Back in October, I did a Mario Brothers Day The kids had a blast! I knew I had to do something again for the official Mario Brothers Day on March 10th. I just didn't know what I wanted to do.
On a whim, I picked the brain of one of my co-teachers about this. Her response was "What about Mario Kart?" A lightbulb went off in my head right away! Part of our science curriculum this quarter is to make bumper cars! I could totally turn this into Mario Kart! (Thank you D.D. for this idea!!!!!)
I was super excited and got to work right away. I didn't have to prepare anything because I was going to use the materials the county provided. I did however, have to update my costume, and buy a few decorations.
My shopping list:
Mario Kart Costume (my addition)
Black and White Checkered Tablecloth Roll
Checkered Flags Black and White Pennant Flags
Traffic Cones and Racing Checkered Flags
I just had to dress up! I had the original outfit for Mario Day in October. I added the Mario Kart for this day!
Some scholars and staff dressed for the occasion as well!
One of my other teammates dressed up as Lakitu (the cloud at the starting line,) but I never got a picture of him! :-(
We started off the day in our weekly Peace Circle. Our questions were "What is the importance of team work?" and "What does it mean to work smarter, not harder when it comes to working with a team." We had a great discussion and they remembered what we talked about as they worked.
The first step in the process was for scholars to sketch out their Mario Kart. Some scholars labeled their Mario Karts. Some scholars drew multiple karts. Some scholars drew their kart from different angles!
After sketching their designs, they met in small groups. They discussed what they liked about each design.
Using the things they liked about each person's kart, they sketched their group's final Mario Kart.
Afterwards, they went to my back table to see what materials I had and created a shopping list.
Then the groups got to work making their kart!
The scholars tested their karts throughout the process and modified their designs as needed. They took into account the materials they were using. I heard "This makes it too heavy! It won't go as far!" "This is too light!" "This isn't sturdy enough!" Fabulous discussion on how to modify their designs to make it work.
I loved the teamwork that I saw going on! I think it was their best teamwork all year long! They made sure to divide up the work so everyone was working on something. They made decisions as a group. I was so impressed with all of that, as well as their final product.
I feel like the Mario Karts were a success on so many levels. Some teams had an easier time than others, but at the end of the day, each team worked through their challenges (logistical and personal), to create fabulous karts!
On Monday, the scholars will have their Mario Kart moment! I promise to take more pictures and update this blogpost, so please come back Monday evening!
Photo credits:
B.S.
D.D.
D.O.
Thanks ladies for helping out with the pictures!
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