Tuesday, April 30, 2013
STEAM Carnival's Education Combines Robots, Lasers, Cotton Candy
What do you get when you cross science and technology education with a carnival? In the case of a new effort by Two Bit Circus, the think tank of Brent Bushnell, you get the STEAM Carnival, a traveling, high-tech project aimed at using "robotics, lasers, acrobatics, and cotton candy" to rethink STEM education. The new project--launched on Kickstarter today--seeks to inspire young inventors in science, technology, engineering, art, and math through its circus-themed, high tech amusement event. The group is looking to raise $100,000 to startup up the effort.
Bushnell started Two Bit Circus last year to combine hardware, software, and technology through a series of projects. He has previously founded such companies as Doppelgames, Syyn Labs, and been on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition; he also happens to be the son of famed inventor and entrepreneur Nolan Bushnell (Atari, Chuck E Cheese). Bushnell is aided by several of the team members behind the "This Too Shall Pass" video from OK Go, who are now at Two Bit Circus.
According to Two Bit Circus, the idea for the STEAM Carnival is to spark curiosity about engineering and science in kids, to get them more interested in engineering. The group hopes to start a tour starting in Spring 2014 if it reaches its goals.