Design & Build a Cardboard Game
Get Started
Your Cardboard Carnival game needs to include the four basic requirements. Other than that you have complete freedom to design your game.
We have identified four basic types of cardboard games to help inspire you. Feel free to duplicate, remix, or design a completely different game.
Demo Games




You can find tutorials for many of the design elements highlighted in demo games below.
Game Element Tutorials
Obstacle Elements
Motor Elements
Design Elements
- Add sound
- Touch circuits
- Create a theme
- Create a sign with your game’s name
- Add lights
- Button Controls
- Paint, draw, stencil
Workshops
We will offer a number of workshops throughout the challenge beginning on Saturday, February 26th.
Some workshops will feature limited specialty supplies. Workshop attendees will get the first chance to work with these materials, such as adding NeoPixel light strips or a speaker to their project. Earn a prize token for attending each workshop.
You must be registered for the challenge and also register for each workshop individually. Click on the links below to register for a workshop.
Dates
Sat., February 26
Wed., March 2
Sat., March 5
Sat., March 12
Wed., March 23
Thurs., March 24
Sat., April 2
Drop-in Help Hours
Each week will we host a drop-in workshop for you to get help with your game. Project mentors will be available to answer your all questions. You can also pick up extra supplies during this time.
Main Library – The Loft, 3rd floor
Thursdays, 4-5:30 pm
March 3rd – 31st
Wednesdays, 4-5:30 pm
March 2th – 30th
Help Form
You can also submit any questions through our Help Form. Please give us 1-2 days to respond. Someone may have already asked your question so be sure to check our FAQ page first.
Evanston Public Library, District 65, and our partners are committed to creating safe and welcoming spaces, programs, and services for all Evanston youth. Just like Evanston youth, the staff who work on the Citywide STEM challenges come from a variety of races, cultures, experiences, sexual orientation, and gender identities. By being intentional with our staffing and program structure we hope that youth see themselves reflected and feel supported when they take part.