Science Fun and Games at NEST+m

A few weeks ago we began a new DIY Electronics and Game Design class with our friends at NEST+m! The class consists of kids in grades K-2, which is a pretty wide age range, but our instructor Michelle, who also writes the lesson plans, has been doing an amazing job with this challenge! She says of her experience:

“The key to working with such a large age group is the fluidity and openness of the lessons. This is a game design class, but everything since we have started has been analog work, cause I find that the younger groups struggle a bit with the motor skills needed for a laptop.”

Here are some of our favorite projects so far:

Participants learned about circuits by making light up bracelets and flashlights out of LED lights, coin batteries, pipe cleaners, and popsicle sticks!

They had a blast creating one of our favorite projects here at GIANT: a light up spinning top! They each designed their own spin top and then collectively came up with a game almost like bumper cars.

A lesson about gravity by creating their own handheld cup and ball games! Participants were encouraged to try different materials to make their ball in order to see how it would affect their game.

For the past couple of weeks, students have been working on creating their own board games! They started out by brainstorming the basic rules of the game, and then moved on constructing their games out of basic craft materials. As they move through this process, they test out each other’s games and provide feedback!

Michelle has encouraged students to take their time with their projects and create multiple prototypes.

“I have found the most success in drawing the projects out for a few weeks, that way the students don’t feel rushed, and can make multiple versions if they want to make changes. This gives room for play testing and sharing with others! My goal for these students is for them to make something they can successfully play at home with friends and family! Right now, we have a pair, Luca and Christian making a Pokémon Minecraft inspired board game!”

We’re so excited to see the final products. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll be seeing some of these games on the shelves of toy stores!

If your child would like to join in on the co-designing, prototyping, and gaming fun be sure to register them for the GIANT Creative AI and SFA MFA Interaction Full-Day Design Camp. Register here!