8th Grade Social Studies Themed Lorcana Set!

Hey fellow Lorcana fans! As a middle school social studies teacher and brand new Lorcana player, I wanted to share a unique classroom project I’m working on that merges history with TCG mechanics—introducing Project-Based Learning (PBL) through Lorcana!

What is PBL?

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method where students engage in a long-term, hands-on project to explore a subject deeply. Instead of just reading about history, my students will research, create, and apply their knowledge in a fun and interactive way.

The Project: A Cold War-Themed Lorcana Set

For about a month, my students will learn how to play Lorcana, research the Cold War, and design their own playable cards based on Cold War history. We’ll keep the official Lorcana mechanics but re-theme everything with historical figures, events, and locations. At the end of the project, we’ll hold a class tournament where students play using the cards they created—winner gets bragging rights!

Cold War Card Ideas

Here’s a sneak peek at some card ideas we’re brainstorming:

Characters (Glimmers of historical figures) • John F. Kennedy – “Ask Not What Your Country Can Do” (Boosts allies) • Nikita Khrushchev – “We Will Bury You” (Destroys an opponent’s character) • Ronald Reagan – “Tear Down This Wall” (Breaks barriers in play) • Fidel Castro – “Cuban Resistance” (Increases defense for allied cards)

Actions (Historical events & strategies) • Cuban Missile Crisis – Forces opponents to make a difficult choice • Space Race – Gain extra lore (like outpacing your opponent in victory points) • Mutually Assured Destruction – Destroys both an ally and an enemy • The Berlin Airlift – Provides a resource boost

Items (Cold War-era tech and propaganda) • U-2 Spy Plane – Reveal an opponent’s hand • Nuclear Warhead – A high-cost, high-damage action • Propaganda Poster – Buffs your characters’ abilities • Encrypted Radio – Allows secret plays

Locations (Strategic sites in Cold War history) • Berlin Wall – Creates a temporary barrier • Vietnam Battlefield – Adds unique war mechanics • Moscow – Strengthens Soviet-aligned characters • The White House – Enhances diplomatic strategies

I’d love to hear your thoughts! What historical figures or events do you think would make great Lorcana-style cards? If you’re a teacher or just a history nerd like me, how would you incorporate Lorcana into learning? Let’s chat!