Design a Mascot for the National Paralympic Team

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

The Scenario

The Summer Paralympic Games is approaching. Your country’s team are holding a competition for children to design a new mascot for them. 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 Paralympic team in your country. Use this research to design a new mascot for the team. Explain the meaning behind each design choice (the character, colors, clothing and accessories) and how they symbolize the Paralympic spirit of your country.

Guiding Questions

1. What are mascots and why are they used?
2. What are the core values of the Paralympic team in your country?
3. What character traits do Paralympians possess?
4. How could you symbolize 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 Organizers –These pages enable students to record research about the core values and character traits of Paralympic athletes in a clear and organized manner.
4. Mascot Design Brainstorm – This page enables students to brainstorm the types of characters, clothing, accessories, colors and patterns that could be featured on their mascot design.
5. Mascot Design Presentation – On this page, students are to draw, color and label their completed mascot design.
6. Mascot Concept Explanation—On this page, students explain the different choices they made when formulating and finalizing 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 elemntary school curriculum. For example, it could be used 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 teacher in Ohio and 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!

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