Created byCarrie Beach

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Board Game Design Challenge

Grade 7MathArtTechnologyOther15 days

In this project, 7th-grade students design and prototype a board or card game, integrating math, art, and technology. They focus on creating engaging gameplay, applying design principles for visual appeal, and developing clear rules. Students use technology to enhance their games and refine their designs based on playtesting feedback, culminating in a final game and presentation.

Game DesignPrototypingTechnology IntegrationDesign PrinciplesPlaytestingRulebookPresentation

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a fun and engaging game that incorporates appealing design principles and utilizes technology to enhance gameplay while also ensuring clear and concise rules?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What makes a game engaging and fun to play?
What design principles contribute to a visually appealing and functional game?
How can technology be used to enhance game design and development?
What are the key elements of effective game rules and instructions?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will be able to design and prototype a board or card game.
Students will apply design principles to create a visually appealing game.
Students will use technology to enhance the game.
Students will develop clear and concise rules for the game.
Students will test and refine their game based on feedback.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The "Unplayable" Game Night

Students arrive to find several board games set up, but each has a major flaw making them unplayable (missing pieces, nonsensical rules, etc.). The challenge: identify what's wrong and brainstorm how to fix them, leading to a discussion of game design principles.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Game Concept Sketch

Students will brainstorm and sketch out initial ideas for their board or card game, focusing on the game's theme, target audience, and basic gameplay mechanics.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Brainstorm different game themes and mechanics.

2. Sketch out initial ideas for the game board, cards, and pieces.

3. Write a brief description of the game's objective and how it is played.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed sketch of the game concept, including theme, mechanics, and a written description.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of designing and prototyping a board or card game. It also touches upon applying design principles to create a visually appealing game.

Activity 2

Rulebook Draft

Students will draft a comprehensive rulebook for their game, ensuring that all rules are clear, concise, and easy to understand.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. List all the components of the game.

2. Write out the setup instructions.

3. Explain the gameplay, including player turns, actions, and special rules.

4. Define the winning conditions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA complete rulebook for the game, including setup, gameplay, and winning conditions.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of developing clear and concise rules for the game.

Activity 3

Prototype Playtest

Students will create a playable prototype of their game and conduct playtesting sessions with their peers to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Create a basic prototype of the game using available materials.

2. Conduct playtesting sessions with classmates.

3. Gather feedback on gameplay, rules, and overall enjoyment.

4. Document all feedback received during playtesting.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA playable game prototype and a summary of feedback received during playtesting.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of testing and refining their game based on feedback.

Activity 4

Tech Enhancement Design

Students will explore ways to integrate technology into their game to enhance the gameplay experience, such as using apps for scoring, timers, or interactive elements.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Brainstorm potential technology integrations for the game.

2. Design a plan for implementing the chosen technology.

3. Create a mock-up or prototype of the technology integration.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed plan and prototype for integrating technology into the game.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of using technology to enhance the game.

Activity 5

Final Game Design & Presentation

Students will finalize their game design based on the feedback received, create a professional-looking game, and prepare a presentation to showcase their work.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Incorporate feedback from playtesting into the final game design.

2. Create a visually appealing and functional game board, cards, and pieces.

3. Prepare a presentation to showcase the game, its design, and the technology integration.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA completed board or card game and a presentation showcasing the design process and technology integration.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses all learning goals, including designing and prototyping a game, applying design principles, using technology to enhance the game, developing clear rules, and refining the game based on feedback.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Board Game Design Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Game Concept & Design

Focuses on the clarity, originality, and feasibility of the game concept, as well as the application of design principles.

Criterion 1

Originality & Theme

Assesses the uniqueness and creativity of the game concept and its theme.

Exemplary

4 Points

The game concept is highly original and imaginative, with a compelling and well-developed theme that is consistently applied throughout the game.

Proficient

3 Points

The game concept is original and engaging, with a clear theme that is generally well-integrated into the game.

Developing

2 Points

The game concept shows some originality, but the theme may be underdeveloped or inconsistently applied.

Beginning

1 Points

The game concept lacks originality, and the theme is either absent or poorly defined.

Criterion 2

Design Principles

Evaluates the student's application of design principles (e.g., balance, aesthetics, usability) in the game's components and overall design.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of design principles, applying them effectively and innovatively to create a visually appealing, balanced, and user-friendly game.

Proficient

3 Points

Applies design principles effectively to create a visually appealing and functional game. The design is generally balanced and user-friendly.

Developing

2 Points

Shows some awareness of design principles, but their application is inconsistent or not fully effective. The game's design may have some balance or usability issues.

Beginning

1 Points

Demonstrates limited understanding of design principles. The game's design lacks visual appeal, balance, and usability.

Category 2

Rulebook Clarity & Completeness

Assesses the clarity, accuracy, and completeness of the game's rulebook.

Criterion 1

Clarity & Conciseness

Evaluates how easy the rules are to understand and follow.

Exemplary

4 Points

The rulebook is exceptionally clear, concise, and well-organized, with no ambiguities or contradictions. Rules are easily understood by players of all levels.

Proficient

3 Points

The rulebook is clear and easy to understand, with minimal ambiguities. Rules are generally well-organized and easy to follow.

Developing

2 Points

The rulebook contains some ambiguities or unclear instructions, making it difficult for some players to understand the rules.

Beginning

1 Points

The rulebook is poorly written and difficult to understand, with numerous ambiguities and contradictions.

Criterion 2

Completeness & Accuracy

Assesses whether the rulebook covers all aspects of the game and whether the rules are accurate and consistent.

Exemplary

4 Points

The rulebook is comprehensive and covers all aspects of the game, including setup, gameplay, winning conditions, and special rules. All rules are accurate and consistent.

Proficient

3 Points

The rulebook is mostly complete and covers most aspects of the game. All rules are generally accurate and consistent.

Developing

2 Points

The rulebook is missing some important information or contains inaccuracies, making it difficult to play the game correctly.

Beginning

1 Points

The rulebook is incomplete and contains numerous inaccuracies, rendering the game unplayable.

Category 3

Prototype Playtesting & Feedback

Focuses on the quality of the game prototype and the student's ability to gather and incorporate feedback from playtesting.

Criterion 1

Prototype Quality

Evaluates the functionality and playability of the game prototype.

Exemplary

4 Points

The game prototype is well-constructed, functional, and easy to play. It accurately reflects the game's design and rules.

Proficient

3 Points

The game prototype is functional and playable, although it may have some minor flaws or limitations.

Developing

2 Points

The game prototype is playable, but it has significant flaws or limitations that hinder gameplay.

Beginning

1 Points

The game prototype is poorly constructed and difficult or impossible to play.

Criterion 2

Feedback Integration

Assesses the student's ability to gather, analyze, and incorporate feedback from playtesting to improve the game design.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of feedback, using it effectively to make significant improvements to the game design and rules. The final game reflects thoughtful consideration of playtester input.

Proficient

3 Points

Gathers and incorporates feedback from playtesting to improve the game design. The final game reflects a clear understanding of playtester input.

Developing

2 Points

Gathers some feedback from playtesting, but the changes made to the game design are minimal or ineffective.

Beginning

1 Points

Fails to gather or incorporate feedback from playtesting. The final game shows little or no improvement based on playtester input.

Category 4

Technology Integration

Evaluates the student's ability to integrate technology into the game to enhance gameplay.

Criterion 1

Relevance & Purpose

Assesses how well the technology integration enhances the gameplay experience.

Exemplary

4 Points

The technology integration is highly relevant and significantly enhances the gameplay experience, adding depth, interactivity, or convenience.

Proficient

3 Points

The technology integration is relevant and enhances the gameplay experience in a meaningful way.

Developing

2 Points

The technology integration is somewhat relevant, but its impact on the gameplay experience is limited.

Beginning

1 Points

The technology integration is irrelevant or detracts from the gameplay experience.

Criterion 2

Implementation & Functionality

Evaluates how well the technology is implemented and how functional it is.

Exemplary

4 Points

The technology is seamlessly integrated into the game and functions flawlessly. The implementation is innovative and user-friendly.

Proficient

3 Points

The technology is well-integrated into the game and functions as intended. The implementation is user-friendly.

Developing

2 Points

The technology is partially integrated into the game, but its functionality is limited or unreliable.

Beginning

1 Points

The technology is poorly integrated into the game and does not function as intended.

Category 5

Presentation

Focuses on the clarity and effectiveness of the final game presentation.

Criterion 1

Clarity & Organization

Evaluates how well the presentation explains the game, its design, and the technology integration.

Exemplary

4 Points

The presentation is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and engaging. It effectively communicates the game's concept, design, and technology integration.

Proficient

3 Points

The presentation is clear, well-organized, and informative. It effectively communicates the game's concept, design, and technology integration.

Developing

2 Points

The presentation is somewhat disorganized or unclear, making it difficult to understand some aspects of the game.

Beginning

1 Points

The presentation is poorly organized and difficult to understand. It fails to effectively communicate the game's concept, design, or technology integration.

Criterion 2

Visual Appeal & Engagement

Assesses the visual appeal of the presentation and its ability to engage the audience.

Exemplary

4 Points

The presentation is visually appealing, creative, and highly engaging. It captures the audience's attention and maintains their interest throughout.

Proficient

3 Points

The presentation is visually appealing and engaging. It effectively captures the audience's attention.

Developing

2 Points

The presentation is somewhat visually appealing, but it lacks engagement or creativity.

Beginning

1 Points

The presentation is visually unappealing and fails to engage the audience.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

What was the most challenging aspect of designing your own game, and how did you overcome it?

Text

Required

Question 2

To what extent do you feel you successfully integrated technology into your game?

Scale

Required

Question 3

If you were to start this project again, what is one thing you would do differently?

Text

Required

Question 4

Which learning goal do you feel you achieved most successfully?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Designing and prototyping a board or card game.

Applying design principles to create a visually appealing game.

Using technology to enhance the game.

Developing clear and concise rules for the game.

Testing and refining their game based on feedback.

Question 5

How did playtesting and feedback from your peers influence your final game design?

Text

Required