WordStruct MEGA

The puzzle game includes base pieces, a set of lettered puzzle pieces, and an instruction manual. Although the game is intended for 9+, a younger audience will also appreciate the game and its ability to exercise vocabulary and grammar skills. 

WordStruct is a twist on the classic crossword puzzle, as it now provides a cube/3D base upon which the user is expected to build their crossword. The goal of this game is for the user to create structures in a 3D space that spell words on any of the front facing sides. WordStruct employs the user's spatial reasoning skills, design skills, and perseverance, as the user must get the word structure to stand up in order for them to earn points. The game promotes teamwork, spatial reasoning, and engineering thinking, such as the ability to visualize the crossword across different sides of the 3D cube shape. Through the process of building the base, working with their team, and using new vocabulary, the game exercises users’ ability to build language skills, work on the fundamentals of structural analysis, and learn to view objects in a new perspective. The game forces the user to take a step back, plan out the 3D structure, and understand what methods to use to build the structure that will keep it upright. Building a structure that uses all the provided letters while also being structurally sound is quite difficult and requires a lot of planning ahead, spatial reasoning, and iterative design. The game does a fantastic job integrating these skills with the users ability to utilize their problem solving and quick-thinking skills. The game does not provide very many letter tiles, making the game a bit difficult to play with two people or multiple teams, which might limit the size and creativity of the structure the user creates. 

The game provides a great basis for the user to apply their engineering analysis and design abilities while keeping the fun of a classic scrabble/crossword game. The target audience will have endless fun and can entertain both their friends and themselves with WordStruct MEGA. 

Framework Categories

Spatial Reasoning
Engineering Thinking (EThink)
Processes of Design (POD)

Moore, T.J., Glancy, A.W., Tank, K.M., Kersten, J.A., Smith, K.A., & Stohlmann, M.S. (2014). A framework for quality K-12 engineering education: Research and development. Journal of Precollege Engineering Education Research, 4(1), 1-13.