Students will launch the project by connecting real steam technology to Western game design, then set up the collaboration structures and engineering expectations they will use in later phases.

Students will gather evidence from the Brooks steam museum, analyze Western video game scenes with historical sources, and turn that evidence into a stakeholder-centered design brief with measurable criteria, constraints, collaboration plans, and a documented decision process for concept selection.

Students will compare multiple steam engine model concepts, justify one evidence-based design choice, and prepare a prototype plan with a component diagram and quantitative test methods that connect engineering decisions to steam technology in Western history and games.

Students will test their steam engine models against planned measures, analyze failures with evidence, revise specific components, and prepare an exhibit-ready demonstration and explanation for younger visitors.

Students will present their working steam engine models and evidence-based explanations to an authentic audience, then use audience and self-reflection data to evaluate strengths, gaps, and next steps in their engineering and communication.