In 1978, a teacher (and musician) named John Hunter invented a game for his students at Richmond Community High School. Odds are that you’re familiar with educational games, and you probably remember a few from your own classroom experiences. However, the World Peace Game is a little different — the students in this game aren’t trying to memorize basic multiplication tables or diagram sentences. Instead, they are trying to save the world. In a game that’s part Risk, part Model UN and part realpolitik, these kids are learning to look at regional problems in a global context. Check out this video from TED.com to learn more.

Here’s a fascinating piece of trivia: These kids are reading The Art of War as part of the game play. Check out the kid quoting Sun Tzu about 16 minutes into the presentation.

Let us know what you think: Is this a worthwhile endeavor? Can games like this change the world?