Presenter: Barry Joseph, Associate Director for Digital Learning, American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History was founded in 1869 and soon became a world leader in presenting artifacts from nature and culture to the public. From magic lantern slides to immersive dioramas, it has innovated new pathways for visitors to connect with science and their place in the universe. In recent years, the Museum has explored a new cutting-edge dimension in the museum experience: game design. This interactive session will help participants question and reinvent the idea of what a museum is by creating, interpreting, and playing with exhibits themselves. This experience will lead into a larger exploration and discussion of game design at museums as reflected in three recent and diverse projects: MicroRangers, an augmented mobile game about microorganisms inspired by Pandemic; Playing With Dinos, a Tiny Games-style platform of quick social games; and Killer Snails, a deck-building game about (what else?) killer snails.
22. Educational Objectives of the Game:
People who play the game will be able to:
• Gain a familiarity with a diversity of microorganisms
• Describe that microorganisms are part of a complex ecosystem
across scales
• Describe how humans are part of that complex ecosystem
• Appreciate the overall importance of a healthy ecosystem
• Identify the microscale within the museum’s macroscale
MicroRangers
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35. Playing with Dinos
Tiny Games
•Easy to learn and play (minimal instructions)
•Short duration (5-10 minutes)
•Need limited props (or none)
•Accessible via personal mobile device
•Can be played anywhere, with anyone
#SPMuseum
36. Playing with Dinos
Tiny Games
•Easy to learn and play (minimal instructions)
•Short duration (5-10 minutes)
•Need limited props (or none)
•Accessible via personal mobile device
•Playable onsite at the museum
•Focused on museum content
•Appropriate for all ages
•Can be played without staff facilitation
#SPMuseum
40. Playing with Dinos
Why Tiny Games?
• Easy to create (relatively)
• Flexible use
• Low barrier to entry
• Adapts to audience needs
#SPMuseum
41. Playing with Dinos
Why Tiny Games?
• Easy to create (relatively)
• Flexible use
• Low barrier to entry
• Adapts to audience needs
• Content!
#SPMuseum