J. Portnow's Design Challenge: P.E. Game

[jillduffy]

Discuss your questions and ideas on James Portnow's Game Design Challenge for April 16, 2008 here.

[TG1]

What kind of ball is being provided? football, base ball, a simple rubber ball or can I decide?

[Ta-Razel]

i figured it'd be a rubber ball like a dodgeball, but if it is a specific kind of ball I'd like to know as well

[TimEdwards]

Go with your instincts or create a game that could go with any kind of ball. Since there are "budgetary cutbacks" it might be a ball of cheese from a teacher's lunch! Also keep in mind that it is for a Grade One class so do your research on what they might be learning in school at that point in time to help inspire you if you're having some trouble with ideas!

Good luck guys!

(Man I can't wait to see the results from these!)

Sincerely,
Tim Edwards

[james.portnow]

Originally Posted by TG1

What kind of ball is being provided? football, base ball, a simple rubber ball or can I decide?

A ball of your choosing, though I'd recommend you all check out Tim's post; it has some excellent recommendations.

[EvilLlama]

Is the ball the only resource? Or is the teacher allowed to cut things out of construction paper and bring them into the game, especially since doing that would cost next to nothing?

[dreamshade]

Submission sent~ May I also commend the creators for deciding to print the new challenges on Wednesday, in the middle of the damned week when I could really use the distraction?

[ronnoc10]

You'd be hard pressed to come up with a game that's better then soccer/football...

[TimEdwards]

I believe the objective isn't to come up with something better than soccer or basketball, but the catch is to create something different that also teaches something to the kids. While Soccer and Basketball are fantastic for promoting teamwork and cooperation, they wouldn't get you extra funding by this challenge's requirements. We all know how vital funding can be, especially for school programs!

So if you want to create a variation of another sport that teaches something to the kids, by all means I'm sure it works. But the key element I believe Mr. Portnow is going for is you want an interactive activity that teaches them something educational. Whether it be about Pirates or their health, kids learn easier when it's interactive... kind of why the new generations are reading less and gaming more! Just a thought!

Sincerely,
Tim Edwards

[EnSanity]

Can we also choose a setting? If said setting is a gym (as opposed to a field), can that gym have basketball hoops at both ends?