Imagination to Innovation: 7th-Grade Students Create Tabletop Games in the Imaginate Makerspace

This trimester in the Imaginate Makerspace, the 7th-grade students on the Swain Campus have been challenged with brainstorming, designing, and constructing tabletop games out of new and recycled material.

The Imaginate Makerspace is not just a physical space; it's a concept that embodies the very essence of creativity and innovation. It's a place where students are encouraged to dream big, think outside the box, and transform their ideas into tangible reality. Within the Imaginate Makerspace, we embrace the principles of experiential learning, hands-on exploration, and problem-solving. It's where students are free to tinker, experiment, and explore the realms of engineering and design. 

Armed with their creativity, the support of skillful and experienced faculty, and the freedom to explore more, 7th-grade students have completed brainstorming sessions choosing the games they wanted to build. From mini pool to mini basketball, ping pong to Foosball, connect 4 to mini bowling, and mini hockey - the choices were diverse and inspired.

To bring their visions to life, our students have worked with a variety of materials and components, such as:

• Lumber: For the structure and framework of the games.
• Hardware: To ensure everything stays securely in place.
• Plexiglass: Providing the perfect playing surface.
• Fabric: Adding an element of design and style.
• 3D Printed Components: Custom-made parts for unique gameplay.
• LED Lights: For that extra touch of excitement.
• Magnets: Enhancing gameplay dynamics.
• Paint: To give their games a personal touch.
• Polyurethane: Ensuring the durability of their creations.

Once the designs were set, it was time to get their hands dirty – quite literally. Our handy students dove into the exciting world of crafting, working with a variety of hand and power tools. They learned the ropes of saws, drills, sanders, and much more. It's remarkable to witness the transformation from initial sketches to physical prototypes.

The process was not without its challenges, but our budding engineers embraced each obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow. Teamwork and problem-solving skills were honed, preparing them for the real world where such abilities are priceless.

The 7th graders are not just building these games; they are going to showcase them to the world. The much-awaited annual Art Show in May will transform into a gaming wonderland as our young designers proudly present their creations. Friends, family, and fellow students will get a chance to play these innovative tabletop games, and the excitement is palpable.

In the Imaginate Makerspace, the possibilities are endless, and so is our belief in the potential of our students. With tabletop games as their canvas, they are painting a vivid picture of their boundless creativity and determination, one piece at a time.