Tabletop Gamer

1. Project Summary

• Grade Levels: 3rd-5th or 6th-8th Grades
• Theme: Engineering, Creativity, and Intergenerational Design
• Objective: Students design and build a board game that can be enjoyed by both senior citizens and children, focusing on inclusivity, probability, and engagement. The project includes designing rules, creating models, and testing gameplay.
• Duration:
• Full Project: 3 weeks, 30-45 minutes per day
• Mini-Project: 5-7 days, 30-45 minutes per day
• Sprint: 2-3 days, 45-60 minutes per day

2. Standards Alignment

NGSS Standards

• 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem that reflects a need or want with criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
• Application: Students identify criteria for their board game, such as accessibility for seniors and entertainment for children.
• 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple solutions to a problem.
• Application: Students brainstorm game concepts and evaluate which best meets the needs of their target audience.
• 3-5-ETS1-3: Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled.
• Application: Students test their board game designs with peers and adjust based on feedback.
• 3-PS2-1 & 3-PS2-2: Investigate motion and stability, focusing on the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces.
• Application: Incorporate elements like dice, spinners, or other mechanics that involve chance and probability.

Common Core ELA Standards

• Writing:
• W.6.2–W.8.2: Write informative and explanatory texts to convey ideas clearly (e.g., game instructions).
• W.6.4–W.8.4: Produce clear, organized writing appropriate to the task and audience.
• Reading:
• RI.6.1–RI.8.10: Analyze and evaluate informational texts to guide research and decision-making.
• Speaking & Listening:
• SL.6.1–SL.8.6: Engage in discussions, present ideas, and adapt speech to different contexts.

Common Core Math Standards

• Statistics and Probability:
• 6.SP.5–8.SP.4: Analyze data collected during gameplay testing to refine the board game design.
• Geometry:
• Explore 2D and 3D shapes in the design of game boards and pieces.

3. Thematic Connections

• Science Concepts:
• Probability and Chance: Explore how probability affects gameplay mechanics and outcomes.
• Forces and Motion: Incorporate mechanics like dice rolls or spinners that depend on motion and balance.
• Math Integration:
• Data analysis: Use feedback and gameplay results to refine design decisions.
• Geometry: Design game boards and components using geometric concepts.
• Social Studies Integration:
• Discuss intergenerational needs and how games foster community and interaction.
• Explore cultural influences on games and how traditions shape entertainment.
• ELA Integration:
• Writing clear and engaging rules for the board game.
• Creating persuasive presentations or advertisements for their game.

4. Benefits of Project-Based Learning

Grades 3-5

• Creative Exploration: Encourages imagination and problem-solving through design.
• Collaboration: Builds teamwork as students brainstorm and prototype together.
• Foundational Skills: Teaches basic concepts of engineering, math, and probability in a fun, accessible way.

Grades 6-8

• Complex Problem-Solving: Challenges students to design for specific needs and constraints.
• Critical Evaluation: Develops skills in testing, analyzing data, and refining prototypes.
• Leadership and Communication: Builds confidence as students present and explain their designs.

5. Additional Benefits

• Engagement: Designing and playing a game appeals to students’ creativity and competitive spirit.
• Inclusivity: Highlights the importance of designing for diverse age groups and abilities.
• Skill Development: Enhances critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.

6. Implementation Examples

• Week 1:
• Introduce the project, including the target audience and design challenge.
• Brainstorm ideas and start researching what makes games engaging.
• Create initial concepts and draft rules for the game.
• Week 2:
• Build prototypes using materials like cardboard, spinners, and dice.
• Test prototypes within groups and gather feedback.
• Refine designs based on feedback and analysis.
• Week 3:
• Finalize game design and create polished instructions.
• Present games to peers, senior citizens, or family members.
• Reflect on the project and its outcomes.

7. Why This Project is Perfect for Grades 3-8

• Grades 3-5: Introduces basic engineering and probability concepts in a fun and interactive way.
• Grades 6-8: Encourages advanced critical thinking, research, and refinement skills while emphasizing communication and teamwork.

The "Tabletop Gamer" project combines creativity, engineering, and social awareness, offering a fun, standards-aligned way for students to develop key skills.