STEAM-opolis: Build the Future of Education through Games

Outline

The STEAM-opolis Creation Lab will start by demonstrating the research and methodology behind Two Bit Circus Foundation’s mission and “playful learning”, as well as showcase past examples of student success. Then, participants will be broken up into teams of 3-4, and presented with a challenge: build a playable, and winnable, game that incorporates three STEAM disciplines. These games must have a name, have written rules, and must use at least one tool. Did we mention that they will be built out of cardboard and found objects (we supply them)? The leader of the session, Dr. Hanes, will walk the room asking questions and answering questions.

This is a 30 minute ideation and construction process. Through this exercise, peer-to-peer interaction and learning by playing is promoted. There will then be a 20 minute conclusion by hearing how the process went for each group and then discussing how this could work in their classroom. We end with questions from the participants about specific ways they can add 'making' to their class experience to anchor in the learning. We also discuss the importance of collaboration in the classroom.

The art of bringing gaming into the classroom is much more than “just playing”. It is meaningful and intentionally designs activities and lessons that serve to enhance student learning, referred to by Two Bit Circus Foundation as “playful learning”.

Supporting research

https://twobitcircus.org/one-pager/

https://www.amazon.com/Future-Education-ExoDexa-Manifesto/dp/B0B1W3JC9J/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21KS70X0PE618&keywords=shaping+the+future+of+education&qid=1691099251&s=books&sprefix=shaping+the+future+of+education%2Cstripbooks%2C146&sr=1-1