Recently, sophomores in Mr. Andrew Grauzer’s American History class applied their knowledge of American Imperialism to create board games incorporating the historical facts and concepts of the time period.
Grauzer, De La Salle Collegiate Class of 2004, has taught at DLS since 2014 and was pondering ways to introduce content without lecturing. He thought about the class’s current unit - U.S. Imperialism from 1850 - 1914, and how a lot of the content, such as the acquisition of Hawaii and Alaska and the Spanish-American War, reflected the acquisition of new territories and an increasing role in global affairs.
That led Grauzer to think of board games and how students could incorporate their knowledge into creating a game.
He organized the students into four-may teams who were tasked with developing a game that would test their knowledge of American Imperialism.
The students were tasked with including key events, figures, concepts,and places discussed in class, in their assignments, and in readings.
Grauzer also developed a scoring rubric, that included historical content accuracy, educational value, game design, playability, Design, and Presentation.
Students began presenting their games - which could be played strategically and/or with luck - on September 19.
Grauzer was pleased with the results - the first time he has ever used this methodology. He said he would use the concept again to give students more time to work on a more finished product.
“Some groups put more thought and effort into this,” Grauzer said. “A few were duds, and their work wasn’t the best, which was reflected in their grade.”
Grauzer attended the University of Michigan, and majored in History, and later earned his M.A. in teaching from Wayne State University.
He taught English in Japan from 2009 - 2010.
“I loved that experience and thought of staying there longer, but my family is here.”
Grauzer’s parents, Dave and Jill, make their home in Traverse City; Dave was a long-time varsity assistant for the DLS Varsity Basketball team.
Grauzer and his wife Sarah, a physician’s assistant at Ascension St. John (Detroit), married in 2022, and welcomed their first child, William, in July 2024.
Grauzer said he was inspired by his high school teachers to enter teaching.
“The teachers here played a role in my academic and personal development, particularly Mr. Mike Szatkowski,” he said. He also cited faculty member Mr. Dave Kirck and staff member Mrs. Vicki Granger for their influence on his teaching career.