Jerry Changed the Game!: How Engineer Jerry Lawson Revolutionized Video Games Forever
Looking for a powerful way to introduce engineering, innovation, and perseverance to young learners? This classroom-ready resource inspired by Jerry Changed the Game! helps students explore how one engineer’s curiosity and determination transformed the world of video games. Perfect for teachers, homeschoolers, and educators working with PK–3 students.
Helping Kids See Themselves as Innovators: A Classroom Experience Inspired by Jerry Changed the Game!
Have you ever noticed how kids approach problems?
They tinker.
They test.
They try again.
And again.
But somewhere along the way… some begin to wonder:
“What if I can’t do it?”
That’s exactly the barrier Jerry Changed the Game! helps break down.
Book Snapshot
Title:Jerry Changed the Game! How Engineer Jerry Lawson Revolutionized Video Games Forever
Author: Don Tate
Illustrator: Cherise Harris
Publisher: Simon & Schuster / Paula Wiseman Books
Age Range: Preschool–Grade 3
Genre: Nonfiction Biography / STEM
Themes:
Innovation & Engineering
Perseverance & Determination
Creativity & Problem Solving
Representation in STEM
Overcoming Barriers
Get the Book
Grab your copy of Jerry Changed the Game! here
NOTE: As an Amazon Associates I earn from qualifying purchases.
A Story That Sparks Curiosity and Confidence
Before modern gaming systems…
There was a problem.
Players had to buy an entirely new console for every new game—making gaming expensive and limited
Jerry Lawson saw that problem…
…and refused to accept it.
Through persistence, creativity, and determination, he invented a system that allowed players to switch out game cartridges, changing the gaming world forever
This isn’t just a story about video games.
It’s a story about possibility.
Why This Book Matters
Young learners need to see that:
Problem-solving is powerful
Failure is part of success
Big ideas can come from anyone
Innovation often starts with curiosity
This book delivers all of that—through a real-life story that feels both accessible and inspiring.
What Students Will Learn
What engineers do (they solve problems!)
How creativity and persistence work together
The basics of technological innovation
The historical evolution of video games
The importance of representation in STEM fields
What the Guide Includes
👉 Download the full educator guide here
Inside this engaging, standards-aligned resource, you’ll find:
Pre-reading discussion prompts
Post-reading comprehension + analysis questions
Vocabulary development (creativity, determination, dedication)
Engineering and problem-solving connections
Hands-on timeline and matching activities
Writing extensions focused on innovation
Standout Activity: The History of Video Games Timeline
This activity is such a win for young learners.
Students:
Match image cards to key moments in gaming history
Explore how technology has evolved over time
Identify patterns in innovation and design
As shown in the guide (page 3), students examine how gaming evolved from early inventions like Baffle Ball and Pong to modern systems like PlayStation and Xbox
Visual learning
STEM integration
Historical thinking
Hands-on engagement
Key Concept: Innovation Through Persistence
Jerry didn’t succeed on the first try.
Or the second.
He kept going.
As highlighted in the guide, his mindset—“If you tell me I can’t do something, I’ll turn around and do it”—models determination in action
That’s the takeaway students carry with them.
Simple 5-Day Classroom Flow
Day 1:
Introduce engineering + discuss problem-solving
Day 2:
Read and explore Jerry’s early curiosity and tinkering
Day 3:
Discuss challenges + perseverance
Day 4:
Complete timeline activity
Day 5:
Reflect on innovation + create student “invention ideas”
Standards Alignment
CCSS:
Reading: R.1, R.2, R.3, R.4, R.10
Writing: W.2, W.4, W.7, W.8, W.9
Speaking & Listening: SL.1, SL.2, SL.4, SL.5, SL.6
NGSS:
K-2-ETS1-1 (Engineering Design)
SEL Connections:
Confidence building
Growth mindset
Perseverance
Self-belief
Bring This Learning to Life
This story shows students what’s possible.
This guide is part of my Guides by Deb collection—standards-aligned resources designed to help educators turn great books into meaningful learning experiences.
I’m Debbie Gonzales, author, educator, and founder of Pin Lit Marketing, where I help children’s book creators grow their visibility through Pinterest.
Together, this work connects books, educators, and readers in lasting ways.
