STEM/Science in Action: Game Design Challenge

Following on from the initial exploration of forces inSTEM/Science in Action: How Things Move Boat Challenge, the next STEM challenge was for students to become Game Designers. While this specific challenge focuses on designing for Kindergarten, this STEM activity could be easily adapted for any age group. 

Students designing and building an arcade game from recycled materials

To spark creativity, we used Caine's Arcade as inspiration for the students' designs. This story of a nine-year-old’s cardboard creation encourages students to see the possibilities of building with recyclable materials and using imagination.

The Challenge

Students work in groups to design and build a game (The original task was to design for students to play during a wet weather lunch or recess). The project requires them to consider what suits their audience (Kindergarten students) and identify the specific forces needed to make the game function.

Success Criteria

To ensure the games were effective, our students co-created the following success criteria:

• be made in a group
• use a push or a pull to play
• be safe
• be made from recyclables
• easy for Kinder to play
• simple but fun
• small - not take up too much space!

Example of student design of an arcade game

The Design Thinking Process

We have mapped our journey to the Stanford d.school Design Thinking Model: 

1. Empathise: Students researched and talked about what Kindergarten students enjoy. What makes a game "fun" for them?
2. Define: We defined the purpose of the game and the requirements: it must be safe, small, and use a push or pull force.
3. Ideate: Groups discussed their ideas and brainstormed different game mechanics before drawing their final designs.
4. Prototype: Using recyclables, students built their prototype games.
5. Test: Students tested the game to find and fix any problems.

Student example of 'ring toss' game

Explaining the Game

A key part of the challenge is for students to communicate their ideas clearly. Students were required to write a script and use iMovie (or Clips!) to create a video tutorial. Their digital explanations must cover:

• The name and main goal of the game.
• A clear demonstration of where the push and pull forces occur.
• How players take turns and what they do during those turns.
• How the game ends and who wins.

Student example of football game

Reflection: Embracing Uncertainty

As educators, we often embark on projects where we aren't entirely sure if they will work well or "land" with the students. However, in actual fact, the task was a success. I was pleasantly surprised by what they created. The highlight was when the Kindergarten students came to visit and played the games, and even coincided with a parent open classroom event. 

Have you ever tried anything like this? I would love to hear about your experiences!

Attachments

Game Design Journal.key

Download  (1.6 MB)