Fairground Rana: Build the Game and Write the Rules

Groups build their own rana, the traditional game of tossing discs into a frog's mouth and the holes of a box, out of recycled cardboard boxes. They then write a rulebook with points for each hole and test it with another group, combining heritage, recycling and accuracy.

How to play

1. Show pictures of traditional rana boards from different regions and how each hole is scored; set the challenge: build a stable rana from recycled materials (4 min).
2. Groups of four or five design their rana on the worksheet (holes, ramps or a spinner) and decide the points for each zone based on difficulty (6 min).
3. Build it with cardboard boxes, tape and scissors; each group checks that the rana doesn't tip over when hit by a disc (10 min).
4. Groups rotate: each one plays on another group's rana from 3 m following its written rules, five discs per person (10 min).
5. Each group gets feedback from visitors on how clear the rules are and how fair the scoring is, then proposes one improvement (5 min).

Rules

• Scissors stay at the building table and are returned at the end.
• Discs are tossed underhand and only toward that station's rana.
• No one stands behind or beside the rana while someone is throwing.
• Play by the host group's written rules, even if you disagree.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: place the rana on a table at the right height to throw from the chair.
• Visual impairment: add a textured strip and put a bell inside the box so it rings on every hit.
• Autism or fine motor difficulties: takes the role of rules designer and scorekeeper for the group.

Learning goals

• Learn about the rana as a traditional tavern and fairground game.
• Design a game with recycled materials using sustainability criteria.
• Write clear rules and balance the scoring according to difficulty.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cardboard boxes: 12
• rubber discs: 30
• tape: 6
• scissors: 6
• worksheets: 6

Teacher tip

Ask for large cardboard boxes a week in advance. The ranas can stay in the PE department for the next traditional games lesson.

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