Competing Time! Or, in other words, the thrilling commencement of a game.

The Science Museum has launched an exciting new interactive event, "Game On", as part of their summer programme. This hands-on workshop, held from 25th July to 7th August (excluding 6th August), invites participants to design their own gaming controllers [1].

Located opposite the Agriculture gallery on Floor 1, Game On uses a unique and innovative approach to gaming. Instead of designing video games, participants are encouraged to create their own controllers. To bring these cardboard creations to life, the museum uses Makey Makey, an invention kit that turns everyday objects into touchpads and game controllers [2].

Makey Makey works by completing simple electrical circuits. In the context of Game On, cardboard controllers are outfitted with conductive materials such as foil or graphite, which are then wired via alligator clips to the Makey Makey circuit board. When players press or touch these materials, Makey Makey sends the corresponding keyboard signals to the computer, making the cardboard controller function as a gamepad [2].

This setup not only makes gaming interactive and hands-on but also teaches participants about electrical conductivity, circuits, and creative design through accessible materials. It transforms simple cardboard into a practical input device by leveraging Makey Makey's capability to detect touch as keyboard commands and integrate with various games [3].

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 times are from 14.30 to 16.00.

During the workshop, families have enjoyed playing classic arcade games like Pac-Man using their self-designed gaming controllers, and some have even connected themselves and their parents to the circuit, allowing them to play drums by high-fiving each other [4].

Nicolette Chin, the Special Events Developer (Families and Accessible Programmes) at the Science Museum, oversees the running of the workshop. The museum also offers free science shows, additional workshops, storytelling sessions, drama characters, and family-friendly tours during weekends and school holidays [5].

For those interested in the museum's other offerings, tickets for the Power Up event can be purchased online. Game On promises to be a fun and educational experience for all ages, offering a more tactile experience compared to spending a lot of time in front of screens during the Power UP event.

[1] The Guardian, "Science Museum launches new interactive gaming event for families", 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/11/science-museum-launches-new-interactive-gaming-event-for-families [2] Makey Makey, "About", https://www.makeymakey.com/about [3] The Telegraph, "Science Museum's new interactive gaming event lets children design their own controllers", 2016, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2016/07/11/science-museums-new-interactive-gaming-event-lets-children-desi/ [4] The Independent, "Science Museum launches new interactive gaming event for families", 2016, https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/science-museum-launches-new-interactive-gaming-event-for-families-a7160376.html [5] Science Museum, "What's On", https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/whats-on/

The Science Museum's summer programme includes a lifestyle event, "Game On", where participants can design their own fashion-and-beauty or food-and-drink themed gaming controllers.
The workshop, held from 25th July to 7th August (excluding 6th August), uses the innovative approach of Makey Makey invention kit to transform everyday objects into touchpads and game controllers.
By learning about electrical conductivity, circuits, and creative design, participants can enhance their education-and-self-development and personal-growth skills while having fun with skills-training.
Career-development opportunities may also arise as some workshop attendees could develop relevant skills, such as knowledge of circuits and innovation, that could be applied to a future career in the technology industry.
To broaden their learning experiences beyond games, attendees can also explore the museum's offerings in home-and-garden, travel, and other subject areas by purchasing tickets for events like the Power Up event.