Covid19News

Is playing pinball the new science class? We think so.

By September 29, 2020 No Comments

While schools scramble to adapt to remote learning, Generator’s Design Lab program finds creative ways to bring hands-on STEAM skills to students.

In late summer, while schools were on standby and waiting to see what might happen with Vermont’s COVID numbers, Generator’s outreach team was busy considering ways we could pivot out programming. Our hope was to keep Generator’s connection to our local and regional youth who are eager for hands-on, experiential educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).

Unsure how the year would go and how much to invest in hands-on offerings that might quickly be shut down, or might not be possible in the first place, we needed to be prepared to pivot easily.

How could be obtain hands-on, STEAM initiatives via Google classroom and still create a buzz or influence students we’ve never met? 

The answer: PinBox 3000. The customizable, build-it-yourself, cardboard pinball machine.

Generator and PinBox 3000 teamed up to bring Generator’s Design Lab to classrooms around Vermont– and in the comfort of students’ own home. 

In early 2015, Pete Talbot and Ben T. Matchstick became Generator Makers-in-Residence (now our Artist in Residence program) in order to further develop and prototype their product, PinBox 3000.  By the end of their 2-month residency their business was launched and the rest is history! Read their story here.

Bringing this story full circle, Generator is excited to team up with PinBox 3000 and provide students with endless opportunities in creating, designing, prototyping, electrifying and advancing a pinball game of their own design. 

Design Lab is one of Generator’s educational and outreach programs inspiring learners of all ages to explore and innovate in the sciences, arts, and in entrepreneurship.

Our programs are made possible by supports like you!

You can support Generator by giving a gift today.