Government Games

Cast your vote, prepare a budget, or propose a new law with this unique game! Use Model Magic® to create a board game to explore how your country’s government works.

• 1.

  With a small group of your classmates, research information about your country’s government, such as the voting process, budget setting, or the procedures needed to pass new laws. Write a list of the steps, people, and regulations involved with Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils. As a group, invent a game with strategy and rules that incorporate your findings.

• 2.

  On poster board, use Crayola Washable Markers to design a game board. Add all aspects of the process to the game board path, cards, or other playing pieces. Be sure to include events that might interrupt the process and make the play more challenging, such as a filibuster or constitutional challenge.

• 3.

  Use white or colored Crayola Model Magic to sculpt game tokens and any die. If you use white modeling compound, knead color from washable markers into it or paint the pieces (see step 5). Mix colors for a marbled effect if you wish.

• 4.

  You may also want to sculpt other pieces, such as a government building, which would be part of the game. Air-dry the pieces.

• 5.

  If you used white Model Magic, cover your art area with newspaper. Paint the game pieces with Crayola Washable Paint and Paint Brushes. Air-dry the paint.

• 6.

  Play your game with classmates or your family. Think how much everyone will learn about the government process you researched!

Benefits

• Students research a government process (such as voting or passage of bills) and identify all the steps, including pitfalls, in its application.
• Students design and make a board game that incorporates the information they gathered.
• Students play the game to show what they have learned about the government process.

Adaptations

• Find out about the student council at your school. Design a game for other students to learn about this governing body. Who can run for office? How long do they serve? What are their responsibilities?
• Research the way your city, county, state, or province is governed. Find out how elections are held and the various government positions available. Hold a mock election to vote for your next leader.