For instance you say create a game that teaches people about handling money, you might say it has the requirements of 1) earning interest on saving and 2) a market value that changes upon events. Then let kids run with that. You can say it must be played in a certain amount of time and other kids play the game and give feedback or feedback from other schools. Make it a competition with winnings for their school and some will go in depth.

Or create a game for kids to learn math, it must be targeted at kids ages 6-8 and include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division but it cannot be flash cards. Then see what they come up with. The game creation projects really teach people to simplify and iterate especially when you get feedback from players.

Every kid needs the basics but besides that, projects to apply those skills. Rote memorization doesn't work as well as application to a project. So you find something that you can apply those skills. For instance math can better be taught by making a software/web game, algebra/trigonometry/vector maths can be fun that way. Markets can be taught with stock market games. Economics can be taught with simulated mini economies. Critical thinking with looking at the news and seeing sources of funding/content.

Check the BBC link on Finland for some of their ideas, their project based programs have critical thinking skills in learning about fake news, sources of those and why, learning about fallacies and making projects around that. It also has projects where kids learn about immigration and what to do with refugees including market research. Kids can learn to setup computers or networks and then make something on top of it, or teach younger kids skills they already know. I truly believe Finland is a mobile gaming startup hub because of their project based education system and possibly a bit of Nokia influence.

An example of one in Finland:

> They use 3D printers to create a miniature of their Roman building, which will eventually be used as pieces for a class-wide board game.

This is a history lesson with a difference, says Aleksis Stenholm, a teacher at Hauho Comprehensive School. The children are also gaining skills in technology, research, communication and cultural understanding.

"Each group is becoming an expert on their subject, which they will present to the class," he explains. The board game is the culmination of the project, which will run alongside normal classroom teaching.

> The school's skate park came from an idea suggested by the children, who helped design and raise funds for it

Other great things about Finland education systems:

- Teaching is a highly respected, well-paid profession

- School days are short and the summer break is 10 weeks

They get more freedom and more projects in Finland and generally school is more fun but they are still testing well for basic skills.

For nearly two decades, Finland has enjoyed a reputation for having one of the world's best education systems. Its 15 year olds regularly score amongst the highest in the global Pisa league tables for reading, maths and science.

Many times the projects are teaching through learning to teach or educate others or make games for others. The moment you teach the ability to teach, the mind opens up a bit more.