The “Around the World in 18 Holes” project is an exciting way to combine creativity, problem-solving, and storytelling. You’ll work in small groups to design and build a miniature golf hole inspired by a story from another country. This blog post will guide you through each step, helping you bring your vision to life.
Step 1: Choose a Story
Start by selecting a fable, folktale, legend, or myth from a specific country. Your story will inspire your golf hole design, so choose one with memorable characters, settings, or symbols. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Japan: The Crane Wife – a tale of love and sacrifice.
- Nigeria: Why the Sun and Moon Live in the Sky – a creation myth.
- Germany: The Bremen Town Musicians – a story about teamwork and resilience.
Once your group agrees on a story, read it together and take notes about its key elements.
Step 2: Analyze the Story
To create a golf hole that reflects your story, you’ll need to understand its core components. Use this guide to analyze the elements:
- Setting: Where does the story take place? Is it in a forest, a palace, or a mythical land? Use this as inspiration for the backdrop of your hole.
- Plot: What happens in the story? Think about how you can represent the main events in your design.
- Conflict: What is the main challenge or problem? Incorporate obstacles or traps to symbolize this.
- Characters: Who are the key players? Include them as 3D models or symbols.
- Symbols: Are there important objects, animals, or themes? Use these to decorate or shape your hole.
- Cultural Origin: What country does the story come from? Include elements like the flag or shape of the country in your design.
Step 3: Sketch Your Design
Now that you understand your story, brainstorm how to incorporate it into your golf hole. Draw a sketch of your layout. Here are some tips:
- Pathway Design: Decide where the ball will travel. Will it go through tunnels, around curves, or over ramps?
- Obstacles: Think about what challenges to include. For example, a mountain could symbolize a character’s struggle.
- Cup Placement: Plan where the hole (cup) will be. Make it challenging but achievable.
- Decorations: Add 3D features like characters, flags, or props. These should connect to the story and make your hole visually exciting.
Step 4: Build Your Golf Hole
This is where your vision comes to life! Follow these steps to construct your hole:
- Prepare Your Base:
Use a foam board as the foundation. Cut it to the desired size and shape, keeping in mind the story’s theme. - Add Obstacles:
Use materials like pool noodles, cardboard, or foam pieces to build walls, tunnels, and barriers. Make sure they’re sturdy enough to withstand play. - Create the Hole:
Cut a circular hole in the foam board and insert a plastic cup to catch the golf ball. - Decorate:
Paint or decorate your course to match the story. Add 3D elements like characters, symbols, or props. For example:- For The Crane Wife, include a paper crane or a small hut.
- For Paul Bunyan, add a model of Babe the Blue Ox.
- For The Legend of the Moon Rabbit, use a moon and rabbit figure.
Step 5: Test and Improve
Once your golf hole is built, test it! Use a golf ball and putter to see how it plays. Ask these questions:
- Is the hole too easy or too hard?
- Do the obstacles work as intended?
- Does the design represent your story well?
Make adjustments to improve playability and appearance.
Step 6: Share Your Work
At the end of the project, your class will showcase the completed miniature golf course. Be ready to explain:
- How your design reflects the story.
- What each decoration or obstacle represents.
- How you worked together as a team.
You’ll also get to play each other’s golf holes, experiencing stories from around the world in a fun and interactive way.
Tips for Success
Work as a Team
Divide tasks to make the process smoother. For example:
- One person sketches the design.
- Another builds the obstacles.
- Another decorates the course.
Be Creative
Think outside the box. Use unique materials and designs to make your hole stand out.
Pay Attention to Detail
The small touches—like a flag, character models, or painted scenery—make your design more engaging.
Have Fun
This project is about creativity, collaboration, and learning. Enjoy the process of bringing a story to life!
Why This Project Matters
The “Around the World in 18 Holes” project is more than just a fun activity. It helps you:
- Understand World Cultures: By exploring stories from other countries, you’ll learn about different traditions and values.
- Practice Collaboration: Working in groups teaches teamwork and communication.
- Develop Creativity: Designing a golf hole challenges you to think artistically and strategically.
- Apply Problem-Solving Skills: From building obstacles to testing designs, you’ll use critical thinking at every step.
Final Thoughts
By the end of this project, you’ll have a miniature golf hole that’s not only fun to play but also tells a story. You’ll showcase your creativity, knowledge, and teamwork, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who plays your course.
So grab your materials, gather your team, and let the journey begin! “Around the World in 18 Holes” awaits you.
Check your Notes –
Introduction
- The name of the project is “Around the World in 18 Holes.”
- In this project, you will design a miniature golf hole inspired by a fable, folktale, legend, myth, or short story from another country.
Step 1: Choose a Story
- The story you choose should have memorable characters, settings, or symbols.
- Name one example of a story and the country it comes from:
- Example: The Crane Wife from Japan.
Step 2: Analyze the Story
To create a golf hole design that reflects the story, analyze these key elements:
- Setting: Where does the story take place? Example: A forest, village, or mythical land.
- Plot: What happens in the story? Think about the key events of the story.
- Conflict: What is the main problem or challenge in the story?
- Characters: Who are the important people or animals in the story?
- Symbols: What objects, animals, or themes are important in the story?
- Cultural Origin: The story comes from the country of Japan, Nigeria, Germany, or another country your group chooses.
Step 3: Sketch Your Design
- What shape will your golf hole take? Example: The shape of a country or a key symbol from the story.
- Name one obstacle or decoration you might include that represents the story:
- Example: A moon and rabbit from The Legend of the Moon Rabbit.
Step 4: Build Your Golf Hole
- The base of your golf hole will be made from a foam board.
- Name one material you can use to build 3D obstacles: pool noodles.
- Where will the cup for the hole go? It should be challenging but possible to reach.
Step 5: Test and Improve
- When testing your golf hole, ask yourself:
- Is the hole too easy or too difficult?
- Do the obstacles work as expected?
- Does the design represent the story well?
Step 6: Share Your Work
- Be prepared to explain:
- How your design reflects the story.
- What each decoration or obstacle represents.
- How your group worked together as a team.
Key Story Elements to Include in Your Design
- Your golf hole should incorporate the story’s:
- Setting: The location and time of the story.
- Plot: The main events or sequence of actions.
- Conflict: The main problem or challenge.
- Characters: The key characters in the story.
- Symbols: Objects or ideas that represent something important.
- Cultural Origin: The country and cultural background of the story.
Tips for Success
- One way to stay organized is to divide tasks among your group members.
- Remember to make your design creative and detailed.
Reflection
- Write one idea you have for your group’s golf hole design:
- “I think we should include a bridge and a dragon because it represents the conflict and characters in our story.”
These completed notes provide a step-by-step guide for analyzing your story and applying it to your miniature golf hole design. Use them to stay focused and creative!
Teaching 4 Impact 