Core Skills Analysis
English
- Elizabeth used precise academic language while describing the rules of Blokus, demonstrating command of standard English grammar (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.1).
- She incorporated parallel structure in her oral explanation of the "wall stick trick," aligning with CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.1.a.
- While researching online, Elizabeth identified and correctly used domain‑specific vocabulary such as "microwelding" and "adhesion," meeting CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.4.
- She cited the web sources she consulted to support her explanation of the physics, satisfying CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.1.
Math
- Elizabeth visualized and manipulated geometric shapes in Blokus, strengthening her spatial‑reasoning skills tied to CCSS.Math.Content.HSF.IF.A.1.
- She calculated the total area covered by her pieces and compared it to the board size, applying units and quantitative reasoning (CCSS.Math.Content.HSN.Q.A.1).
- By evaluating the number of possible moves after each turn, Elizabeth explored combinatorial functions and discrete sequences, linking to CCSS.Math.Content.HSF.IF.A.3.
- She sketched a graph of piece placement frequency over the game, interpreting key features such as intercepts and trends (CCSS.Math.Content.HSF.IF.B.4).
Science
- Elizabeth researched the physics behind microwelding, identifying concepts like surface tension and molecular bonds, fulfilling CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.4.
- She designed a simple test of the wall‑stick trick, following a multistep procedure and recording observations, matching CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.3.
- Through measuring how long the paper adhered to the wall, she calculated an average rate of change, meeting CCSS.Math.Content.HSF.IF.C.6.
- Elizabeth compared her experimental results with online explanations, evaluating evidence and author claims (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.8).
Computer Technology
- Elizabeth used web browsers to locate reputable scientific articles on microwelding, demonstrating digital literacy and source evaluation (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.1).
- She organized the information into a digital note‑taking app, applying formatting conventions like bullet lists and headings, which aligns with CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.2.
- Elizabeth employed a simple simulation tool to model adhesive forces, interpreting visual data and translating it back into written explanations (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.7).
- She practiced safe online research habits, checking URLs and author credentials, supporting CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.5.
Tips
To deepen Elizabeth's learning, have her design a Blokus variant that incorporates a scoring system based on the area of pieces placed, then graph the scores over multiple games to analyze trends. Next, set up a small lab where she tests different materials (paper, cardstock, thin plastic) for the wall‑stick trick, recording force measurements with a spring scale. Encourage her to write a concise research report using MLA format, integrating both her game data and physics experiment, and to present the findings in a short video using screen‑capture software. Finally, challenge her to create a simple webpage that explains microwelding to peers, embedding diagrams, videos, and citations to practice web design and digital communication.
Book Recommendations
- The Geometry of Games: Patterns, Shapes, and Strategy by John Horton Conway: Explores how geometry underlies board games like Blokus, offering puzzles and historical context for teenage readers.
- The Science of Everyday Things: How Tiny Forces Shape Our World by Michele L. Goh: A teen‑friendly look at everyday physics, including chapters on adhesion, surface tension, and microwelding.
- Digital Research Skills for Students by Laura A. Jones: Guides middle and high school students through effective online research, source evaluation, and proper citation.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.1, L.9-10.1.a, L.9-10.2 – Demonstrated through precise language, parallel structure, and proper punctuation in explanations.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.4, L.9-10.5, L.9-10.6 – Applied via domain‑specific vocabulary and analysis of scientific texts.
- CCSS.Math.Content.HSF.IF.A.1, HSF.IF.A.3, HSN.Q.A.1, HSF.IF.B.4 – Addressed through geometry reasoning, function concepts, and quantitative analysis of game data.
- CCSS.Math.Content.HSF.IF.C.6 – Used when calculating rate of change for adhesive strength.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.1, .3, .4, .5, .7, .8 – Met through online research, experimental procedure, symbol interpretation, and integration of visual data.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.9 – Applied when Elizabeth compared her findings with other sources.
Try This Next
- Worksheet: "Blokus Area & Perimeter Tracker" – students record the shape, number of squares, and total area of each piece placed.
- Quiz Prompt: "Microwelding Vocabulary Match" – pair terms (e.g., surface tension, adhesion) with definitions and real‑world examples.