World Micro Golf Challenge

This foray into geography is sure to stimulate some creativity... and some learning about countries of the world along the way!

Challenge your kids to create a miniature golf course, sized to suit ball bearings, marbles, or even Jaffa’s, as golf balls.

Create each hole to represent a different country in some way. Your children should research what might be some of the most appropriate representations for each country, then narrow down their ideas to one for each. Encourage them to use a bit of imagination. They don't need to use the most obvious idea for each country.

Some simple examples:

• Pyramids for Egypt
• A Pagoda and garden for Japan.
• A Totem Pole (Native American, New Zealand)
• An icy scene with penguins for Antarctica.
• A mini Uluru or Sydney Opera House for Australia.
• A volcano or hot mud pools for New Zealand
• A Grand Canyon for USA
  

Each hole should include an information card on which is listed the country represented and describing what the scene depicts.

Holes should progress from easy to hard.

It may be easier to build each hole on a separate backing piece/frame, for ease of moving and putting together. This will also make packing it away, when not in use, much simpler.

Paper mache etc could be used to create a 3D effect. Paint the scene appropriately. The use of objects, such as tiny farm animals, sand, mini trees etc will help add a touch of realism.

Make your own set of mini golf clubs and challenge a friend, or foe, to a game!

You may find that you need to modify your course after your game.

You could also make your course using different themes, such as cities or famous landmarks.