Instructions
Now it's time to think about how your game is played and what it looks and sounds like! Use your imagination to bring your world to life. Fill out the sections below to plan the gameplay, design your characters, and think about why your game is special.
5. Gameplay and Mechanics
How do you play the game? What can your character do?
Player Actions (Check all that fit your game):
Levels / Quests:
Describe what happens in the first three levels or quests of your game.
Level 1:
Level 2:
Level 3:
Rewards & Achievements:
What do players earn for completing levels or challenges? (Examples: new tools, special clothing, knowledge, respect from elders)
Ending Cut Scene:
Imagine your game is over. Describe the final scene. What might these civilizations look like today if Europeans had not colonized North America?
6. Design
Let's make your world real! Use the boxes to draw your ideas.
Character Sketches:
Clothing & Architecture Ideas:
Landscapes & Nature:
Sounds & Music Ideas:
What instruments might you hear? (Examples: drums, flutes, rattles)
What nature sounds are in the background? (Examples: wind in trees, birds, a flowing river)
Quest Storyboard
Plan out one exciting quest for your game.
8. Marketing & Appeal
Think about who will love your game and why.
Who would play this game? (Examples: kids my age, history lovers, people who like adventure games)
Why is it fun?
Why is it important?
9. Reflection
Think about what you learned while creating this game plan.
The most important thing I learned about Indigenous Civilizations in North America is:
My game shows players that:
Answer Key
Note for Educator: This worksheet is designed to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and reflection. There are no single "correct" answers. The goal is for the student to engage thoughtfully with the material they have learned.
- Section 5 (Gameplay and Mechanics): Look for answers that connect to the specific civilization the student is focusing on. For example, if they are designing a game about a farming society, "Farm" should be checked. The levels and cut scene should show an understanding of a world that developed without colonial interruption, focusing on themes of community, nature, and innovation.
- Section 6 (Design): Assess the drawings and ideas for creativity and connection to research. Do the clothing, architecture, and landscape designs reflect the environment and culture of the chosen civilization? The storyboard should tell a clear, simple story with a beginning, middle, and end.
- Section 8 (Marketing & Appeal): The student should be able to articulate why their game is unique and valuable. Look for answers that go beyond "it's fun" to explain *how* it's fun (e.g., "It's fun because you get to explore a beautiful world and solve puzzles"). The "Why is it important?" question is key for checking comprehension about the educational goals of the project.
- Section 9 (Reflection): This is the most important section for assessing learning. The student's answers should demonstrate a new understanding or appreciation. For example, they might have learned about the complexity of trade networks, the importance of storytelling, or the deep connection between people and their environment. Their answer to "My game shows players that..." should summarize the core message of their project.