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“Zoombinis” Connected Learning Summer Spotlight with EdGE at TERC Director Jodi Asbell-Clarke and TERC Chief Technology Officer David Libby

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In just a few weeks, a who’s who of edtech professionals and industry thought leaders will gather at the MIT Media Lab on August 1-3 for the first-ever Connected Learning Summit (CLS). The Summit’s tagline of “Create. Play. Mobilize.” elicits a call to action that commands and underscores the importance of educational media. FableVision and our partners at TERC are proud sponsors of this inaugural CLS, and I’m looking forward to moderating the Zoombinis panel on August 1. During this event, key personnel will share the story of how they reimagined the beloved educational game, and they’ll also share an update on their game-based research.

The original Zoombinis was released in 1996 and quickly became the golden standard among fans of educational games. Then in 2015, FableVision, Learning Games Network, TERC, and EdGE at TERC worked closely with creator Scot Osterweil to reimagine and remaster the original game for modern devices and audiences. Two additional key members of that development team were Dr. Jodi Asbell-Clarke and David Libby. As the director and co-founder of Educational Gaming Environment (EdGE) at TERC, Jodi has spent 20 years designing and researching curriculum and professional development. David is TERC’s Chief Technology Officer and served as overall project manager for the revamped Zoombinis. We sat down with Jodi and David for a special sneak peek of what we’ll be discussing at the Connected Learning Summit.

Read on for a short preview of our CLS panel. We can’t wait to answer your questions and reintroduce you to our favorite blue friends as they help us bridge formal and informal learning – and change the world of education for the better.

The Logical Journey of Reimagining Zoombinis: Adventure, Research, and Computational Thinking
Wednesday, August 1 at 2:30 p.m.

  • Jodi Asbell-Clarke, Director, EdGE at TERC
  • David Libby, Chief Technology Officer, TERC
  • Scot Osterweil, Creative Director, MIT Education Arcade and Zoombinis creator
  • Peter Stidwill, Executive Producer at FableVision Studios

Will you be there? Tweet us at @FVStudioBoston with #CLS2018.

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David, Jodi, tell us more about your respective roles. What is the focus of EdGE’s research, and how does it fit into TERC’s overall mission?
Jodi: EdGE is the Educational Gaming Environments group at TERC. As part of TERC’s mission to reach a broad and diverse audience of learners with innovative STEM learning opportunities, EdGE examines how digital games can be used as assessments to measure learning that might not be revealed by ordinary tests and schoolwork.

STEM education is all the rage now, but TERC has been focusing on math and science learning since the early 1970s! What makes the math/science education space so exciting to be working in these days? 
Jodi: Some things have changed dramatically in the past few decades, and some things feel like they haven’t changed at all. What is exciting about right now is that people are realizing, on a large scale, that learning is not just what happens in the classroom and it isn’t all about direct instruction. Project-based learning, game-based learning, and other forms of interest-driven learning experiences no longer seem so marginalized, or fringe. I believe that providing these experiences is the only way to ensure inclusivity for learners who have cognitive differences, such as executive function disorders. I have seen so much talent within kids who have cognitive differences; we have to find good ways to tap into their strengths as opposed to remediating  their weaknesses. Computational Thinking (CT) is such a rich arena for this pursuit. Many diverse learners seem well-inclined to CT practices, so we are trying to leverage that in our Zoombinis research.

FableVision had a blast partnering with TERC (along with the Learning Games Network) to remaster Zoombinis in 2015. Why did TERC decide to revisit this classic game from 1996?
David: TERC’s focus is on improving STEM education for all. We’ve produced a variety of content over the years, but Zoombinis was always special to us and remains one of our most successful projects in terms of the number of kids (and adults) reached. We heard from multiple original Zoombinis fans from the ‘90s that Zoombinis is what led them to pursue careers in computer science and other STEM fields! The love for the game was incredible. However, the original version was not being updated for current operating systems and popular devices like the iPad and Android tablets; some teachers were even keeping old Macs and PCs in the back of their classrooms just to play Zoombinis. After some discussion, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt was kind enough to return the rights to us, and with funding from our Board and with the help of a Kickstarter, we and our partners were thrilled to relaunch Zoombinis for a new generation!

David, you were the project lead for the Zoombinis remaster. What was it like overseeing such a large, multifaceted production with multiple partners?
It was challenging, fun, and a great learning experience. FableVision, Learning Games Network, The Game Agency, and Tinsley PR were such a pleasure to work with, and everyone had such appreciation and love for the game that really shows in the final product. I have to include the fans as one of our partners too, especially our fan advisory board; their input and support was invaluable in shaping the new version, and they really helped us stay true to the original model while also adapting to today’s gaming environment. The vision for the game, the gameplay, the art, music (from the original), and build quality were key, but so was the marketing and press to make people aware that Zoombinis was back! The plush characters and pins we made as part of the Kickstarter rewards were a huge staff favorite…nothing like having several hundred plush Zoombinis sitting in your office.

Scot's original Zoombinis character sketch.

Scot's original Zoombinis character sketch.

What was it like working with Scot Osterweil, creator of Zoombinis, on the reboot?
David: Scot is always an inspiration to work with. I still remember an observation he and co-Zoombinis creator Chris Hancock made on his game and good game design back in 1996: “In effect we found the ‘game in the math’ rather than putting math in a game.” In other words: don’t just add game features on top of educational content, but find the fun core to the learning itself. That’s an easy principle to state, but a hard one to follow! Scot was the “keeper of the game’s philosophy” during many of our discussions and exemplified through the game’s restrictions;   you can’t always get a perfect score (i.e. get all 16 Zoombinis past a particular challenge) because you have to try out different approaches to gain the information to proceed. It’s just as the game’s narrator says: “Yes, some Zoombinis were lost, but the knowledge was gained.” That’s the way scientific exploration and data gathering works in the real world – you have to try different things and fail before you understand. Scot held us true to that, and  also added a few little tweaks to make some of the challenges a little harder! The fourth level of Fleens, for instance, has a new twist…

Jodi, you recently finished overseeing a three-year research study of how Zoombinis can improve students’ computational thinking skills. What are some of your major takeaways from this study?
We studied nearly 50 classrooms who used Zoombinis along with a set of Bridge materials we designed to help teachers bridge the game-based learning to CT in the classroom. For each class we collected:

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  • Data logs of learners’ gameplay (a digital log of all their activity in the game)
  • External pre/post assessments of learners’ CT (Problem Decomposition, Pattern Recognition, Abstraction, and Algorithm Design)
  • Teacher ratings of each learners’ CT practices
  • Information from teachers about their CT instructional activities
  • Artifacts from coding activities (when possible)

We are currently conducting human labeling of extensive samples of gameplay observations to identify common patterns of gameplay that are consistent with CT. This lays the groundwork for defining the features we need to build automated detectors of CT learning within gameplay logs. We already have great inter-rater reliability on the human-labeling for two Zoombinis puzzles (“Pizza Pass” and “Mudball Wall”) and we are working on two more (“Allergic Cliffs” and “Bubble Wonder”).

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We are also continuing to build the automated detectors that will measure CT automatically in Zoombinis, and are excited by the prospect that we might measure CT in learners who may not exhibit strong skills in other forms of assessments. Many Zoombinis teachers reported that students who typically struggle academically were becoming leaders in Zoombinis activities, and whom others went to for support. This game has the potential to change the dynamic of the classroom and the relationships among the learners in extraordinary  ways; we hope to provide this information to teachers in real-time, while their students are playing the game. By revealing  when a student is excelling or struggling, a Zoombinis puzzle will help educators connect that individual student’s  learning to CT in other aspects of life and school.

We’re excited to join you at the Connected Learning Summit featuring our Zoombinis team to talk about the development process and hear about the research component of the project. What we can expect from this session?
Jodi: We are excited to tell the logical journey of how Zoombinis not only made a comeback from hibernation as an edutainment game, but how it is actively changing how we think about learning today. The re-release of Zoombinis hit just when CT was taking education by storm, and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to study how it all happens.

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FableVision Resources for a Summer of STEAM

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Get ready for a STEAM-infused summer! The integration of the Arts into STEM adds a dash of creativity into summer learning. Here are just a few of our favorite STEAM projects for you to play with. This list is perfect for parents looking to keep their kids engaged over the summer months—and have fun while doing it!

Looking for something more hands-on? Check out our kite-making activity below, created by FableVision’s Christina Kelly!

Geniverse, Concord Consortium
Geniverse is a free virtual lab environment that allows students to learn about biology through interaction and experimentation. In Geniverse, students are able to investigate dragon phenotypes and genotypes, run breeding experiments, and solve genetic problems. Geniverse encourages students to have fun while learning biological concepts through interaction with mythical beasts but each concept is rooted in science and can be directly applied to both the classroom and the real world.

Good Thinking! The Science of Teaching Science, Smithsonian Science Education Center
Good Thinking! is an engaging and entertaining free web series designed to enhance K-8 science education, and deepen understanding of STEM topics for teachers and students alike through exploration of pedagogical ideas across a range of subject-matter topics like energy, natural selection, and gravity, as well as cognitive research findings on topics such as student motivation, or the myth of left- and right-brained people. Each episode has been vetted by experts and adheres to next generation science standards.

Weather Lab, Smithsonian Science Education Center
Weather Lab is a free online game that allows players to select different ocean currents and air masses that visualize the result of the combination. As a tool used in classrooms, care was taken to ensure the correct symbols and movement of air masses correspond with the weather pattern and land at the exact point on the map. Teachers use the Weather Lab to encourage students to think critically and make predictions. The overall goal is to teach students about the relationship between climate and how it affects them on a personal level. 

Zoombinis, TERC
In Zoombinis, players test their logical reasoning, data analysis, pattern finding, and problem-solving skills as they help Zoombinis complete unique challenges. Through Zoombinis, players learn important life skills including algebraic thinking, data analysis, and theory formulation in a fun and engaging setting. With 12 puzzles and four levels of increasing difficulty in each, players are constantly challenged, improving their problem-solving skills as they advance through the game. Hip, hip, Zoombinis!

Sid the Science Kid, Jim Henson Company/KCET/Los Angeles for PBS Kids
The website created for Sid the Science Kid allows 3-5 year olds to explore and practice scientific methodology through several games that integrate progressive learning and open-ended play. The site encourages collaborative learning between adults and children by providing interactive teachable moments that extend the learning within each game. The Parent/Teacher sections contain free extensive information about the show and the website, and they provide resources to aid adults as they explore science and help answer their children’s questions.

Renegade Buggies, National Center for Families Learning
With retail wrapping, Renegade Buggies encourages free financial and mathematical literacy for the whole family. By combining gaming with money management skills, Renegade Buggies is a fun way for both children and parents to learn basic budgeting skills. The game has four levels: unit prices, buying in bulk, coupons, and promos. The entertaining gameplay meets the educational goals seamlessly, and customizations up the fun factor: visit the virtual body shop with your earned coins for a stunt suit, bunny ears, and more!

Fab@School Maker Studio, FableVision Learning
Fab@School Maker Studio is an easy-to-use web-based digital design and fabrication tool that invites students in grades 3-8 to experience STEM and STEAM learning in a more engaging, personally meaningful way. Fab@School Maker Studio offers a unique on-ramp to engineering with cross-curricular activities ranging from simple to sophisticated. The program supports a variety of materials and a large set of tools from scissors, rulers, and pens to 2D cutters, laser cutters, 3D printers, and more!

Get Crafty with Christina Kelly, FableVision's Production Designer!

Meet Christina, the mastermind behind our new summer banner full of cats and kites. She’s taking inspiration from her summerscape to show you how to make (and fly!) your own handmade kite this summer. Let your imagination soar with her step-by-step instructions.

 

 

 

 

Collect your supplies. You will need:

  • Tissue paper
  • Tape
  • 2 wooden dowels
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Markers
  • Ribbon for the tail
  • String

1. Sketch and cut your kite sail
Fold the paper in half and taking a pencil, trace a half diamond the length of your dowel. Carefully cut out the shape and unfold your paper.

2. Build your kite structure
Take your wooden dowel and lay it down the center of your sail, from the top of the diamond to the bottom. Tape at the ends to secure the dowel to the sail. Take the second dowel and lay it down to form a “t” with the first piece. Tape the ends together.

3. Make a tail
Using your ribbon, add a few tails to your kite. For a fun look, you can curl the ribbon with your scissors. See directions here to learn how.

4. Attach your line
Take the string and tie it to the right and left hand sides of the horizontal stick. Then tie the string to the center of that string for your flying line.

5. Decorate your kite
Add a dash of personality to your kite! I really like cats so I’m making my kite a purr-fect blend of kittens and pizzazz.

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6. Go out there and fly your kite!
You’re ready! Just find a strong breeze and watch your kite soar!

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A Night Powered by STEAM Thinking at FableVision Studios

Oh, what a night! FableVision and The Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning, and Creativity gave creative educators a peek behind FableVision Studios’ curtains where all the magic happens!

Special guest Miss Massachusetts, Lauren Kuhn, one of five STEM scholarship recipients at Miss America, introduced Peter H. Reynolds and Paul A. Reynolds, co-founders of the Reynolds Center and FableVision. Don’t let the tiara intimidate you, she’s the sweetest!

Attendees got an exclusive look at a wide array of STEAM-themed items:

  • HUTCH Magazine, a magazine filled with submissions from kids in grade K-6. HUTCH is published semi-annually under the direction of Peter H. Reynolds, with the help of the Blue Bunny Bookstore, and his nonprofit foundation, the Reynolds Center. The magazine features stories, art, poetry, book reviews, travel logs, and interviews submitted by kids.
  • Zoombinis! Through a partnership with TERC and the Learning Games Network, FableVision Studios embarked on a journey to relaunch the classic ’90s game for today’s generation. Through Zoombinis, players learn important life skills such as algebraic thinking, data analysis, theory formulation, and more in a fun, engaging setting. Get a sneak peek of this remastered game before it’s launched later this summer!
  • Fab@School Maker Studio, a digital fabrication software tool with curriculum support that is helping turn elementary school classrooms and libraries into dynamic makerspaces. What a cool tool!
  • International Dot Day, a global festival of creativity, courage and collaboration inspired by Peter H. Reynolds and his bestselling book The Dot, celebrated by nearly 2 million students, teachers, and librarians in schools around the world last year.
  • STEAMthinking.org, featuring online, creative resources for educators introducing the STEAM approach into their classrooms — including Peter and Paul Reynolds’ new STEAM-Powered Adventures of Sydney & Simon in Full STEAM Ahead published by Charlesbridge Publishing.

Head to our Facebook page to see more photos from last night! A big, giant, heart-felt thank you to everyone who came out. You are all amazing. With extra thanks to the Blue Hills Bank Charitable Foundation for their generous sponsorship of this event and the Reynolds Center programs.

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