Integrating Game-Based Learning in Primary Education: The KIDEDU Project for Economics and Natural Sciences

Authors

  • Dimitrios Skilodimos Phd candidate, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece Author
  • Petros Skiadas Phd candidate, University of Piraeus, Greece Author
  • Dr Dimitrios Anastasopoulos University of Ioannina, Greece Author
  • Dr Andreas Rokopanos Assistant Professor, University of West Macedonia, Greece Author
  • Dr Eleni Tsami Laboratory Teaching Staff, University of Piraeus, Greece Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47363/JESMR/2025(6)308

Keywords:

Game-based Learning, Educational Innovation, Primary Education, Economics Education, Natural Sciences Education, Play-based Teaching, Learning Motivation, Interactive Learning

Abstract

This paper presents KIDEDU (Play – Create – Learn), an educational game developed and launched at the University of Piraeus. The project aims to offer an engaging tool for primary school pupils to develop economical and geological (natural sciences) skills through play-based learning. Designed for all six grades of Greek primary education, KIDEDU represents an innovative teaching approach within the Greek educational system. It integrates Economics and Natural Sciences, encouraging pupils aged 6–12 to apply these concepts in everyday life through interactive and enjoyable activities.

The game-based methodology helps students learn in a fun, problem-solving environment. KIDEDU was piloted with pupils aged 8–10, followed by a questionnaire assessing their learning experience. The results indicated that pupils prefer play-based learning, find it easier and more enjoyable, and achieve deeper understanding through gameplay. The long-term goal is to expand KIDEDU across all educational levels, promoting game-based learning as a core teaching method.

Author Biographies

  • Dimitrios Skilodimos, Phd candidate, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

    Phd candidate, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

  • Petros Skiadas, Phd candidate, University of Piraeus, Greece

    Phd candidate, University of Piraeus, Greece

  • Dr Dimitrios Anastasopoulos, University of Ioannina, Greece

    University of Ioannina, Greece

  • Dr Andreas Rokopanos, Assistant Professor, University of West Macedonia, Greece

    Assistant Professor, University of West Macedonia, Greece

  • Dr Eleni Tsami, Laboratory Teaching Staff, University of Piraeus, Greece

    Laboratory Teaching Staff, University of Piraeus, Greece

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Published

2025-11-13

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 11 (2025): Volume 6 Issue 11

Section

Articles