Germs Game

We just finished three smaller unit studies on germs, animal classification, and lizards. Since we were only going to be spending a few weeks on each one, I wrote one Writing Menu for the children for all three units. The idea for a Writing Menu came from a delightful book by Melissa Forney called "The Writing Menu." Basically, the children get to choose writing assignments from a list of choices which are divided into categories. The categories are Appetizers, Main Courses, and Desserts. My 6th grade daughter chose to make her own board game with a germs theme as one of her assignments. My 4th grade son helped with the clay figures that are part of the game.

Here are the guidelines for the board game:

***Make your own game with a germ, animal classification, or reptile theme. Think of a title for your board game, create rules, and add special steps on the board such as “You come down with the e coli bacteria and need to stay in bed for two days. Miss a turn.” Write questions about your topic on index cards to be used during the game. Write the answers on the backs of the index cards. You must include at least 30 question cards. You will also need game markers. The game board should be decorated with artwork appropriate to your topic. (50 points)

I would make one change to the instructions, though. Thirty question cards is really not enough - 50 or more would be better for actually playing the game. We have played the game a few times now and more question cards would be great.

I just love these types of assignments - they integrate several different school subjects and encourage creativity. Playing the game also serves as a great review about germs!