Come Enjoy LHS' Cardboard Arcade

Close to 180 Lakewood High freshmen will spend the next couple of weeks exploring and executing engineering design principles while using 21st century learning skills such as collaboration, communication and creativity to build an extensive Cardboard Arcade for the entire community to enjoy.

On October 11 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. on the first floor of Lakewood High, teacher Ken Kozar and his Physical Science students will take part in the 2014 Cardboard Challenge, inspired by Caine’s Arcade video on YouTube. The students’ cardboard game creations will be on display for people of all ages to come and play and learn about the science behind them such as force of motion and energy.

As a digital literacy teacher last year, Kozar helped Roosevelt Elementary stage the district’s first Cardboard Challenge. This year at the high school, he saw the Cardboard Challenge as a good opportunity to introduce engineering principles and a good way to “engage the kids in the process and learn science along the way.”

Kozar has enlisted area businesses to be part of the Challenge as well. Tavens Packaging Solutions of Bedford Heights is providing the cardboard and Cardboard Helicopter, a product design firm in Lakewood founded by LHS alum Tim Hayes, is advising the students on the design and problem-solving process.

Beyond the science of creating games of levers and pulleys and other mechanisms, the students will be meeting many of the Common Core Standards that focus on documenting and creating presentations as the students will be keeping self-reflection journals and are required to present a documentary that summarizes their project.

Joining the students at the Cardboard Challenge October 11 will be Ranger 360 and the Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center. Kozar invited these groups to be part of the day after students were discussing the recent assaults on women in or near Lakewood recently and kids were asking “how can we continue the conversation in our community.” All the proceeds from the Cardboard Challenge will be donated to these two groups that work to educate people about sexual assault.

Admission to the Cardboard Challenge is free, however donations are welcome. There will be food, prizes and fun for everyone.