Technology - Invent a Game!

Create an imaginative game—based on technology—that you’ll want to play again and again! What a great way to express your frustrations about and passion for computers.

• 1.

  Brainstorm several good things about computers. Write your list with a Crayola Erasable Colored Pencil. Then add a list of your frustrations about computers. Now you’re ready to create a game about technology. These are a few ideas to get you started.

• 2.

  On posterboard, draw game spaces around the outside edges or in a meandering path around the board. In each space, decide on something that happens. This could be a good or bad thing about technology and/or a game direction such as go forward or backwards, roll again, or lose a turn.

• 3.

  At each corner make special spaces. For example, one could be the starting square. Another could be a computer store where you could upgrade. Another might be to attend a technology award show. Write the words and decorate the blocks with Crayola Markers.

• 4.

  Cut recycled file folders into game cards. Decorate one side of all of the cards so they look alike. On the other side, write more events that have either pleasant or frustrating consequences. In the center of the board, make two card-sized rectangles where the cards will be stacked.

• 5.

  Next, create Crayola Model Magic® playing cubes. Make number cubes with contrasting small dots of color or place different colors on each side to determine where to move on the board.

• 6.

  You will also need pieces to represent each player. Think of mini versions of computer-related items, such as a monitor, a CD, and a mouse. Model Magic compound air-dries in about 24 hours.

• 7.

  Turn a recycled box into a container in which to store your game pieces. Decorate the outside of the box to match your game.

• 8.

  Write down the rules and you’re ready to play your game. Have fun playing your colorful and creative game!

Benefits

• Students identify many ways that their lives are affected by technology.
• Students discuss events, rewards, consequences, and rules that are fair and that they want to play by.
• Students build their own versions of board games with related items in miniature sculptures to use as playing pieces.

Adaptations

• Create individual games or work in small groups.
• Have a play day after the games are complete. Children trade games with friends. Critique each game and make improvements to make the play even more fun and challenging.
• Make and/or play the game with families at home. Use recycled items whenever possible.
• Assessment: Students are successful if the game spaces and cards work well together and if the flow of game play moves along.