CEP 818: Play Assignment

Instructions
1. This is a group activity; divide individuals into four separate teams. Teams will have 10 15 minutes to review/brainstorm and answer questions related to a specific castle design characteristics (see step #3). 2. For each group provide the background, known facts, and picture of the castle design (all located on page 2), and provide one characteristic topic to evaluate and discuss. 3. The design characteristics to discuss are (one for each group): a. Functional: Does the castle design and location address the Princes needs on a day-to-day perspective? b. Secure: Does the castle design protect the Prince and his party against all known (and possibly unknown) threats? c. Breakable: Are there design flaws or other things to consider in order to keep this castle standing and operational for many years? d. Usable: Is this design layout easy to understand and effectively used by the Prince and his people?

4. Each group will also answer the following questions: a) From your groups discussions, how could the castle design be improved for your evaluated characteristic?

b) What unknowns did you discuss as part of your evaluation? What other information about the area or the castle would have been helpful for your team to have/know in order to better analyze your topic? In this scenario, where would you go to obtain the information you desire?

c) If asked to support/prove/defend your choices, how would you do so?

Background Its the year 1555, and King Izzo is sending his son, Prince Sparty to leave Europe and head to the new land of America to claim the area of Michigamaa. The Prince requires a castle be built to protect and provide for him, several aides, and a small group of 20-25 soldiers while they live there. Since neither the King or Prince Sparty knows much about America, several groups that have explored this area of Michigamaa will be asked about the castle design model, to see if they deem it sound and capable; and what (if anything) needs to be revised to improve it. Your team is one of these groups selected.

Castle Design Desired by Prince Sparty:

Known Facts a) The castle will be built on a peninsula of land, against the Red Cedar River, and a channel will be carved to make a moat around the entire castle (as depicted in the design above). Your team has visited (is familiar) with this area. b) Prince Sparty wants all walls made of blocks of stone, which are 2 feet wide, 1.5 feet deep and 1 foot tall. 14 and 33 in the design refer to wooden doors. The main entrance (near VII) is a retractable, steel framed gate with squares that are 1 foot on a side. 2