Educational Video Games

I am a graduate student in Material Science. Recently, my research group is looking at a funding proposal that would include the potential for a educational video game. The general game package may look something like this http://www.las.iastate.edu/newnews/metablast0211.shtml. I was wondering if you had any suggestions for what to think about when starting. What kind of software would you recommend? What types of games are most popular? RPG? First person? Other information? Do you have any contacts that might have some insight?

Thanks you in advance for your time and your help!