🎮Gamifying Learning🎮  
How We Built the SparkLab Leaderboard
(and Made Funko Pop Magic)

This school year, we set out to do something different: to spark deeper motivation, self-direction, and joy in our students’ journeys through the SparkLab. And what better way to do that than through gamification—bringing the dynamics of games into the learning environment in a way that celebrates progress, effort, and agency?

Inspired by learning sciences (thank you again, Dr. Keith Sawyer) and student-centered design, we built the SparkLab Leaderboard—a living system that visualizes student engagement and celebrates milestones in a way that’s fun, fair, and functional. Here's how we did it:

🧠 The Why: The Theory Behind the Spark

Gamification isn’t just slapping stars on a spreadsheet—it’s about creating environments that motivate through autonomy, mastery, and purpose (thanks, Daniel Pink!). In the SparkLab, students are often charting their own path through project-based learning. This makes intrinsic motivation especially important.

So we asked:

What would it look like if we made progress feel more like leveling up in a game than checking off boxes in a syllabus?

We leaned into research-backed principles:

Visible progress tracking = increased self-efficacy

Milestone rewards = boosts motivation without relying on extrinsic bribes

Avatars and personalization = helps students identify with their journey

🛠️ The How: Building the Leaderboard

We started with a simple Google Sheet tracking each student's unit completions across SparkLab categories (Cybersecurity, Game Dev, Data Analytics, etc.). But instead of just numbers, we wanted to visualize progress in a gamified way.

So we developed a system where:

Each student’s "Units Completed" is represented by an evolving badge icon or graphic (soon to be themed per unit!)

The cell changes dynamically—starting with 0 stars and upgrading through 6 levels of “spark mastery”

Students can instantly see their progress, reinforcing a growth mindset

We’re exploring using icons inspired by GTA-style stars, Fortnite-style badge themes, or custom SparkLab graphics.

Eventually, we hope to animate this using Google Workspace integrations or a lightweight web app. But for now, we’re using smart formulas and =IMAGE() functions to power up each student's progress with flair.

💡 The Impact: What We’re Noticing

Students check the leaderboard without being prompted—they care.

They talk about how many stars they need to “level up.”

And most importantly—they’re driving their own progress, not just completing assignments.

We’re watching the SparkLab transform into a place where students aren't just learning—they’re becoming designers of their own futures.

Each student who completes six units and finishes their capstone project earns full credit for the SparkLab class. In addition, anyone who appears on the leaderboard is automatically entered into a Friday raffle for a super cool prize—keeping the energy high, the competition friendly, and the momentum going strong!