Cardboard Challenge

Inspired by a young boy from East L.A., The Cardboard Challenge has become a global phenomenon! Fifth graders at St. James School have successfully completed The Cardboard Challenge!

Seeking ways to bolster learning and team-building among students through STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics),students, under the direction of Mrs. Chris Trausch, St. James art teacher, spent several classes cooperating in groups of 6 to design, create, and construct an arcade game using cardboard, packing tape, and a variety of other materials found around the art room and brought from home.

"It's really an engineering-design challenge," stated Principal, Judy Pappas. "There's a lot of math and physics components and working together. The challenge demonstrates that challenging academics involves creativity and collaboration."

Students started by making a blueprint for their games, including rough sketches of their designs. They then took the concepts from paper to cardboard.

The Cardboard Challenge is a totally hands-on project. Students demonstrated collaboration, problem-solving, and trial by error.

The St. James students' cardboard creations included a pinball "machine," hockey game, Ferris wheel, mini golf, marble slide, and a moving target game. The ultimate reward for their efforts was being able to share their games with the entire 5th grade as part of their Halloween celebration!