Schell Games was the deserved recipient of Gold Medal honors for two of its games at the 2015 International Serious Play Awards, held this week. Both The World of Lexica and Water Bears were recognized for their high quality of engagement and measurable learning opportunities.
Earlier this year, Schell Games was awarded a $1 million, two-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to change the way molecular chemistry is taught in schools. This award, from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), was one of only eight given for Phase II projects.
Phase II projects support further research and development of prototypes of education technology products that were funded by 2014 ED/IES SBIR Phase I awards. In the Phase II project, the teams shall complete the development of the product, and conduct a pilot study in schools to demonstrate the usability and feasibility, fidelity of implementation, and the promise of the product to improve student learning on the intended outcomes.
Phase II awardees include Jesse Schell’s project Happy Atoms.
Happy Atoms is an interactive learning tool designed to teach students ages 8 to 18 the basics of chemistry.
Molecular Modeling
Happy Atoms pairs physical atom models with an interactive digital app to innovate current STEM chemistry teaching practices. Students can build molecules with the magnetic modeling set and, using the iPad® app, take a picture of what they’ve built.
Students build atoms by pairing nucleus spheres with magnetized silicon
arms that represent electrons. For example, students create water molecules by
connecting two hydrogen molecules and one water molecule together. The atoms
are then photographed with a tablet, which checks their work.
The app teaches even more about the molecular chemistry of the atoms
they’re creating, allowing them to discover additional information about the
molecule, including its atomic weight and real-world applications. The app will
also include lesson plans and activities, giving teachers a flexible tool to
integrate with their curriculum.
“Atoms are the building blocks of the
universe,” notes Schell. “It’s much more deeply engaging to teach students
through learning tools that combine a physical model with an app that allows
students to see the difference between the elements and feel the forces that
bond them together. This tangible, interactive learning tool for STEM
classrooms encourages discovery and experimentation, resulting in more deeply
engaged students,” remarked Jesse Schell, CEO of Schell Games and creator of
the Happy Atoms system.”
With this grant, Schell Games will begin to
fully develop the Happy Atoms system. With the help of an industrial
prototyping firm, the company will determine large-scale production methods,
manufacturing and distribution for the product. The app’s molecule
identification system will be refined further. Finally Schell Games will
leverage its experience in game design to create a stimulating, intuitive
experience for the Happy Atoms user.
Have a taste of it with Discovering Happy Atoms 2015 video. Jesse
Schell’s presentation at this year’s Serious Play Conference is also available via
SlideShare at Happy Atoms Serious Play 2015.
About Schell Games
Schell Games is a full-service game design and development company with a focus on
creating transformational games and innovative, interactive experiences.
Founded in 2002 by world-class game designer and renowned author Jesse Schell,
the studio, based in Pittsburgh, PA, heralds a highly talented array of
artists, programmers, producers, and game designers.
Schell Games specializes in creating memorable
experiences through mobile, PC, console, handheld, online and social games, interactive
theme park attractions, internet-enabled toys and virtual worlds.