A three-month design project turns course concepts and vocabulary into an interactive role-playing card game and opens the door to sharing classroom innovation beyond the school.

At Massapequa High School, students are exploring the politics and governments of the world through a teacher-designed role-playing card game inspired by Pokémon. Created by Mr. Daniel Bachman for AP Comparative Government, the game brings course themes, concepts and vocabulary into play.

After three months of design, Mr. Daniel Bachman introduced the game to students for the first time two weeks ago, and the lesson went very well. By applying political concepts and vocabulary as they play, students can actively engage with course material, participate in discussion and strengthen content mastery. The game reflects the instructional innovation in Massapequa classrooms, using an engaging format to make challenging material more approachable without losing sight of academic goals.

“I wanted to create a memorable way for students to engage with AP Comparative Government,” said Mr. Bachman. “I’m excited by the first lesson and the possibility of sharing this approach with other educators.”

Mr. Bachman hopes to present the game at educational conferences and eventually share it with the College Board. District support for documenting the classroom experience, presentation opportunities and continued game development could help refine the resource and introduce it to a wider educational community.