Activity Collection: Exploring Game Design through Fortnite

Activity 1: Create Your Own Fortnite Character

1. Subject Area and Topic:

   • Subject Area: Art/Design
   • Topic: Character Design

2. Recommended Age or Grade Level:

   • Suitable for 10-year-olds.

3. Materials Needed:

   • Plain paper or sketchbooks
   • Colored pencils, markers, or crayons
   • Optional: Graphic design software or apps (if technology is available)

4. Activity Description:

   • Setup: Gather materials and set up a comfortable workspace for drawing.
   • Steps:
     1. Discuss what makes a Fortnite character unique (e.g., costumes, abilities, personalities).
     2. Have students brainstorm and write down traits for their own character, including name, abilities, and backstory.
     3. Students will draw their character, focusing on costume and accessories that reflect their character's traits.
     4. Optional: If using technology, students can try creating their character using graphic design software or apps.

5. Learning Objectives:

   • Students will learn to design a character, considering traits and backstory.
   • By the end of the activity, students should be able to present their character and explain their design choices.

6. Extension Ideas:

   • Create a comic strip or storyboard showcasing the character in action.
   • Pair with a writing activity to develop a detailed backstory or a short narrative involving the character.

7. Real-World Connections:

   • Character design is crucial in various industries, including video games, animation, and film—students will understand the creative process behind designing engaging characters.

8. Facilitation Tips:

   • Encourage creativity! Ask open-ended questions like, "What abilities does your character have?" or "What challenges will your character face?"
   • Foster a discussion about diversity in character design, encouraging students to create inclusive characters.

9. Safety Considerations:

   • Ensure students are using age-appropriate art materials and that the workspace is tidy to prevent any mess.

Activity 2: Designing a Fortnite Battle Arena

1. Subject Area and Topic:

   • Subject Area: Math/Geometry
   • Topic: Area and Perimeter

2. Recommended Age or Grade Level:

   • Suitable for 10-year-olds.

3. Materials Needed:

   • Graph paper
   • Ruler
   • Colored pencils
   • Optional: Small toys or figures to represent characters

4. Activity Description:

   • Setup: Provide students with graph paper and writing materials.
   • Steps:
     1. Discuss the various arenas found in Fortnite, focusing on shapes, sizes, and areas they encompass.
     2. Instruct students to design their own Battle Arena using geometric shapes on graph paper.
     3. Have them calculate the area and perimeter of their crafted spaces, ensuring they include at least three different areas/sections within their arena.
     4. Color and label different sections (e.g., health spots, weapon drop areas) using colored pencils.

5. Learning Objectives:

   • Students will calculate area and perimeter of various shapes.
   • By the end of the activity, they should be able to demonstrate their understanding by presenting their arena and calculations.

6. Extension Ideas:

   • Challenge more advanced students to create 3D renderings of their arenas using recyclable materials.
   • Integrate technology by designing a digital version of the arena using basic design software or apps.

7. Real-World Connections:

   • Understanding area and perimeter is vital in architecture, land development, and various design fields, helping students see math in practical applications.

8. Facilitation Tips:

   • Encourage critical thinking by asking questions, like, "What challenges does your arena present to players?"
   • Discuss how different shapes might offer advantages or disadvantages in gameplay.

9. Safety Considerations:

   • Ensure that tools such as rulers are used safely, and set boundaries for materials if 3D renderings are involved.

Activity 3: Fortnite Strategy Map

1. Subject Area and Topic:

   • Subject Area: Social Studies/Geography
   • Topic: Strategic Planning and Map Skills

2. Recommended Age or Grade Level:

   • Suitable for 10-year-olds.

3. Materials Needed:

   • Large paper or poster board
   • Markers, stickers, or craft materials (for decoration)
   • Reference images/screenshots of Fortnite maps

4. Activity Description:

   • Setup: Arrange materials and set up an open space for map creation.
   • Steps:
     1. Show students examples of Fortnite map layouts and discuss different strategies used in gameplay.
     2. Have each student plan their strategic map on the poster board, deciding where to place key locations such as loot spots and safe zones.
     3. Decorate the map with drawings or stickers to represent areas and paths.
     4. Each student should explain their strategy for how players can navigate their map effectively.

5. Learning Objectives:

   • Students will enhance their understanding of map features and strategic planning.
   • By the end of this activity, students should be able to articulate their strategic choices and understand the concept of navigation.

6. Extension Ideas:

   • Turn this into a presentation activity where students present their map to their peers.
   • Integrate technology by using mapping software or online tools to create a digital version of their strategy map.

7. Real-World Connections:

   • Strategic planning and map reading are essential skills for navigation, military strategy, urban planning, and logistics—students learn to think critically about space and movement.

8. Facilitation Tips:

   • Encourage collaboration by suggesting students work in pairs or groups to design a massive map together, allowing them to negotiate strategies and placements.
   • Spark discussions about teamwork and how cooperation is pivotal in Fortnite.

9. Safety Considerations:

   • Use scissors and craft materials safely, ensuring that younger students are supervised.

These activities combine creativity, mathematics, strategy, and personal expression, making learning fun and engaging for 10-year-olds through the world of Fortnite!