Hero's Journey Board Game: A Thematic Quest
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a board game that captures the challenges and stages of a hero's journey?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do heroes overcome challenges?
- What are the common stages in a hero's journey?
- How can a narrative be transformed into a game?
- How do game mechanics reflect the hero's journey?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the stages and challenges of the hero's journey
- Design a board game that effectively represents a narrative
- Apply knowledge of narrative structure and game mechanics
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Mysterious Package
A mysterious package arrives containing strange artifacts and a cryptic letter detailing a hero's quest. Students must analyze the contents to decipher the quest's purpose, sparking curiosity about the hero's journey.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Mechanics of a Myth: Designing Game Challenges
Students will brainstorm game mechanics (e.g., dice rolls, card draws, challenges) that can represent each stage of the hero's journey. They will then create a table matching each stage with a corresponding game mechanic.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA table that links the stages of the hero's journey to specific game mechanics, justifying why each mechanic is suitable for that stage.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity focuses on translating narrative elements into game mechanics, aligning with the learning goal of designing a board game that represents a narrative.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioHero's Journey Game Mechanics Rubric
Game Design and Narrative Connection
Assessment of how well students connect game mechanics to stages of the hero's journey.Mechanic Suitability
Effectiveness of game mechanic choices in representing the hero's journey stages.
Exemplary
4 PointsGame mechanics are exceptionally well-chosen and creatively represent the corresponding stages of the hero's journey, enhancing the narrative and providing a deep understanding of the material. Demonstrates innovative application of game design principles.
Proficient
3 PointsGame mechanics are appropriately chosen and effectively represent the corresponding stages of the hero's journey. Demonstrates a clear understanding of the material and effective application of game design principles.
Developing
2 PointsGame mechanics are chosen but show some inconsistencies in representing the corresponding stages of the hero's journey. Demonstrates a basic understanding of the material with some application of game design principles.
Beginning
1 PointsGame mechanics are poorly chosen and do not effectively represent the corresponding stages of the hero's journey. Demonstrates a limited understanding of the material with minimal application of game design principles.
Justification Quality
Clarity and depth of justifications for game mechanic choices.
Exemplary
4 PointsJustifications are exceptionally clear, insightful, and thoroughly explain why each game mechanic is suitable for its corresponding stage in the hero's journey. Demonstrates sophisticated critical thinking and comprehensive evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsJustifications are clear and thoroughly explain why each game mechanic is suitable for its corresponding stage in the hero's journey. Demonstrates effective critical thinking and clear evidence.
Developing
2 PointsJustifications are present but lack detail or clarity in explaining why each game mechanic is suitable for its corresponding stage in the hero's journey. Demonstrates basic critical thinking and limited evidence.
Beginning
1 PointsJustifications are missing, unclear, or do not adequately explain why each game mechanic is suitable for its corresponding stage in the hero's journey. Demonstrates minimal critical thinking and insufficient evidence.
Presentation and Organization
Organization and presentation of the table linking stages to mechanics.
Exemplary
4 PointsTable is exceptionally well-organized, visually appealing, and enhances understanding of the relationships between the hero's journey stages and chosen game mechanics. Exhibits advanced integration of information.
Proficient
3 PointsTable is well-organized and clearly presents the relationships between the hero's journey stages and chosen game mechanics. Integrates information successfully.
Developing
2 PointsTable is somewhat organized but may lack clarity or completeness in presenting the relationships between the hero's journey stages and chosen game mechanics. Shows partial skill integration.
Beginning
1 PointsTable is poorly organized and fails to clearly present the relationships between the hero's journey stages and chosen game mechanics. Shows limited skill integration.