Competition kicks off!
The Science Museum in London has launched an interactive gaming event called "Power UP" [1], which introduced a new family workshop named "Game On" in July 2016. This innovative workshop allows visitors to design their own gaming controller using a blank cardboard shape [2][3]. Instead of designing a video game, participants create a cardboard gaming controller [4].
Located opposite the Agriculture gallery, on Floor 1, the Game On workshop uses Makey Makey, an invention kit, to bring the cardboard gaming controllers to life [5][6]. This kit allows everyday objects to function as touchpads when connected to a computer.
The process is simple yet engaging. Visitors construct gaming controllers out of cardboard, designing buttons or pads that are conductive or connected via conductive material. These cardboard buttons are then wired to the Makey Makey board using alligator clips or conductive tape [3]. When a cardboard button is pressed, it completes an electrical circuit that signals Makey Makey [5]. Makey Makey interprets the input as standard keyboard or mouse signals, which then control the game being played, allowing the cardboard controller to function just like a conventional controller [3].
Families have enjoyed creating their own gaming controllers at the Game On workshops. Participants played games like Pac-Man and the bongos using their own controllers [7]. The event features video games and consoles from the past 40 years [8].
The workshop is a hands-on STEM experience that combines creativity in building physical controllers with an understanding of basic circuitry and digital interaction [9]. It's a great way to provide a break from screen time for visitors, with the design process being tactile in nature [10].
The workshop is suitable for children aged 7 and over, and places are limited. Weekday workshop times are from 12.00 to 13.30 and 14.30 to 16.00, while weekend workshop times are from 14.30 to 16.00 [11][12]. Tickets for Power Up can be purchased online [8].
Game On will run at the Science Museum from 25 July to 7 August, excluding 6 August [13]. If you're looking for a fun and educational activity this summer, consider visiting the Science Museum's Game On workshop.
[1] https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/whats-on/1022/power-up/ [2] https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/whats-on/workshops-for-families/game-on [3] https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/schools/teacher-resources/collection/makey-makey [4] https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/schools/teacher-resources/collection/game-on [5] https://www.makeymakey.com/ [6] https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/schools/teacher-resources/collection/makey-makey [7] https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/schools/teacher-resources/collection/pac-man [8] https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/whats-on/1022/power-up/ [9] https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/whats-on/workshops-for-families/game-on [10] https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/schools/teacher-resources/collection/game-on [11] https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/whats-on/workshops-for-families/game-on [12] https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/whats-on/workshops-for-families/game-on [13] https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/whats-on/workshops-for-families/game-on
- At the Science Museum in London, the "Game On" workshop in the "Power UP" event encourages visitors to explore the world of gaming by designing their own cardboard gaming controllers.
- Alongside video games and consoles from the past 40 years, this workshop provides an educational opportunity with hands-on STEM activities, focusing on creativity in building physical controllers and understanding basic circuitry and digital interaction.
- By using Makey Makey invention kits, ordinary objects become touchpads when connected to a computer, enabling visitors to bring their cardboard gaming controllers to life by completing electrical circuits.
- In addition to the engaging gaming experiences, families can explore other domains such as fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, travel, education-and-self-development, casino-and-gambling, and sports, providing a balance of learning and fun during their museum visit.
