Dustin Harnish and Krystal Renton

Harnish’s and Renton’s innovative teaching idea, “Laser Cutting Board Games,” focuses on learning about ancient societies through student-made board games inspired by ancient and contemporary games. Through this work, students will learn what games tell about ancient societies’ values and beliefs, identifying if an ancient game was created for the upper class or if a game relies on military strategy. Students will then begin to design and create board games that reflect the 21^st century values. With the Voya grant, Harnish and Renton plan to purchase a laser cutting machine to cut and engrave the board games, an air filtration system to ensure kids are breathing clean air while working, and sets of ancient board games. Through this project, Harnish and Renton aim to increase student understanding of ancient civilization.