The Cuyahoga Heights Middle School (CHMS) Board Game Club welcomed a special guest last week when Information Technology Specialist Matthew Hartman introduced students to the tabletop strategy game called Warhammer, a British tabletop miniature wargame with a medieval fantasy theme. Players engage in hands-on strategy where they build and paint miniature armies and then use math, planning, and storytelling to guide those armies through imaginative battles that can last as long as three hours on a tabletop.
“It’s like chess with a creative twist,” said Carolyn Douglas, advisor and CHMS reading teacher. “Warhammer’s mix of art, strategy, and STEM (Science-Technology- Engineering-Math) concepts make it a perfect fit for the Board Game Club’s mission to bring games that challenge the mind and inspire creativity.”
Hartman brought extra miniature figures so that everyone could join in, and even gave a figurine to each member to start his or her own collection. The session also sparked a lively discussion about 3D printing, showing students how technology and creativity can come together to design and print custom game pieces.
“The students appreciated Mr. Hartman for sharing his passion and showing how technology, like 3D printing, can bring games – and imaginations – to life,” noted Douglas.
The Board Game Club, which currently has about 12 members, has been in existence for the past four years. Members meet every Tuesday during lunchtime to engage in games such as Chess, Uno, Battleship, and Connect Four. The club has plans to explore Macala, Shuttles, Mastermind, and Dominoes in the future.
According to Douglas, the club offers more than an opportunity to play tabletop games. “It is about positive communication amongst members,” without the distraction of cellphones, computers, and other technological devices, she explained. “And it helps students feel accepted as a member of a group.” The club is open to all CHMS students and new members are always welcome.
