Superconductors Inc. is an immersive, hands-on event game for entire year groups of Key Stage 3 pupils, set in the world of the superconductor industry. Over a period of approximately 3 hours, teams of 5-10 aim to find the path of least resistance to be the most successful start-up, with the winners being the team who make the most money!
The game involves the teams manufacturing superconducting products from raw materials (e.g. plasticine) and selling them for a profit. To succeed, the teams will need to make strategic decisions quickly, work co-operatively and use their people and monetary resources effectively. The game is ‘run’ using a bespoke integrated web-app that releases new information and opportunities as the game develops, providing bite-sized chunks of information about superconductors and how to make the products, as well as managing all of the financial transactions.
The game was conceived by Susie Speller, with two fantastic undergraduate students - Q Sun and Harry Wright - working very hard over the summer to turn it into a reality. We will be developing follow-up talks/workshops to capitalize on the learning opportunity.
It was very exciting to take the game into Wychwood School in November to try it out for the first time with 50 year 7-9 pupils. The pupils and teachers were great, getting really stuck in and coming up with some amazing innovative ideas. We are now aiming to take the game into more Oxfordshire schools during the academic year 2024/25, rolling out wider next year.
For more information about Superconductors Inc., please contact Susie Speller.
