Science Game Jam 2015

The Academy's first Science Game Jam was held on April 26, 2015 at the museum. The 2015 Science Game Jam brought together a diverse group of 50 Bay Area teens to work in teams to create game prototypes on the topic of whale ecology. It was an inspiring and exciting day as kids learned about whales and ocean ecology from local science experts, gained an insider’s view of game design from developers from Zynga, Roblox and GlassLab Games, created paper prototypes of their game ideas, tested them out with the visiting public, and presented their final game concepts to a panel of expert judges.

There were many outstanding game prototypes presented that day. However the panel chose the game “Sonar Survivor” as the game idea that best integrated unique game design, important science content, and an entertaining game experience for the players. The creators of the game prototype “Oregon Whale” won the “best game design” prize, while the game pitch “Whale Keeper” won for “best science concept.”