Lesson 4

💭 Think About...

What makes a power-up exciting and helpful for players in a game?
How do you think clear instructions help other people understand your ideas?
What would happen if a power-up lasted too long or not long enough in a game?
Why is it important for teammates to work together when designing something new?
What's the difference between a power-up that helps you move and one that protects you?

🔨 Your Project

**Challenge: Design Your Own Mario Power-Up Station!**

Your mission is to create a special power-up station that gives players amazing abilities in obstacle courses. Work with your partner to build something awesome!

**Step 1: Dream Up Your Power-Up (5 minutes)**

Talk with your partner about cool power-ups. Think about:

- What special ability will it give? (Super speed? High jumps? Protection?)

- How will it help players get through obstacles?

- What should it look like so players know what it does?

**Step 2: Draw Your Design (10 minutes)**

Sketch your power-up station on paper. Show:

- What the station looks like

- Where players touch or interact with it

- Labels explaining how it works

- Notes about what happens when someone uses it

**Step 3: Build Your Station (20 minutes)**

Use your cardboard box as the base and decorate it with construction paper, markers, and other materials. Make sure:

- The colors and decorations match your power-up's ability

- Players can easily see what the power-up does

- It looks exciting and fun to use

**Step 4: Create Instructions (5 minutes)**

Make a clear instruction card that shows:

- Your power-up's name

- A simple drawing

- What special ability it gives in one sentence

- How long the power lasts

**The Test:**

Can another student look at your power-up station and immediately understand what special ability they'll get? If yes, you've succeeded! If not, add clearer decorations or better instructions.

Get ready to see all the creative power-ups come to life in our obstacle courses!