DML2016

This session involves a hands-on demonstration of BeeSim, which helps young children think about complex systems through play and technology. Systems thinking allows us to better understand the many systems that operate in the world around us, however, the majority of learners do not fully understand these ubiquitous systems on a deep level. BeeSim (Peppler, Danish, Zaitlen, Glosson, Jacobs, & Phelps, 2010), is a “game-like” participatory simulation – an embodied experience where participants interact to form the simulation, and are supported by computational technologies (Colella, 2000) -- that provides a first-person look into the complexity of nectar foraging behaviors of a honeybee . 
In BeeSim, students in grades K-3 wear electronically enhanced bee puppets to “become a honeybee” and work together to collect nectar from a field of electronic “flowers.” Attendees will have a chance to experience the technology in person, using bee puppets to collect nectar for their hive. Flowers may have poor or no nectar, and “bees” must use feedback from the system to decide what information to share, just like real honeybees. Technology has enhanced the gameplay in deep and interesting ways, but it is the game rules that provide the foundation for learning. Game elements such as competition between hives and nonverbal communication are the crucial pieces that effectively and robustly guide students toward learning goals.