In our classroom, students have taken the classic game of Snakes and Ladders and turned it into an exciting, interactive learning experience. By adding their own layer of challenge cards, they've created a dynamic twist on the traditional format, blending fun with STEM learning.

Here’s how it works: When a student lands on a snake, instead of simply sliding down, they face a set of snake-related questions. To "survive the snake bite," they must solve the questions, testing both their knowledge and problem-solving skills. Landing on a ladder presents another opportunity—they need to answer STEM-related questions to successfully climb the ladder.

The real magic, however, lies in how the students take ownership of the game. They research, create, and curate the challenge cards themselves, allowing them to deepen their understanding of various STEM concepts. In the process, their curiosity about snakes (and STEM!) is sparked and satisfied, as they come up with multiple variations of the game, each more creative than the last.

This hands-on approach has not only made STEM learning more engaging, but it has also empowered students to take control of their learning journey, fostering collaboration, creativity, and a shared sense of accomplishment.