In this Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit, students design and plan their very own classroom or school carnival. Perfect for grades 4–6, this interdisciplinary project combines executive function practice, real-world math, and creative problem-solving—all wrapped in a festive carnival theme.

Students step into the role of event planners as they budget, organize, design games, assign jobs, and reflect on their teamwork. Whether you teach in a classroom, homeschool, or co-op, this resource blends joyful learning with meaningful skill-building and gives kids authentic ownership over their learning.

Benefits for Students

• Strengthens executive function skills: planning, focus, flexibility, and working memory

• Applies real-world math and budgeting in a hands-on context

• Boosts creativity, teamwork, and decision-making

• Provides authentic student-led learning through a themed celebration

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Practice planning and time management

• Apply math skills through budgeting, ticket pricing, and calculations

• Design and present original carnival-style games

• Reflect on their choices, effort, and group collaboration

Guiding Question

“How can we plan and run a successful carnival by using creativity, organization, and problem-solving skills?”

What’s Inside

• Carnival Party Planner + Theme Design Page

• Brainstorm Sheets for stations, games, tickets, and supplies

• Budgeting Pages with integrated math

• Planning Checklist + Scheduling Templates

• Student Job Roles for group work

• 3 Game Design Challenge Templates:

  • Carnival Concentration (memory + attention)

  • Target Toss (focus + coordination)

  • Lucky Numbers (math + logic + risk analysis)

• Score Sheets + Ticket Math

• Final Reflection + EF Skill Check

• Presentation & Peer Feedback Page

• BONUS: Carnival Mood Board + Creative Design Space

Student-Led & Inquiry-Driven

Students guide every step of the carnival planning process: choosing a theme, designing games, assigning roles, managing a budget, and reflecting on what worked. Inquiry focuses on balancing fun with realistic planning while practicing collaboration, organization, and time management.

Executive Function in Action

Each game challenges students to strengthen specific executive function skills. They explain how their games work, identify which EF skill is being developed, and brainstorm how to improve. This metacognitive element helps students build self-awareness and critical thinking.

Math Integration

Optional math pages include:

• Multiplication practice

• Adding fractions (including compound/improper)

• Multiplying fractions by whole numbers

Teachers can differentiate easily—use math pages for skill practice or focus solely on planning and creativity.

Differentiation & Classroom Use

This project is designed for maximum flexibility:

• Assign solo, partner, or group projects

• Scaffold with sentence starters or extra support

• Adapt math complexity to fit student levels

• Offer multiple final product formats

How to Use

With 25+ activity pages, this unit works well over 1–2 weeks. Use it before a class party, school event, or end-of-year celebration. Pages can be printed individually or compiled into a student binder or portfolio.

Transform your classroom into a carnival of creativity, planning, and learning! This PBL project not only excites kids—it also teaches real-world skills they’ll use for life.