Students in Summer Youth Program Design Games to Assist in Learning

Monday, August 19, 2013, By Eileen Jevis

Twenty-five students, ages 14-17, will spend the day at the Milton J. RubensteinMuseum of Science and Technology (MOST) at 500 South Franklin St., 黑料不打烊, on Thursday, Aug. 29, to explore the world of science and technology through game creation and design. The students participated in the CNY Works Summer Youth Program. At five exhibitions throughout the museum, teams facilitated by a Game Designer鈥檚 Guild volunteer will create non-digital, game-based experiences, learning 21st-century skills in the process. Science and technology-based information about the exhibition will be provided by MOST subject matter experts throughout the day.

Scott Nicholson, associate professor at the (iSchool), and the director of game lab, will lead the event. Nicholson says the pressure of creating a game in a short time frame forces participants to develop communication and teamwork skills while using a rapid prototyping and redevelopment model that is valuable for many careers.

鈥淚n order to create a game, participants will have to combine creativity, design, art and storytelling with logistical thinking, technical writing, probability and the development of resource management systems,鈥 he says. 鈥淔or game experiences in the MOST, participants will also have to take into account the constraints of creating a game that can be learned quickly and completed in a short period of time while also being meaningful and scientifically sound.鈥

The project is the initial pilot program in a larger strategic plan to encourage educational and career attainment through game development and game play. 鈥淭he goal of the game jam is to positively impact the participants鈥 interest in science and science careers by actively engaging them in this innovative and constructive event,鈥 says Karen DeJarnette, director of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Talent and Education Development Center.

Larry Leatherman, president of the MOST, adds, 鈥淧iloting this program supports the mission of the MOST and helps to build interest in science in our region鈥檚 youth. We are excited to bring this program to our venue.鈥

Information about the MOSTGame and teams鈥 progress will be posted in the museum so visitors can learn about the process. During the award ceremony at the end of the day, groups will present their games to participants, staff and visitors who can play the games that were created.

The MOSTGame is collaboration between the MOST, the Game Designers鈥 Guild, the iSchool and the Talent and Education Development Center of University College. The program was funded by a grant from CNYWorks.

For additional information about the program, contact DeJarnette at ksdejarn@syr.edu or 315-559-6634.