Reflections

• Using Canva, a laser cutter, a 3D printer, and paint, I created an underwater/ocean-themed Monopoly game—combining my love for both the ocean and the classic board game. The most challenging part of the project was planning everything out. To organize our ideas, we wrote down what each element represented on individual pieces of paper, sketched an outline of the board, and then compiled everything into a single, cohesive packet to guide the planning process 

• During this process, I learned how to use a laser cutter, which was honestly really cool. At first, it seemed a little complicated, but once I got the hang of it, it was fun experimenting with different designs. Learning how to use one is super useful because you can make your own decorations for way cheaper than buying them at a store. Plus, it feels good to create something from scratch and see it turn into a real, finished piece that looks like something you could buy expensive from a store.

• The 7 standards of the class are Empowered Learner, Digital Citizen, Knowledge Constructor, Innovative Designer, Computational Thinker, Creative Communicator, and Global Collaborator. My project ties to Knowledge Constructor because when I couldn't figure out how to make the squares on the board I looked online for an outline of the original monopoly board. Using the internet is always helpful when starting a project because it can give you a clear starting point, which sets you up for success.

• A challenge I overcame on this project was designing the board. I was able to do it by looking at the website for the Glowforge (the machine I was using) and  saw that someone else had uploaded an outline of a monopoly board that was free to use. Using the outline was helpful because it saved me a ton of time and allowed me to get to the more exciting part of making the board game.

• Given a chance to do this again, I would change the board size. The reason why I would change it is because the sides of the board have a lot of extra blank space that could have been used more effectively. A larger board would also allow for bigger spaces, making it easier to place pieces without having to position them next to the surface because of the tiny spots. Finally, adjusting the size would also make the game more functional and  visually appealing.

• Hastings High School Career and Technical Education Program offers Agriculture, Business Management, Computer Programming, Construction Trades, Culinary Arts, Digital Multimedia, Engineering Design, Finance, Insurance, Marketing.  My project connects to the  Engineering Design CTE program at Hastings High School.  My project connects to the Engineering Design CTE because the w ebsite nagb,gov says that Engineering Design is a iterative, systematic process for solving problems that involves creativity, experience, and accumulated disciplinary knowledge. This means my project connects to the Engineering Design CTE because I made a unique board game theme and redesigned the community chest and chance cards.

• My project connects to careers in Engineering Design because I created a creative design to make a board game. According to the website Indeed, it says a Design Engineer is someone who develops new designs  and projects. The National average salary for a Design Engineer is 89,050.