Competition format

Instructions

Design and construct an original scientific board game that demonstrates your knowledge of one of the following topics:

  • Endangered/extinct animals (e.g. cause, effect, solutions etc)
  • Native New Zealand animals/plants/insects (e.g. names, characteristics, habitat, predators etc)
  • Naturally occurring physical phenomena (e.g. light, heat, gravity, sound, motion, magnetism etc)
  • Recycling
  • Technology of communication (e.g. timeline - past, present, future inventions, inventors responsible, impact on our lives etc)
  • Earth Science (e.g. volcanoes, erosion, tsunamis, earthquakes, history of the earth etc)
  • Important scientific discoveries or technological inventions of the 20th century (e.g. what, who discovered them, what impact these discoveries have had on our lives etc)
  • The solar system (e.g. planets, stars, moon, comets, space travel etc)
  • A science topic of your choice

You must include:

  • A statement on which aspect of science the game is intended to teach (~ 200 words).  This should be a separate attachment to the game.
  • Playing pieces
  • A clear set of instructions and rules to play the game.  Don't forget to state the age group that the game is intended for.

The maximum board size is 42cm x 60cm (4 x A4 size) and should be on hard cardboard (or equivalent) for ease of transport.

Students should work in small groups.  This competition can be undertaken as a school-based or home-based project.

The game should:

  • be educational, involving the players answering questions and making decisions
  • encourage problem solving as well as factual knowledge
  • show evidence that research was used to develop the game
  • be based on skill rather than luck - i.e. instead of landing on a square and moving forward three squares get the player to answer a question/solve a problem before they are able to move on

  • be original and fun to play!

Judging

Completed entries will be displayed and judged at The University of Auckland on Monday 5th July as part of the Incredible Science programme.  Completed entries must be delivered to the Recreation Centre (17 Symonds Street) by 10am on Monday 5th July.  Judging will take place during the morning and will be followed directly by the prize giving at 12 noon.

At least one student must be present to speak with the judges.

More details on the judging will be forwarded once competition entry numbers are confirmed.                                                                           

Judging Schedule

The board games will be judged (out of 5 possible points) on:

  • Demonstration and understanding of the science behind the game
  • Originality
  • The clarity of the instructions/rules for playing the game

  • Presentation

Prizes

There will be two prize categories: Years 5 & 6 and Years 7 & 8

  • 1st place - School to choose $200 of books for the school library
  • 2nd place - School to choose $150 of books for the school library
  • 3rd place - School to choose $100 of books for the school library
  • Up to 5 highly commended prizes of $50 of books for the school library

Students on prize-winning teams will also be awarded an individual prize pack. All students who enter the competition will be sent a certificate of participation via the school. 

REGISTRATION

Registration has now closed for this competition.