Designing a Mini Golf Course 
​                                By:  Scott Pryzstas

Project at a Glance :

Elementary Physical Education students will design a mini golf hole. The project focuses on what it means to be physically literature and exploration of mini golf courses.  Project duration:  1 week - 5 lessons 

Driving Question:

​How do we design a mini golf course to promote lifelong physical activity/literacy?             

Standards:

• Striking a ball using a long handed implement to a target
• PE Standard - The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction.
• Skills4Success: Communication, Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, & Personal Accountability

Team / Culture Building:

• E-Colors (equilibria in sport)
• Icebreakers activities
• Creating squad lines
• Values Cards​​

Stakeholders:

• Students
• Community
• Golf course employees/architects

Empathy Building:

• Create Empathy Maps around the question - What does a Physically Literate Individual...

Inquiry / Need to Knows:

•  To gain information students will watch  the PL Video

• Students will also interview golf course architects, students, community members to gain insights.​

Incubation:

• The Anti-Problem - Considering what it means to be physically illiterate
• Idea Quota - Come with 50 mini golf hole  ideas in 5 minutes​.

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Solution Building:

• Students will share out their solution ideas during a Poster Session, followed by the Dot Voting protocol to narrow down solution ideas.
• After choosing their best design students will - Name the Idea 

Critique and Revision: 

• ​ Students will share out their designs during a Gallery Walk and provide feedback in the form of  I Like . . . and I Wonder . . .

Authentic Audience:

• Golf course architects
  
• Jack Nicklaus
  

Final Presentation:

•  Students will  create an Imovie describing their mini golf hole similar to a “hole overview” that many regulation golf courses do. ​​

Click here for teacher's full plan.

​Reflection and Feedback:

• ​Contact teacher for scoring rubric.​

Click here for the  teacher's Journey through PBL on Padlet.

Meet the Educator:
Scott Pryzstas teaches elementary physical education at Mary A. White Elementary and Rosy Mound Elementary, Grand Haven Area Public Schools. 

​     "I am passionate about PBL because it creates a more meaningful learning experience for students. To them, it seems more FUN while still learning the curriculum and meeting the GLO (Grade Level Outcome) necessary."