Mythology Come Alive Game

Relive the adventures of Greek heroes and heroines by creating a 3-D board game.

• 1.

  Read several Greek myths. Learn about their major heroes and heroines. Working with your classmates, design a board game based on what you learned.

• 2.

  First, make a plan for your game. Will there be a theme such as the labors of Hercules or the travels of Ulysses? What will be the objective of the game? How will players advance around the board? Will you use random number generators or a spinner? Will players move forward based on their answers to questions? Write basic directions for your game with Crayola True to Life Colored Pencils.

• 3.

  Next, design your game board. For a 3-D game such as one shown, based on a climb to the top of Mt. Olympus, select two boxes with lids of different sizes that can be set one on top of the other. Cover each box with gift wrap or decorated paper. Glue paper to the boxes.

• 4.

  Use Crayola Fine Line Markers and a ruler to draw game paths on white paper. Cut these out and glue them on the top of each box. Divide the paths into squares. Write ideas related to mythology in some squares. Draw illustrations from myths in and around others using the realistic colors of True to Life Colored Pencils. For example: "See Medusa’s head and turn to stone. Lose your next turn." Or, "Charm Cerberus with sweet music. Advance to Charon’s ferry."

• 5.

  Make Crayola Model Magic® features, such as a Mt. Olympus for the center of the board or a Pandora’s box to hold your question cards. If you are making a large structure, use a paper cup or another armature under the Model Magic form. You also could make

• 6.

  To keep your game pieces clean while you use them, coat them with a glaze of equal parts water and Crayola School Glue. Air-dry the glaze.

• 7.

  Create and decorate a set of question cards on index cards. Remember to include an answer key.

• 8.

  Review your rules to make sure they match your game board and cover all possibilities for play, including how a correct answer will affect a player’s progress. When you are finished, enjoy playing your game! Store the pieces in the boxes between sessions.

Benefits

• Students gain familiarity with classic mythology and reinforce their learning by using their knowledge to create a board game.
• Students practice discussion skills in reviewing the myths to determine which details to incorporate into their games.
• Students use logical thinking skills in deciding on an objective and directions for their games.
• Working together with peers, students learn to recognize and call upon each individual’s unique skills in order to produce the best possible project.
• Students use time management skills in determining short-term due dates for themselves in order to complete the finished game in a timely manner.

Adaptations

• If students with learning differences are involved in this project, read some of the stories aloud or use other presentation strategies to enhance comprehension. Pair students who will encourage each other to use their talents in the creation of the game.
• Create posters or storyboards for a commercial to advertise the games to other students. Which ads are most effective? Why?
• Hold a games marathon. Invite older students and families to play, too!
• Use questions such as these to evaluate the games: Is the overall visual effect of the game neat, attractive, and colorful? Are the directions clear, and is the game exciting to play? Is an extensive knowledge of mythology incorporated into the game, and are answers to questions clear and accurate? Did students work well together and resolve any problems that arose fairly and with consideration for the feelings of others?