Students will learn what upcycling is through a video produced by Upcycle Parts Shop. They will be able to demonstrate how upcycling can be beneficial and fun by repurposing cardboard and other recyclables to create a cardboard arcade or carnival game. Students will apply the steps in the Engineering Design Process as they use their creativity and knowledge of arcade and carnival games to build a fun and interactive game. They will think and use the tools of engineers and game designers while constructing working game prototypes that are made mostly of upcycled materials. The lesson can culminate in the creation of a class arcade or carnival for everyone to enjoy. This project incorporates the 4 C’s of 21st Century Learning - Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity which are the vital components of STEM programming. The high interest topic of arcade and carnival games and the story of Caine’s Arcade adds relevance to their task and will help them deepen their learning.



This resource includes:

- Creative Reuse Tip Sheet (pdf)

A summary of how to go about making everyday materials into upcycling supplies

- Link to short chat with Upcycle staff: a video that is hosted on vimeo.com

- Tips and tricks for using everyday items to become tools for creativity (talking through the tip sheet)

- Lesson Plan for Upcycle STEM Design Challenge

Created by a STEM educator, designed to be customized with your own ideas, complete with resource suggestions



- Gift certificate for Cleveland local educators to fill a complimentary shopping bag at Upcycle Parts Shop

Go to www.upcyclepartsshop.org for address and hours. If you are outside of Cleveland and cannot make it into the store to shop for recycled materials and do not want to use the tip sheet to source your own, you can couple this product with Upcycle's Innovation Kits to have the recycled materials sent directly to you.