Design a Mascot for the Australian Paralympic Team

Capture the core values and character traits that embody the Australian Paralympic Team with this inquiry-based research project perfect for upper primary students!

The Scenario

The Summer Paralympic Games is approaching. Paralympics Australia is holding a competition for children to design a new mascot for the Australian Paralympic Team. The mascot must represent the core values and character traits these amazing athletes embody.

The Task

Research the core values and character traits that embody the Australian Paralympic Team. Use this research to design a new mascot for the team. Explain the meaning behind each design choice (the character, colours, clothing and accessories) and how they symbolise the Australian Paralympic spirit. (Note: This is a fictional competition for the purposes of this project.)

Guiding Questions

1. What are mascots and why are they used?
2. What are the core values of the Australian Paralympic Team?
3. What character traits do Australian Paralympians possess?
4. How could you symbolise and represent these characteristics in a mascot?

Easily Implement This Mascot Design Project

The project booklet download contains everything your students will need to independently complete this inquiry-based design project. (Note: It is recommended that you direct your students to credible, age-appropriate websites to assist them in compiling their research.) The contents of the booklet are as follows:

1. Project Overview – This page provides students with a detailed explanation of the project. It contains:
   • Scenario Overview
   • Task Outline
   • Guiding Questions
   • Process Walk-Through
2. Mascot Reading Passage – This page contains a reading passage that provides students with some context about what mascots are and why they are used.
3. Research Graphic Organisers –These pages enable students to record research about the core values and character traits of Australia’s Paralympians in a clear and organised manner.
4. Mascot Design Brainstorm – This page enables students to brainstorm the types of characters, clothing, accessories, colours and patterns that could be featured on their mascot design.
5. Mascot Design Presentation – On this page, students are to draw, colour and label their completed mascot design.
6. Mascot Concept Explanation—On this page, students explain the different choices they made when formulating and finalising the design of their mascot.
7. Project Reflection – This page contains four questions to help students reflect on the success of the project.
8. Assessment Rubric – A sample assessment rubric has been provided should teachers wish to assess students’ work according to a given set of criteria.

This project has been designed to seamlessly integrate with the primary school curriculum. For example, it could be used as part of your Design and Technologies program when exploring how products (such as mascots) are created to reflect and represent different groups of people within the community.

Download to Design a Paralympic Team Mascot

Use the Download button to access your preferred files. The project booklet can be accessed as either a Google Slides file (which can be edited) or an easy-print PDF document.

For sustainability purposes, please consider printing the project booklet double-sided.

This resource was created by Brittany Kellog, a Teach Starter collaborator.

Get Your Class Excited About the Paralympic Games!

The Paralympic Games is a unique global event that aims to promote inclusion and diversity for all – now that’s a lesson we want our students to learn! Click below for some more great resources you can use to evoke excitement in your students about this awesome event!