What are game mechanics [LostGarden]
http://www.lostgarden.com/2006/10/what-are-game-mechanics.html
[From article] Game mechanics are rule based systems / simulations that facilitate and encourage a user to explore and learn the properties of their possibility space through the use of feedback mechanisms. It is a simple definition, but it offers a good amount of insight into why games work and how we can make them better.
Learning through games
Learning games or serious games are about taking the problem-solving and critical-thinking skills kids often develop playing other forms of video games but in an education context.