Authentic learning leads to authentic fun for UCSI, Messmore students

High school students at Utica Center for Science and Industry (UCSI) are mastering many skills that incorporate English and mathematics with career path concepts in multi-media technology, electronics, engineering or mechatronics.

They are also learning how to engage with various types of workplace ‘audiences.’ These future career professionals are discovering that whether in an interview, presentation, sales call or staff meeting, being able to interact with others at their own level is essential.

This was the objective of “Once upon a Game” a recent cross-curricular project that drew UCSI sophomores and juniors a bit out of their comfort zone and into the realm of students in kindergarten through sixth grade at Messmore Elementary School.

Working in teams the UCSI students were charged with creating original age-appropriate stories with accompanying interactive games themed around literature they studied in English class – and to present their work products to an authentic ‘audience’ of Messmore students.

But what would interest a six-year-old? What about a fifth grader? Maybe a not-too-scary dragon? …Incredible feats of bravery? …Traveling to the stars? …Enchanted forests? …Things from long ago and places far away? The possibilities were endless.

After two weeks of brainstorming and elbow grease, the UCSI students took over Messmore for an afternoon – armed with the storybooks, props and game components they created.

In one classroom, third and fourth graders raptly listened to UCSI junior Mark Krauzowicz’s animated reading of Sir Gregory’s Tale. Other groups of Messmore students and their UCSI mentors played games such as The Owl Who Lost the Hour, The Magic Ball, Knights in the City, Fate of Destiny and many others.

English teacher Katie Malik was among the UCSI staff involved with the program. She said, “Going into the project, I felt confident my students would come up with some great stories and games, but I was overwhelmed by how much they exceeded my expectations.”

“The best part was the positive energy we all felt at Messmore while the kids were interacting,” Malik added. “That excitement continued as we made our way back to UCSI on the buses. We’re thinking of making it annual tradition!”

Describing the experience, Messmore sixth grader Jordan Papadelis said, “I liked how they built the whole board and all the cool little lights.” His fifth grade classmate Kaylee Chan added, “I enjoyed the part when we got to play the games. It got my brain thinking!”

Out in the first and second grade hallway, groups of children shrieked as they tried to ring the bell on a carnival-style game fashioned to look like a giraffe. At the same time, pairs of giggling first and second graders flipped a toy turtle from one to another, trying to keep it airborne.

“It was a wonderful experience, going to the school and seeing all of the smiling, excited faces,” said eleventh grader Kaylee Kromrei. “I was given hugs by everyone in the (kindergarten) class!”

It was hard to tell which age group learned more or had the most fun, but as the photos and video illustrate, the Messmore ‘audience’ was engaged, entertained and ‘sold’ on the UCSI products.