Empathize
Students will conduct research on historical events between the 1780s to 1861 using print and digital sources, gather relevant information, and develop empathy by considering diverse perspectives and stakeholders affected by these events, incorporating findings into their board game design.
Days 1 - 3
Meet History Stakeholders
Launch 60m
Empathy Mapping for Historical Stakeholders
Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
Historical Stakeholder Research
Deliverable
Define
Students will analyze historical events from the United States between 1780 and 1861, synthesizing their findings into a comprehensive problem statement that will guide the development of their board game's narrative and questions.
Days 4 - 6
Analyze Board Games for Historical Narratives
Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
Draft Initial Board Game Concept and Map
Project Work 45m
Define Board Game Problem
Deliverable
Ideate
Students will collaborate in small groups to brainstorm various design concepts for their board game, drawing inspiration from historical events, developing thematic elements, proposing game mechanics, and drafting initial ideas for their lore, while engaging in peer discussions to refine and expand their creative possibilities.
Days 7 - 10
Identify Core Events and Themes
Knowledge/Skill Building 60m
Draft Game Mechanics and Lore
Knowledge/Skill Building 60m
Prototype, Feedback, and Pitch Practice
Project Work 60m
Board Game Concepts
Deliverable
Prototype
Students will develop prototypes of their board games by drafting rules, mapping gameplay, crafting narratives, and testing gameplay mechanics with peer feedback, emphasizing collaborative design and critical analysis to ensure alignment with historical context and game functionality.
Days 11 - 15
Prototype Rule Drafting and Narrative Mapping
Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
Playtest Protocols and Feedback Literacy
Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
Shark Tank Pitch Design Workshop
Project Work 60m
Final Revisions and Gallery Exhibition Prep
Project Work 50m
Board Game Prototype Iterations
Deliverable
Playtester Feedback Report
Deliverable
Test/Present
Students will conduct playtesting sessions with classmates to gather feedback, revise their board game, prepare and deliver their 'Shark Tank' presentation to showcase their game design, and provide persuasive arguments, incorporating multimedia elements to present their concept to peers, families, and community partners in a gallery walk format.
Days 16 - 20
Plan Structured Playtest Feedback
Knowledge/Skill Building 40m
Evaluate Historical Sources for Lore
Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
Draft Narrative Lore for Gameplay
Project Work 60m
Shark Tank Pitch and Deck Refinement
Project Work 50m
Final Board Game Pitch
Assessment