Evaluating STEM Games For Young Audiences

Games and interactive media environments have been identified as promising tools for supporting STEM. This workshop includes facilitated guided play sessions through a curated group of games (mobile, web, and console), allowing participants to explore key aspects of games that teach a STEM mindset, including cooperation, trial and error, holistic thinking, and data visualization. Moderators will first present the challenges and opportunities supporting a STEM mindset through games, then model a playthrough of a selected game embodying key features. Participants will then be able to explore games on their own and with moderators before gathering again as a group to discuss their findings, where moderators will situate the discussion in the larger issues of STEM product design, implementation, and research.