Photo showing elementary students gathered around tables presenting and testing handmade arcade-style games created from cardboard boxes. The projects feature colorful decorations, ramps, tunnels, targets, and themed designs inspired by video games and imaginative landscapes. Students take turns playing the games using small launchers and game pieces while classmates observe and discuss the results. In one photo, adults visit student tables to view the projects during a showcase event. The activity takes place in a school cafeteria or commons area with groups of students engaged in collaborative STEM and design-based learning.

Valley Ranch Students Put STEAM Skills Into Play With Pinball Arcade

Comm Team

November 2, 2026

Valley Ranch Elementary students in Laura Axtman’s STEAM class put creativity, collaboration and engineering skills to the test as they designed and built their own pinball machines for a classroom pinball arcade. Using everyday materials and recycled items, students created miniature games featuring ramps, obstacles, bumpers and other interactive elements. The project brought together multiple STEAM concepts, including science as students explored force, motion, gravity and energy; technology and engineering as they designed, built and tested their machines; art as they incorporated creative designs; and math as they considered angles, measurements and scoring. Through hands-on problem-solving, trial and error, and teamwork, students experienced how STEAM learning can turn imaginative ideas into engaging, playable creations!