Possible Game Workshops for Amber at Goshen

Design a Buzzing Game Board: Age 9 and up. Operation is just one kind of game you can play with a gameboard that lights up and buzzes when you miss getting a game piece out of a hole. Decide on a theme (for example, treasure hunt, dinosaur dig, magical objects to fight a dragon, or secret potion ingredients to help you break a spell), decorate and electrify your board, and create your game pieces. At the end of the class, show off your game and take turns trying each other’s creations! Each participant gets to take their board home with them!

DIY Computer Game Controllers: Age 11 and up. Use recycled materials and crafts supplies to create a one-of-a-kind controller that can make interactive games more fun! Use the controller with an interface such as Makey Makey to play a simple one-button game on a laptop or use the LED animation screen on a micro:bit. Choose from free computer games or program a game using free online software (MIT Scratch or Microsoft MakeCode). Participants work in teams, electronics are provided for use during the program. Electronics kits available for library purchase at additional charge.

Pinball Playboard Design: Age 11 and up. Create obstacles and a cardboard, human-powered pinball game with the PinBox 3000. Pinball machines provided for use during program. Kits available for purchase at additional charge.

Games for Good Challenge: Age 9 and up. Design and test out a board or card game to help people develop good habits, explore solutions to problems, or practice cooperating with other players to reach a common goal. Learn the tricks game designers use to make games challenging and fun — and maybe change lives for the better at the same time! Participants can work in teams, games can stay at the library/go home with creators.

Program a Game of Chance: Age 11 and up. Build a simple motorized spinner and program it using a random function to make a fortune telling AnswerBot or a Rock-Paper-Scissors-Bot. Electronics are provided for use during the program. Electronics kits available for library purchase at additional charge.