DIY Checkerboard

APPROPRIATE FOR: KINDERGARTEN TO 5^TH GRADE

Using simple materials you can find around the house, we challenge you to craft a one-of-a-kind checkerboard that’s sure to impress your friends!

MATERIALS

• Pieces of cardboard
• Your choice of materials for making checkers (12 one color, 12 another color)
• Markers
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Ruler
• Pencil

BRAINSTORM

How can you make your own checkerboard with alternating colored tiles? What might you need to do first? Think through this problem and start to form your plan.

ACTIVITY

Do some internet searches of “DIY checkerboards” to start gathering inspiration for your own board. Start by making a list of all the different ways you could make square tiles. Will you choose to cut out squares and glue them down? Will you color in boxes on a grid? Will you weave cardboard strips together to get the pattern?

After you’ve built the checkerboard using the method that best suits your design method, it’s time for a test! Of course, the best way to test your design is with a game of checkers. Challenge a friend or family member to a game to see how you like your design.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

TRANSFORM YOUR CHECKERBOARD INTO A CHESSBOARD!

Instead of 12 checkers on each side, you’ll need 16 chess pieces… but you can still use your checkers to make chess pieces. Use a marker to make symbols for the following pieces: a king, a queen, 2 bishops, 2 knights, and 2 rooks (for each side of the board). The remaining 8 pieces on each side will be pawns (leave blank).

FURTHER EXPLORATION

• Would you change anything about your design method?
• What are other ways you could create the repeated patterns?
• What other materials could you use for the board and your game pieces?

WHAT’S NEXT?

Take a photo of your checkerboard, post it on social media, and tag Adventure Science Center for a chance to be featured on our page!

Tinkering Garage Build It design