Lesson 3

💭 Think About...

What happens when Mario touches a mushroom or fire flower in the video games, and why do you think power-ups make games more fun?
How can you make sure other players will understand how to use your power-up station just by looking at it?
What makes a good power-up - should it last a long time or a short time, and why?
When you tested other teams' power-ups, what made some stations easier to understand than others?
How did getting feedback from your classmates help you think of ways to improve your design?

🔨 Your Project

**Your Mission: Design a Super Mario Power-Up Station!**

Today you're power-up engineers! You'll create a special station that gives players amazing abilities in our obstacle course game.

**Step 1: Plan Your Power-Up (12 minutes)**

Work with your partner to brainstorm ideas:

- What special ability will your power-up give players? (Examples: speed boost, extra jump, shield protection)

- How long should the power last? (10 seconds? 30 seconds?)

- What will your station look like so players know how to use it?

Draw your station design on paper and write down exactly what your power-up does.

**Step 2: Build Your Station (15 minutes)**

Use your materials to create your power-up station:

- Make it colorful and easy to see

- Create clear instruction cards with simple words and pictures

- Test that everything works the way you planned

- Remember: other students should understand how to use it without asking questions!

**Step 3: Test and Get Feedback (13 minutes)**

Visit other teams' stations and try their power-ups:

- Follow their instructions exactly

- Give each team one compliment and one helpful suggestion

- When others visit your station, watch carefully and take notes

**The Test:**

Your power-up station is successful if:

- Other students can use it without asking for help

- It makes the game more fun and exciting

- The instructions are clear and easy to follow

- Players understand what special ability they received

Get ready to make obstacle courses even more amazing with your creative power-ups!