wins. Offer small prizes or extra credit as an incentive.

21. Four Corners

Objective: Reinforce understanding and review material by having students physically move to show their answers. How to Run:

• Preparation: Label the four corners of the room with different answers (e.g., A, B, C, D). Prepare multiple-choice questions related to the lesson.
• Setup: Explain the rules to the students. Each corner represents a different answer choice.
• Gameplay:
  • Read a multiple-choice question aloud.
  • Students move to the corner that corresponds with their answer choice.
  • Discuss the correct answer after each question, explaining why it is correct and why the other options are not.
• Winning: Not a competitive game, but it encourages participation and active learning. You can keep track of correct answers for each student and recognize those with the most correct answers at the end.

22. Think-Pair-Share

Objective: Encourage individual thinking, peer discussion, and class-wide sharing to deepen understanding of the material. How to Run:

• Preparation: Prepare questions or prompts related to the lesson.
• Setup: Explain the Think-Pair-Share process to the students.
• Gameplay:
  • Think: Give students a few minutes to think about the question or prompt individually.
  • Pair: Have students pair up to discuss their thoughts and answers with a partner.
  • Share: Invite pairs to share their discussions and answers with the whole class.
• Winning: Not a competitive game, but it fosters collaboration and deeper understanding. Encourage active listening and respect during the sharing phase.

23. Murder Mystery

Objective: Engage students in solving a mystery using clues related to the lesson, promoting critical thinking and teamwork. How to Run:

• Preparation: Create a murder mystery scenario that incorporates lesson material. Develop clues that lead to the solution.
• Setup: Explain the scenario and rules to the students. Divide the class into small groups.
• Gameplay:
  • Distribute the first clue to each group.
  • Groups work together to solve each clue, leading them to the next one.
  • Monitor the progress and provide hints if needed.
• Winning: The first group to solve the mystery wins. You can offer a small prize or extra credit as an incentive. Afterward, discuss how the clues related to the lesson and what they learned.

24. Flashcard Races

Objective: Reinforce vocabulary or key concepts quickly through a competitive race. How to Run:

• Preparation: Create flashcards with key terms or concepts on one side and definitions or explanations on the other.
• Setup: Divide the class into teams. Give each team a set of flashcards.
• Gameplay:
  • A student from each team draws a flashcard and must define the term or explain the concept.
  • If they answer correctly, they keep the card. If incorrect, the card goes back to the pile.
  • Rotate students so everyone gets a turn.
• Winning: The team with the most correct cards at the end wins. Offer a small prize or extra credit as an incentive.

25. Gallery Walk

Objective: Allow students to explore and discuss information displayed around the room, encouraging movement and collaboration. How to Run:

• Preparation: Create posters or displays with key information, questions, or problems related to the lesson. Place them around the room.
• Setup: Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group a starting point.
• Gameplay:
  • Groups walk around the room, spending a few minutes at each station to discuss and take notes.
  • Encourage students to write down their thoughts or answers on provided worksheets or sticky notes.
  • Rotate groups until each has visited all stations.
• Winning: Not a competitive game, but it promotes engagement and discussion. After the walk, hold a class discussion to review what they learned and answer any questions.

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]