Playtime! Unleashing the fun.
The Science Museum is inviting visitors to step away from the screens and into the world of DIY gaming with the "Game On" workshop. This exciting event, running from 25 July to 7 August (excluding 6 August), offers a unique opportunity for children aged 7 and over to design and build their own gaming controllers.
Nicolette Chin, Special Events Developer (Families and Accessible Programmes) at the Science Museum, has curated this interactive workshop as part of the summer events programme. Located opposite the Agriculture gallery, Floor 1, the workshop utilizes "Makey Makey", a little invention kit that turns everyday objects into touchpads when connected to a computer.
Makey Makey brings cardboard gaming controllers to life by connecting them to foil-covered buttons. When a person touches these conductive parts, they complete an electrical circuit through the Makey Makey board. The board then sends corresponding keyboard or mouse signals to the computer, allowing the cardboard controller to function as game input.
Each visitor receives a blank cardboard shape of a gaming controller to decorate, color, and embellish as they see fit. With places for the workshop limited, it's advisable to book your spot in advance.
The Science Museum also offers a range of free science shows, additional workshops, storytelling sessions, drama characters, and family-friendly tours during weekends and school holidays. For more information about these events, please visit the museum's website.
For those interested in a more traditional gaming experience, the Science Museum's popular "Power Up" event is still running. Launched in July 2016, "Power UP" is a hands-on, fully interactive gaming event featuring video games and consoles from the past 40 years. Tickets for "Power Up" can be purchased online.
So, whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking for a fun, creative activity, the Science Museum's "Game On" workshop is a perfect addition to your summer plans. Come along and design your own gaming controller, and join in the fun at the Science Museum!
[1] Makey Makey: https://makeymakey.com/ [2] How to Make a DIY Game Controller with Makey Makey: https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-DIY-Game-Controller-with-Makey-Makey/ [3] DIY Makey Makey Game Controller: https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Makey-Makey-Game-Controller/
- After designing their own gaming controller at the "Game On" workshop, visitors may also explore the world of DIY fashion and beauty by creating personalized clothing or accessories using ordinary materials.
- For those seeking a change in lifestyle, the Science Museum's "Game On" workshop could be followed by a home-and-garden tour, offering ideas for sustainable living and garden design.
- Travel enthusiasts can round off their day by learning about the culinary delights of different countries at a food-and-drink workshop or event, where they can sample exotic dishes and learn how to recreate them at home. Alternatively, sports fans can enjoy an energetic game of basketball or football in nearby parks, unwinding after an exciting day of creativity and exploration at the Science Museum.
