Empathize
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
Ideate
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
Prototype
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
Test/Present
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
Empathize
Days 1–3
Define
Days 4–6
Ideate
Days 7–10
Prototype
Days 11–15
Test/Present
Days 16–20
July 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
28
Day 2
Empathy Mapping for Historical Stakeholders
Empathy Mapping for Historical Stakeholders
29
Day 3
Historical Stakeholder Research
Historical Stakeholder Research
30
Day 4
Define
Analyze Board Games for Historical Narratives
Analyze Board Games for Historical Narratives
31
Day 5
Draft Initial Board Game Concept and Map
Draft Initial Board Game Concept and Map
August 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
3
Day 6
Define Board Game Problem
Define Board Game Problem
5
Day 8
Draft Game Mechanics and Lore
Draft Game Mechanics and Lore
6
Day 9
Prototype, Feedback, and Pitch Practice
Prototype, Feedback, and Pitch Practice
7
Day 10
Board Game Concepts
Board Game Concepts
10
Day 11
Prototype
Prototype Rule Drafting and Narrative Mapping
Prototype Rule Drafting and Narrative Mapping
11
Day 12
Playtest Protocols and Feedback Literacy
Playtest Protocols and Feedback Literacy
12
Day 13
Shark Tank Pitch Design Workshop
Shark Tank Pitch Design Workshop
13
Day 14
Final Revisions and Gallery Exhibition Prep
Final Revisions and Gallery Exhibition Prep
14
Day 15
Board Game Prototype Iterations
Board Game Prototype Iterations
Playtester Feedback Report
Playtester Feedback Report
18
Day 17
Evaluate Historical Sources for Lore
Evaluate Historical Sources for Lore
19
Day 18
Draft Narrative Lore for Gameplay
Draft Narrative Lore for Gameplay
20
Day 19
Shark Tank Pitch and Deck Refinement
Shark Tank Pitch and Deck Refinement
21
Day 20
Final Board Game Pitch
Final Board Game Pitch