In fifth grade STEAM Lab, students have worked in groups throughout the semester to create board games based on a Pete the Cat book of their choosing. They began the process by playing games and writing down their likes, dislikes, and big thoughts. Next, they read different Pete the Cat books, taking notes for each book read to reference. Finally, they started the brainstorming and planning phase of choosing a book and turning it into a game. 

Students learned how to listen to one another, share ideas, and work through differences during phase one. Phase two was the "fun" part of creating and building! Students collaborated using their blueprints and notes to create their game boards, dice, and game pieces. Ms. Petty left the creation of the board games up to their imagination, and a few students had the idea to 3D print their game pieces. Ms. Petty reflected on how fun it was to see their excitement, hear their conversations, and watch them work together to bring a book to life through play! Phase three was their final phase of testing to make improvements and share the games with their kindergarten buddies. 

The whole process from start to end followed the Engineering Design Process: 

1. Ask: What do I do with this book?

2. Imagine: Brainstorming all the different ways to make a game work.

3. Plan: Drawing a blueprint, making a list of needs, and assigning responsibilities.

4. Create: Building the game and all the pieces. 

5. Test: Does my game work? Does it make sense?

6. Improve: Make any changes and add details. 

7. Reflect: Discuss and share with Kindergarten buddies. 

This project showcased the creativity and hard work of 5th graders while giving them a leadership opportunity to encourage, teach, and model sportsmanship to their Kindergarten buddies. This initiative brought immense joy to both the 5th graders and the Kindergarten students!