Meghan Gardner, Author at Guardian Adventures

Live Action Role Playing (LARP) offers a unique blend of role-playing, improvisational theater, and sometimes combat simulation. Learning how to LARP might feel intimidating at first. So here’s an expanded guide to help you dive into the world prepared for adventure and making the most of your experience.

Step 1: Research Different LARPs

Explore Genres: Fantasy, sci-fi, horror, post apocalyptic, superhero, spy, futuristic, or historical – pick a genre that captivates you and feeds your imagination.
Age Range: Some LARPs are for kids and/or teens, and some are for adults. Some allow families. Find the environment that is best for you and any companions who go with you.
Find a Local Game: Use LARPing.org. Facebook, search the web for “LARP near me” or local gaming forums to locate nearby games.
Start a LARP:If there are no LARPs near you, investigate starting your own LARP and invite friends. But first try out a few LARPs if possible so that you can get an idea of how to run a LARP.
Community Insight: Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to LARPing to get insights and advice from experienced LARPers. Some of them will even do a local meetup at a park or restaurant to practice boffer (foam padded weapons) fighting or chat about the game.
Event Types: Learn about different event types – from just hours long to one-day adventures, weekend-long, or even summer long campaigns at LARP summer camps.

Step 2: Understand the Rules

Game Mechanics: Each LARP has unique rules; some may focus on combat, while others emphasize story. Some have a short rule book and others have expansive rules for covering a wide range of interactions.
Safety Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with safety protocols, especially for combat LARPs. Know the safety calls (EG. Calling “HALT!” may cause everyone in ear shot to stop their actions and pay attention to the person who may be in danger or is injured).
Character Restrictions: Most games have rules and guides about character creation – learn these to build a character that fits your preferred type of interaction and fits the theme of the LARP.
Conflict Resolution: Understand how conflicts (in-game and interpersonal) are resolved. Some use boffer weapons or NERF blaster type projectiles, and some use printed cards or even rock-paper-scissors. Be sure to find out what types of weapons are allowed, if any, and the build requirements for those that are handmade.

Step 3: Create Your Character

Character Concept: Take the time to write out your character’s backstory, personality, and goals – try to incorporate elements from the game ethos or history.
Costume and Props: Assemble your costume, accessories, and gear. DIY costumes can be both affordable and creative – especially if you visit thrift stores and look for used items online. Check to make sure that any props you bring into the game are acceptable and not in conflict with the safety rules (EG Many LARPs prohibit the carrying of glass props) or the storyline.
Character Development: Consider how your character interacts with the world and other characters. Figure out their unique background and perspective. Ask yourself questions about what has shaped this character. A good exercise for this was designed by Caro Murphy which can help you get a more detailed understanding of your character:
- Describe a moment of awe that your character has experienced
- Describe a moment of deep gratitude your character has experienced
- Describe a moment of intimacy your character has experienced
Alignment and Motivation: Decide your character’s moral alignment and motivations for a deeper role-playing experience. Are they power hungry? Are they driven by a sense of justice or perhaps seeking vengeance? Are they on a quest bestowed upon them by their family? What will they stop at (if anything) to achieve their objective?

Step 4: Prepare for Role-Playing

Practice Improvisation: Improv skills are important for reacting in character (assuming you are playing a character different than yourself). Being able to come up with a response that suits the kind of character you wish to portray can help make your character believable.
Understand the Setting: Know the world your character inhabits for better role-play experiences. Most LARPs have a well developed ethos about the history, politics, and legends of the world. Learning about these can help you look like you have been in the world for a while.
Body Language: Work on non-verbal cues that fit your character, like a warrior’s confident stance or a wizard’s contemplative gestures. Try out body language you don’t typically use and see what it feels like.
Emotional Responses: Consider how your character would react emotionally in different scenarios. These can change depending on your character’s motivations or history. Are they cool headed or do they have a short fuse? How do they express appreciation? What are they afraid of and how does fear show up on them?
Conflict Handling: Think about how your character would handle conflicts – are they diplomatic? Is intimidation their go-to? Or are they conflict avoidant? Maybe they are a mix of all three, depending on the situation?
Special Skills: Are you skilled at music or storytelling in real life? Perhaps you can bring those skills into the LARP as a charismatic bard, practice telling stories, singing, or playing an instrument in character.

Step 5: Engage in the Game

Participate Actively: Explore, interact with others, and engage with the story. Embrace the awkward feelings that might arise and know that everyone is just playing pretend. It’s not you… it’s your character.
Respect Boundaries: Maintain respect for personal and physical limits of the other players and staff. Know the boundary rules (such as asking permission to touch someone or if only verbal search statements are permitted) and honor them. This helps to create a safe game environment for all.
Teamwork and Alliances: Form alliances or work in teams for a richer experience. The other players can provide valuable information about the current plot lines and also help your character achieve their goals.
Explore Subplots: Engage in smaller side stories that your character would be interested in. Subplots can sometimes become much bigger plots if more players become involved. Depending on the game, subplots can sometimes be customized to individual players or groups of players and their backstory or interests.
Problem Solving: Use your character’s skills and wits to solve in-game puzzles or challenges. Even simple puzzles can sometimes lead to important clues about larger plots.
Adapt and Evolve: Be ready to adapt your character’s actions and goals as the story unfolds. We all change as people… so do our characters. Let your character serve your curiosity.
Participate in Debriefs: Some LARPs run active debrief sessions to help players and staff talk out what they experienced and what it means to their character – as well as to them as a person. Differentiating between these two can help understand “bleed” which is a term that describes when in-game experiences can have an emotional impact on your out-of-game life. The more immersive the LARP, the more likely that bleed can occur. Journaling is also a good exercise for understanding bleed and whether the experience has had a positive or negative impact on your life outside of the game.

The most important part to remember about how to LARP is that it’s about enjoying a shared narrative experience. Don’t stress about perfection; focus on immersing yourself in your character and the world to the degree that you are comfortable. As you gain experience, your confidence and enjoyment will naturally grow.

Guardian Adventures provides LARP and game consulting and program development for museum and science centers, summer camps, amusement & attraction industries, and more.

Live Action Role Playing (LARP) tailored for children requires a cohort of staff members who are not just guides but also imaginers, educators, and guardians of what can possibly be a transformative experience. The success of a LARP hinges on the team behind it—those who can turn a simple game into a rich, educational narrative. Below are the ideal qualities your staff members should possess and the training necessary to prepare them for the unique challenges of a children’s LARP.

Desirable Attributes in LARP Staff

The first attribute to seek in potential staff members is a genuine enthusiasm for role-playing and storytelling. Enthusiastic guides can make the difference between a memorable LARP and a forgettable game. Consider a candidate who lights up when discussing their favorite storybook or who has a penchant for dramatic flair—this natural inclination towards storytelling can keep children captivated.

Secondly, experience with children is invaluable. A candidate who previously worked as a summer camp counselor, where they orchestrated group activities and mediated the occasional squabble. This is a person who knows how to communicate at a child’s level and maintain engagement, even with a diverse group. We have a saying that a person who can work with kids, also knows how to work with adults. But not necessarily the other way around.

The ability to think on your feet is another important skill – improvisation skills are a must. Imagine a scenario where the planned story takes a turn due to the unpredictable input of a child. A staff member skilled in improvisation can seamlessly weave this input into the narrative, enriching the experience and even creating a sense of agency for the child.

Patience and adaptability are non-negotiable. Children’s energy levels and attention spans can be highly variable. A staff member must remain patient and adaptable, able to switch from a high energy outdoor chase scene to a quiet indoor puzzle-solving session as the situation demands.

Lastly, a deep understanding of safety and boundaries is critical. LARP activities should be fun but never at the expense of safety. An ideal candidate is someone who can assertively but kindly set clear rules and boundaries without dampening the adventurous spirit of the game.

Experience to Look for in Candidates

When looking for the right candidates, a background in education or child development can be a significant asset. These individuals bring an understanding of educational pedagogies that can be leveraged to create learning moments within the LARP. For example, a candidate with a background in science education may expertly weave in a lesson on ecology while the children are on a quest through the “enchanted forest.”

Theatrical or performance experience can also be extremely beneficial. Those who have stood on a stage know how to command an audience’s attention and can make a scripted role feel alive. They can don a costume and not just play a part but become it, convincing the children of the reality of the world they’ve entered.

With the above in mind, we have found that applicants who have a degree in Theater Education are the best candidates. They tend to have experience working with children, improv skills for theater, and knowledge on how to integrate education into the experience.

Having a current or event past first-aid certification or the willingness to obtain it is another practical requirement. Accidents, though rare and minor, can happen, and having staff on hand who can provide immediate care is essential.

Experience in roleplaying games or LARPing can be beneficial for understanding concepts like story arcs and solid game play. However, we have found that this is only applicable if the candidate has sufficient experience playing with children in the age demographic of the LARP you are seeking to create. See above about experience working with adults is not the same as experience working with kids.

Training Strategies for LARP Staff

Training should begin with a child-centric approach, ensuring that staff are equipped to create an environment where every child feels valued. For instance, role-playing exercises during training can prepare staff for the wide array of questions and scenarios they might face, from a shy child reluctant to participate to an overzealous participant who tries to dominate the play.

A comprehensive safety and emergency response training program is also vital. This training should cover everything from basic first aid to conflict resolution, with regular role-playing drills to ensure that all staff members know how to respond swiftly and effectively in various situations.

Character and story development workshops can serve as a creative incubator for staff, allowing them to craft compelling characters and plots. Staff could, for example, be tasked with developing backstories for their characters that weave educational elements into the lore of the LARP world.

Effective behavior management is another crucial aspect of training. Staff should be equipped with strategies to manage large groups of children, maintaining engagement and focus without stifling fun. They should learn to recognize signs of distress or exclusion among participants and intervene in a manner that supports positive group dynamics.

Finally, inclusivity and sensitivity training is necessary to ensure all children, regardless of their background or abilities, can enjoy the LARP to its fullest. Staff should be trained to be mindful of cultural sensitivities, to support children with special needs, and to foster an atmosphere of acceptance and encouragement.

It may sound like a lot to consider when you are hiring people for a LARP for children. But the right staff can make such a difference in the experience and the memories of the participants. Truly interactive, person-to-person activities are the most ripe for a transformative experience while reminding us of the importance of connecting with each other.

can lay a solid foundation for a successful and memorable event, while also optimizing resources and minimizing risks.

Guardian Adventures provides consulting and program development for museum and science centers, summer camps, amusement & attraction industries, and more.

For amusement park event managers, the introduction of a new festival or event is an exciting opportunity to enhance guest experiences, boost attendance, and increase revenue. However, the success of such an endeavor hinges on your meticulous planning and strategic decision-making. Before diving into the design and financial commitments, however, you should arrange a thorough brainstorming phase. This preliminary stage not only streamlines your planning process but also plays a pivotal role in determining the feasibility and potential profitability of the event.

The Role of Brainstorming in Event Planning

Idea Generation and Refinement:

– Brainstorming sessions serve as a breeding ground for ideas. Encourage team members to think creatively and without constraints. This phase is about quantity, not quality, of ideas.

Cost-Effective Planning:

– Early brainstorming helps in identifying potential cost-saving strategies. By thoroughly vetting ideas before any financial commitment, you can avoid the pitfalls of investing in unfeasible concepts.

Risk Assessment:

– Discussing various aspects of the event during brainstorming helps in identifying potential risks and challenges, allowing for proactive mitigation strategies.

Key Questions to Address When Brainstorming

What is the Objective of the Event?

– Define clear goals. Is the event aimed at increasing footfall, enhancing brand image, or providing a unique experience? Clear objectives guide the planning process.

Who is the Target Audience?

– Understanding the demographic and psychographic profile of your target audience is essential. This influences the theme, activities, and marketing strategies.

What is the Proposed Theme?

– The theme should resonate with your audience and align with your park’s brand. Consider current trends, cultural relevance, and uniqueness.

What are the Budget Constraints?

– Determine the financial ceiling for the event. This will guide decisions regarding scale, marketing, and attractions.

What Resources are Available?

– Assess existing resources such as space, staff, and equipment. Utilizing available resources can significantly reduce costs.

What is the Ideal Duration and Timing?

– Decide on the length of the event and the best time to host it. Consider factors like weather, holidays, and competing events.

How Will the Event Be Marketed?

– Brainstorm marketing strategies that align with your audience and objectives. Consider digital marketing, partnerships, and traditional media.

What are the Potential Risks?

– Identify risks related to weather, safety, and operational challenges. Planning for these in advance can save costs and prevent mishaps.

How Will Success Be Measured?

– Define metrics for success, such as attendance numbers, revenue, guest satisfaction, and media coverage.

The Benefits of Comprehensive Brainstorming

Cost Savings:

– By identifying potential issues and unfeasible ideas early, you can avoid unnecessary expenses.

Enhanced Creativity:

– A collaborative brainstorming environment fosters creativity, leading to more innovative and engaging event concepts.

Risk Mitigation:

– Discussing potential risks upfront allows for the development of effective contingency plans.

Alignment with Objectives:

– Brainstorming ensures that every aspect of the event aligns with the overarching goals and objectives.

Informed Decision-Making:

– With a thorough understanding of the event’s scope, target audience, and logistical requirements, decision-making becomes more data-driven and strategic.

To help you through this planning process, we have made a a comprehensive Event Planning Form with 27 questions for you to fill out during your brainstorming sessions. The results are emailed to everyone you list in the form and can keep each person in the loop about the resulting decisions.

The planning of a new festival or event in an amusement park is a complex process that requires careful thought and preparation. The brainstorming phase is critical in shaping the event’s concept and ensuring its feasibility and success. By addressing key questions and encouraging open, creative discussions, you can lay a solid foundation for a successful and memorable event, while also optimizing resources and minimizing risks.

Guardian Adventures provides consulting and program development for museum and science centers, summer camps, amusement & attraction industries, and more.

The amusement park industry thrives on providing guests with immersive experiences, thrilling rides, and memorable moments. In an age where interactive entertainment is highly valued, the inclusion of Live-Action Role-Playing (LARP) into your amusement park environment presents an opportunity to revolutionize guest engagement. LARPing involves participants physically and emotionally embodying characters in a fictional setting, and when integrated into an amusement park, it can create a unique, story-driven adventure that resonates on a personal level with each visitor. And the beauty of a LARP is that it encompasses a very wide budget range from free to as much as you want to invest for a unique and highly theatrical environment.

Enhanced Immersion

At its core, LARPing is about stepping into another character’s shoes and experiencing a world through their eyes. Amusement parks already transport guests to fantastical realms; adding LARP elements would deepen the level of immersion. Guests could become heroes in a medieval fantasy, survivors in a post-apocalyptic landscape, or rebels in a futuristic dystopia. This kind of active participation in a park’s narrative allows for an experience that is not just seen and felt but lived.

Personalization of Experience

One of the most significant advantages of incorporating LARP into amusement parks is the personalization it offers. Every guest can have a unique story that unfolds based on their decisions and interactions within the park. This level of personalization can lead to increased guest satisfaction and repeat visitation as guests return to explore different character paths and story outcomes.

Encouraging Repeat Visits

With LARP scenarios, the story can evolve on a scheduled basis, encouraging guests to return as often as you want, to see how the plot has progressed. Unlike static rides, which may offer limited replay value, a LARP experience can be different each time, depending on the evolving narrative and the guests’ interactions with the environment and other characters.

Community and Social Interaction

LARPs naturally foster a sense of community and social interaction. Guests are encouraged to work together to overcome challenges or to compete in friendly rivalry. This social aspect can create a loyal fanbase that returns regularly and engages with the park year-round, including participation in online forums and social media groups, keeping the amusement park top of mind even during the off-season.

Educational Opportunities

LARP in an amusement park can also be educational. Historical LARPs, for example, can immerse guests in different time periods, teaching them about the culture, technology, and lifestyles of the past in an engaging and interactive way. STEM LARPs can inspire participants to learn about physics, biology, and other subjects in order to “power up” their character or solve story puzzles. This blending of education and LARP, often referred to as “EduLARP,” can appeal to schools and educational groups, expanding the park’s audience.

Marketing and Branding

The stories created through LARPing can be used in marketing campaigns, offering potential visitors a glimpse of the adventures that await. User-generated content, such as videos and photos of LARP experiences, can serve as powerful testimonials and organic advertising for the park. It also serves as a strong recruiting tool for highly creative staff who crave the idea of “playing pretend”.

Operational Considerations

Safety and Training

Implementing LARP in an amusement park will require careful planning, particularly regarding safety and staff training. Staff members would need to be trained as adventure guides, skilled in guiding the experience without breaking immersion and ensuring that all interactions remain safe and enjoyable for everyone involved. Staff with a background in improvisational acting are perfect candidates as LARP guides.

Technology Integration

Technology can enhance the LARP experience through apps that track story progress, offer quests, or provide AR (Augmented Reality) to reveal hidden elements in the park. This integration can create a seamless blend of physical and digital play. However, another strong point about a LARP is that it stands on its own without any tech integration. This allows your park to have “unplugged” experiences that many parents see as an important part of their children’s entertainment.

Design and Theming

The design and theming of the park will be crucial. Environments need to be versatile and richly detailed to support various narratives. Props, costumes, and signage will all contribute to the authenticity and depth of the LARP experience. However, a well written LARP requires very little investment in equipment and environment if the story works within the space occupied and the character roles and plot utilize the resources that are currently available. One of the best attributes of a LARP is its ability to adapt to your park’s current assets.

Integrating a LARP into your amusement park represents a bold step forward in the evolution of guest engagement. This innovative approach caters to a growing demand for interactive and personalized entertainment, offering a compelling reason for guests to not only visit but become part of the amusement park’s living, breathing world. As parks continue to seek new ways to captivate audiences, LARP stands out as a promising frontier that can redefine the very concept of entertainment while encouraging engagement between their patrons and staff and not just the patrons and your physical assets.

Guardian Adventures provides consulting and program development for museum and science centers, summer camps, amusement & attraction industries, and more.

As treasure troves of culture and knowledge, museums hold untold potential not just as destinations for school field trips, but as extensions of the classroom. In particular, when museums offer educational resources for teachers, they greatly enrich the curriculum and provide students with a deeper, more contextual understanding of their subjects. As well, resources based on games and stories can tap into the vast potential for interactive learning to make a lasting impact on each student’s educational experience.

Museums as Educational Partners

Enriching the Curriculum

Museums possess a wealth of artifacts and exhibits that can bring textbooks to life. By offering access to curated educational resources about those exhibitions, museums can help teachers provide a more nuanced view of complex subjects, from history to science. For instance, history teachers can use online museum archives to show actual artifacts from the period they’re teaching, allowing students to make a tangible connection with the past.

Tailoring Learning

Teachers can often feel constrained by the rigidity of standardized curricula. Museum resources can offer the flexibility to tailor learning experiences to the needs and interests of their class. For example, science teachers might incorporate virtual tours of natural history museums to complement a unit on evolution or biodiversity, giving students a glimpse of the diversity of life forms far outside of the student’s own location and the adaptations of those life forms to their environment.

The Power of Game-Based Resources

Engagement Through Interactivity

Game-based learning harnesses the engaging power of play to encourage active learning and problem-solving. When museums offer resources in the form of games, they capture the attention of students who might otherwise be disengaged. This method can be particularly effective for complex STEM topics, which often benefit from interactive models and simulations that can make challenging concepts more accessible – even allowing the introduction of higher level thinking at a lower grade level.

Learning by Doing

Educational theorists have long touted the benefits of experiential learning—learning by doing. Games and interactive simulations offered by museums can provide hands-on experiences in a virtual format. For example, an online game that allows students to simulate archaeological digs can teach them about the scientific process of uncovering and analyzing historical artifacts.

Accessibility and Reach

In an age where technology pervades every aspect of life, digital resources can overcome the limitations of geography. Museums that provide online game-based resources for teachers to use in their classroom can make their collections and expertise available to a much broader audience. A small rural school, miles from the nearest museum, can still benefit from high-quality educational games developed by leading institutions.

Examples of Game-Based Museum Resources for Schools

History Mystery Games – Museums can create online games where students analyze primary source documents and artifacts to solve historical mysteries.

Virtual Physics Labs – Science museums can offer interactive simulations where students conduct virtual experiments to learn about physics principles.

Eco-System Simulators – Natural history museums can develop games where students manage virtual ecosystems, learning about environmental science and biology.

Math Puzzles from Art – Art museums can offer pattern and geometry games based on their art collections, integrating math and art education into an interdisciplinary approach and allowing students who excel in each subject see the value in both.

Language Learning Through Exploration – Language museums can create exploration games where students practice language skills while learning about the history and culture of the language.

Cultural Role-Playing Games – Anthropology museums can provide role-playing games where students take on roles to uncover information through the stories of different cultures, promoting understanding and empathy.

Interactive Storytelling – Literary museums can develop interactive narratives that allow students to engage with literature in a choose-your-own-adventure format.

Astronomy Quests – Science centers with planetariums can create quest-based games that teach students about astronomy and space exploration.

Engineering Challenges – Technology museums can offer design and build challenges that give students a taste of engineering problem-solving.

Virtual Museum Building – Students can learn about curation and exhibit design by creating their own virtual museum exhibits.

As museums continue to evolve, their role in education can expand through the provision of game-based resources for teachers. These resources harness the potential for interactive, engaging learning, making subjects come alive for students in diverse and innovative ways. By investing in these resources, museums not only fulfill their educational missions but also ensure that their treasures have a lasting impact on the learners of today and the leaders of tomorrow.

Guardian Adventures provides consulting and program development for museum and science centers, summer camps, amusement & attraction industries, and more.

Science centers and children’s museums are on a constant quest to engage and inspire individuals of all ages to be curious and explore the world around them. However, not everyone absorbs information the same way—some visitors need more dynamic, interactive experiences to grasp complex subjects. They need an interactive game for motivation or a story for context… and even better: A role to play in that story. This is where games and Live Action Role-Playing (LARPs) can offer a new dimension for educational immersion.

Why Games and LARPs Are Effective Tools

Interactive Learning

Games and LARPs (also called EduLARPs) can turn abstract theories and ideas into something more tactile and experiential. They promote interactive learning, which research shows increases retention and understanding¹. The game environment can engage the emotions of a learner which encourages them to persevere through the learning process. Simply studying a topic does have it’s place when the topic requires significant memorization. But it’s terribly difficult to get excited about memorization.

Catering to Different Learning Styles

Different people have different learning styles—visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. Games and LARPs are designed for multiple learning styles and can accommodate different lived experiences, making the educational process more accessible and culturally inclusive². This is especially true for learners who love video games or movies because the best games involve the use of storytelling.

Encouragement of STEM

By embedding scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) principles into a game or LARP scenario, participants can understand these concepts in an applied setting, boosting their interest in STEM fields³. It’s also possible to use these methods to introduce higher level scientific concepts to younger children. There is a limitation, of course, in that metaphors and fantastical stories are sometimes the vehicle for education. So it is important that the teacher helps the students understand that these aspects may not fully encompass the complexity of the scientific concepts. But if the learner is truly inspired, they may pursue more traditional learning in the future.

Five Examples of Games and LARPs in Educational Settings

1. Phantom Physics: Quest for the Hidden Particle

This is an exciting and interactive 30 minute LARP mystery that teachers can run in their classroom or over Zoom about Particle Physics for ages 8-10. Created with materials from CERN with permission

2. Crack the DNA Code

You’ve spotted some products in a shop in New York City. You have a hunch that some of them are from endangered animals. The store owner claims the products are all legal. It’s your job to find out which products were made from endangered animals. It’s your turn to be a DNA detective!

3. Mathlete Tournament

A competitive game where teams solve math problems to “score goals,” turning abstract equations into a tangible, goal-oriented activity.

4. Astronaut Training Camp

A LARP that mimics the challenges and exercises astronauts go through, embedding physics and engineering concepts within the challenges.

5. Elixir of Life STEM Adventure

In this course, instructors learn how to run an immersive LARP where your guests are thrust into a crime-solving adventure set aboard a cruise ship in the year 2070. This LARP requires more equipment resources than are typical for a classroom.

As the pinnacle of Informal Learning, science centers and children’s museums can provides a wide array of benefits to their learners when they integrate LARPs and games into their displays or experiences. They improve interactive engagement, apply to multiple learning styles, and encourage an interest in STEM fields. These institutions are already renowned for making science interesting and they have a much wider leeway than schools for making science not just informative, but also fun and accessible.

Footnotes

1: Kapp, Karl M. “The Gamification of Learning and Instruction: Game-based Methods and Strategies for Training and Education.” Pfeiffer, 2012.

2: Coffield, F., Moseley, D., Hall, E., & Ecclestone, K. “Learning styles and pedagogy in post-16 learning: A systematic and critical review.” Learning and Skills Research Centre, 2004.

3: Honey, Margaret A., and Margaret Hilton, eds. “Learning science through computer games and simulations.” National Academies Press, 2011.

Guardian Adventures provides consulting and program development for museum and science centers, summer camps, amusement & attraction industries, and more.

The world of science is vast and intriguing, but is often seen as a subject that should be limited according to grade level. However, just like teaching a child to swim in the shallow part of a pool before diving into the deep end, we can introduce elementary school students to the depths of higher-level science if we use the right techniques. Early exposure to advanced concepts not only lays a stronger foundation for future learning but also ignites an innate curiosity that can last a lifetime.

Here are just a few benefits of introducing advanced science concepts early:

Broadened Horizons and Deeper Curiosity: Studies have shown that children are natural-born scientists, innately curious and constantly exploring the world around them1. By introducing higher-level science concepts early, we’re essentially feeding this curiosity, paving the way for more profound understanding and exploration in later years.
Enhanced Cognitive Skills: Complex scientific ideas challenge young minds, pushing them to think critically and analytically2. This not only prepares them for rigorous academic challenges in the future but also for problem-solving in everyday life.
Preparedness for the Future: With the rapid advancement in science and technology, the next generation will be at the forefront of solving global challenges. Early immersion in advanced science provides them with the knowledge and mindset needed to face these challenges head-on.

So now that we know that this is a good idea… the question remains about how we introduce these concepts. Here are few ideas to get you started:

1. Using Metaphors to Explain Complex Ideas

Metaphors are powerful tools that draw parallels between the familiar (what the student already knows) and the unfamiliar (what they do not know), making advanced concepts more accessible. The beauty of metaphors lies in their ability to transform abstract and sometimes intimidating concepts into relatable and digestible information. By connecting the known with the unknown, metaphors serve as bridges to understanding. Here are some examples to highlight using metaphors in explaining complex scientific ideas to elementary school children:

- Cells as Cities: The cell can be likened to a bustling city. The nucleus, which contains the cell’s genetic material, is like the city hall or control center. The mitochondria, responsible for energy production, can be seen as power plants. The endoplasmic reticulum, involved in protein and lipid synthesis, parallels factories producing goods. This metaphor allows students to visualize the intricate workings of a cell in a context they can more easily understand¹
- Electrical Circuits as Water Flow: Explaining electrical circuits can be daunting for young students. However, if you compare it to water flowing through pipes, it becomes clearer. Batteries can be thought of as water pumps, pushing water (or current) through the pipes (or wires). Resistors can be likened to narrow parts of the pipe where water flow (or current) slows down.
- Gravity as a Ball on a Trampoline: To understand the concept of gravity and its effect on space-time, think of a trampoline. When a heavy ball (representing a planet or star) is placed in the middle of the trampoline, it creates a dip or curve. Smaller balls (representing smaller celestial bodies or objects) will roll towards the heavier ball, mimicking the gravitational pull²
- Enzymes as Locks and Keys: Enzymes, which facilitate biochemical reactions, can be hard to visualize. However, by likening them to locks and their substrates as keys, students can grasp how only the right key (substrate) fits into a lock (enzyme) to unlock (or catalyze) a reaction³
- Particle Physics Quest for the Hidden Particle: This is a Zoom or in-classroom interactive adventure that teachers can run for ages 8-10 that explores particle physics within an exciting mystery.

Note: Metaphors (as well as Games and Stories) are NOT going to hold up under deeper scrutiny and certainly won’t be applicable as you get into more details of how the science works. It’s also important to know that they can be misused to spread false information if there are not transparent and regular reminders that the content is simplified and not to be taken out of context or mistaken for deeper knowledge.

2. Engaging with Games

Games provide hands-on experience, allowing kids to learn by doing3. For example, introducing the concept of physics through marble races can explore ideas related to motion, energy, and force. Games also offer immediate feedback, which is vital for learning. If a child makes a mistake, they can understand what went wrong right away and try again, which leads to better retention of the concept. Educational games can be tailored to include cultural elements (like stories, below) that make the scientific content more relatable to diverse audiences, breaking down barriers that might discourage some children from taking an interest in science.

Creating interactive adventures like EduLARPs which utilize autonomy and a sense of progress can motivate learners to do their own investigation outside of the formal learning environment in order to excel at the game. Such tangible experiences are not only exciting and engaging, they can assist with understanding of higher level concepts and inspire more curiosity on the topic.

3. Narrating Through Stories

Stories captivate minds of all ages. By weaving scientific concepts into tales, children can grasp ideas within a context they understand. Take the water cycle, for example. Narrating it as a journey of a water droplet traveling from a river to the sky and back again not only simplifies the process but also makes it memorable. Just like games, cultural elements or references can make the subject more interesting as well as applicable to the students. Exploring the stories of scientists who are people of color or who had a disability can reach kids who have that same lived experience in a way that other stories might not.

When stories are combined with games as well as cultural references, you have a powerful triumvirate for learning. You can reach the students by engaging their own interests and meeting them where they are in their preferred learning style. If you add a debrief at the end of the game, story, or metaphor exploration, you will dramatically improve the learning objectives. And when this happens, motivation takes over for learning science concepts that can be far beyond what is considered “grade level”. The outcome can be inspiring kids to see themselves as scientists, not just now, but in the future as a career path.

Footnotes

1. Gopnik, A., Meltzoff, A. N., & Kuhl, P. K. (1999). The scientist in the crib: Minds, brains, and how children learn. William Morrow & Co.

2. Zosh, J. M., Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Golinkoff, R. M. (2015). O the places we will go: The benefits of immersive storytelling for the development of children’s scientific thinking. Frontiers in psychology, 6, 634.

3. Hassinger-Das, B., Toub, T. S., Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Golinkoff, R. M. (2017). A matter of principle: Applying language science to the classroom and beyond. Translational issues in psychological science, 3(1), 5.

Guardian Adventures provides consulting and program development for museum and science centers, summer camps, amusement & attraction industries, and more.

October 18 at 10am EDT on Zoom

(16:00 GMT+2 in Geneva, Switzerland)

THIS EVENT HAS RUN.

CHECK OUT THE FREE PHANTOM PHYSICS COURSE ON HOW TO RUN THIS IN YOUR CLASSROOM.

We hope you will join us next year during STEM Week!

Join us for an exciting online adventure:

Quantum Manor is a grand, mysterious mansion where Dr. Anna Lysis Quark, a renowned particle physicist, once lived. Rumor has it that she discovered a ‘hidden particle’ that could answer unsolved mysteries of the universe, but it vanished with her. Participants need to take on the role of scientists to unlock clues that teach basic physics knowledge while revealing the location of the particle. This is a Zoom-based interactive adventure for ages 8-10 that runs 30 minutes.

This is a free an online event funded by Mass STEM Week for ages 8-10

How it works:

Register below by October 17th. There are limited spots so be sure to register ASAP.
Teachers: You may register as a student and project the screen on your board (in presentation mode), then allow your class to vote on their next move. In this case, we will not need all of your students to register, just you.
Students: You will be emailed instructions with the Zoom link. Teachers only: If Zoom is unavailable to your school, let us know what conference platform you can use.
Make sure to have your name display on Zoom be the same as your registered Student name or you may not be admitted to the event.
You should have some comfort in navigating Zoom reactions and turning on and off your mic. Parents can assist if a student is struggling with the controls.
If you are more than 5 minutes late, you may not be accepted into the event as the game will begin promptly.
You do not need to know any physics in order to participate
If we have a teacher register an entire class as a presentation, we will attempt to find a date/time for your class only.

If you have questions contact us via our website. Are you an educator? Fee free to share this page so parents can register their students in your class if they are attending individually instead of in presentation mode.

In order to participate, please fill out the form below no later than Tuesday, October 17th. There are limited spots available on each day so please register soon.

This game was developed through a Massachusetts STEM Week grant from the Northeast STEM Network and with materials and permission from CERN.

Parent/Guardian/Teacher's Name*
First Last
Parent/Guardian/Teacher's Email*

Zoom links will be sent using this information.
Student's First Name or Class Name*
School City/State/Country*
Grade Level of Student*
Student or Entire Class*
Is this registration for a single student or an entire class?
This zoom event will be recorded for teacher training so that teachers who run the course can see what an adventure looks like.*
- I agree
Questions/Info
Let us know if you have any questions or additional information to add.
CAPTCHA
Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Live Action Role Play (LARP) provides an engaging and interactive platform that allows participants to immerse in a narrative world and experience stories firsthand. When you integrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) elements it becomes an EduLARP. This lets you not only offer educational opportunities but also add depth and complexity to your story.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to seamlessly incorporate STEM into your EduLARP, amplifying the narrative through scientific intrigue. If you are using our free Universal Game System Lite, we have provided you with examples for each of the themes covered in that LARP system:

1. How will STEM fit into your Story?

Determine how STEM will fit into your story’s universe. Whether it’s a post-apocalyptic world that relies on renewable energy or a medieval setting with rudimentary machines, ensure the science serves the story.

- Zombies: Discover the formula to reverse the zombie condition.
- Medieval Fantasy: Alchemists use techniques to transform elements.
- Superhero: Science holds the key to amplifying or understanding powers.
- Space: Exploration is driven by new scientific breakthroughs.
- Spy: Technology is pivotal for deciphering critical information.
- Nature Protectors: Science aids in conservation and understanding ecosystems.

2. Which STEM concepts do you want to explore?

Then start identifying the STEM concepts that you want to incorporate into your LARP according to the theme. For example, if you want to focus on engineering, you can use puzzles that require players to create machines or structures. If you want to add math, use puzzles that require players to solve equations or calculate probabilities. This can encourage your players to use their problem-solving skills and also show how to apply STEM concepts in problem solving.

- Zombies: Delve into biology and viral studies.
- Medieval: Explore simple mechanics and alchemy.
- Superhero: Dive into physics and genetic mutations.
- Space: Astronomy and advanced propulsion systems are key.
- Spy: The art of cryptography and decoding is paramount.
- Nature Protectors: Understand ecology and conservation.

3. What kind of STEM vocabulary can you introduce?

To make your LARP more educational, introduce STEM-related vocabulary that players can use to describe the concepts that they are working with. This can include terms like “engineering,” “physics,” or “programming.” By using these terms, players can begin to understand the underlying concepts behind the challenges they are presented with.

- Zombies: Terms like “antidote”, “contagion”, and “mutation”.
- Medieval: “Leverage”, “fulcrum”, and “transmutation”.
- Superhero: “Kinetics”, “mutation”, and “acceleration”.
- Space: “Orbit”, “gravity well”, and “spectrometry”.
- Spy: “Cipher”, “algorithm”, and “encryption”.
- Nature Protectors: “Biodiversity”, “conservation”, and “habitat”.

4. What kinds of props will elevate the experience?

Invest in quality props that simulate real-world STEM equipment. This could range from lab equipment for experiments to simple pulley systems. Authenticity can greatly enhance immersion.

- Zombies: Microscope slides with “infected blood.”
- Medieval: Mock alchemical instruments.
- Superhero: Gadget blueprints.
- Space: Telescope or star charts.
- Spy: Cipher wheels.
- Nature Protectors: Sample collection kits.

5. What puzzles will drive the Narrative?

One way to integrate STEM into your LARP is to create challenges that require players to apply the STEM concepts you introduce to solve problems in a way that the solution pertains to the story. This not only adds a new level of excitement to the game, but it also makes the challenges more exciting by propelling the player through the story.

- Zombies: Discovering the right biological compound for a cure.
- Medieval: Crafting a pulley system to draw water during a drought.
- Superhero: Constructing a gadget harnessing sound waves.
- Space: Navigating the cosmos using star maps.
- Spy: Decoding an encrypted message using mathematical sequences.
- Nature Protectors: Identifying species through DNA analysis.

6. How to deliver the educational concepts?

Whenever players encounter a STEM element, provide a brief educational background. This can be done through NPCs (Non-Player Characters) who are experts in the field or through in-game texts.

- Zombies: An NPC describes virus transmission.
- Medieval: An elder explains gear mechanisms.
- Superhero: A scientist NPC elucidates sound wave principles.
- Space: An astronaut NPC teaches about constellations.
- Spy: A mentor figure introduces encryption methods.
- Nature Protectors: A biologist NPC talks about local flora and fauna.

7. How to allow for Trial and Error?

Real-world STEM often involves hypothesis testing and iteration. Design your challenges in a way that encourages players to think critically, try different solutions, and learn from their mistakes. So plan in enough time during the challenges for failure and new attempts.

- Zombies: Test various compounds before finding the cure.
- Medieval: Iterate on pulley design.
- Superhero: Refine gadget functionalities.
- Space: Correcting navigation errors.
- Spy: Testing different decryption keys.
- Nature Protectors: Hypothesize on the best habitats for species.

8. Where can you incorporate Collaborative Learning?

Easy: Design STEM challenges that require collaboration. For example, a complex machine might need multiple players to operate different parts in sequence. This promotes teamwork and reinforces the idea that many scientific endeavors are collaborative in nature.

- Zombies: Collaborate to “synthesize” a cure.
- Medieval: Working together to operate a trebuchet.
- Superhero: Team up to calibrate a “power enhancer.”
- Space: Group navigation through a cosmic “minefield.”
- Spy: Assemble pieces of a deciphered message.
- Nature Protectors: Collaboratively conduct a “species count.”

9. What’s next? Seek Feedback and Iterate

After your LARP event, gather feedback from participants on the STEM elements as well as the story and interactions. Understand what worked, what didn’t, and what areas can be improved. Use this feedback to refine your approach in subsequent events.

- Zombies: Which scientific aspects intensified the survival feeling?
- Medieval: Were the mechanical tasks engaging and educational?
- Superhero: Which gadgets seemed most plausible?
- Space: Was the navigation challenge too easy or hard?
- Spy: Was the code-breaking sequence intuitive?
- Nature Protectors: Did the environmental science tasks feel impactful?

The above gives you a starting point for integrating STEM into your LARP. But remember above all… make your adventure fun and engaging. Incorporate creative storytelling and believable characters that players can interact with, as well as exciting challenges. This is how your players are more likely to want to continue playing and learn more about STEM concepts.

Guardian Adventures provides consulting and a free LARP for afterschool programs, summer camps, amusement & attraction industries, and more.

Screen-Shot-2020-04-14-at-5.13.24-PM.png

Summer camps create memories and friendships that last a lifetime, but staying engaged with campers during the school year can be a challenge. With the increasing accessibility of online platforms, Live Action Role-Playing (LARP) can be a powerful tool to keep the camp spirit alive and ensure return registrations. Here’s how to use online LARP to enhance camper retention during the school year.

What is Online LARP?

Online LARP is an adaptation of traditional Live Action Role-Playing to virtual platforms (like Zoom). Participants assume characters’ roles and interact in a digital environment, guided by a storyline or set of objectives. While lacking the physical aspect of traditional LARP, online versions offer unique advantages like:

Accessibility for some people with disabilities
Reaching your geographically dispersed campers
Introducing new campers to returning campers before summer begins
Requires very little space
Largely weather-proof

Why Use Online LARP for Camp Retention?

Maintain Engagement: LARP is an interactive and fun way to keep campers involved, reminding them of their positive camp experiences.
Strengthen Bonds: Campers reconnect with their friends, fostering lasting relationships and engaged in Social Emotional Learning (SEL).
Promote Continuous Learning: Camps with an educational component can use an online educational LARP, or EduLARP to reinforce and build upon concepts introduced during summer sessions.

Steps to Implement Online LARP for Camp Retention

Set Clear Objectives: Understand your goals. Are you aiming to strengthen community ties, reinforce lessons from camp, or introduce new camp themes for the next year?
Choose the Right Platform: There are several online platforms suitable for LARP, such as Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, and more. Your choice will depend on the complexity of your game and the age group of your participants.
Design an Engaging Storyline: The story should resonate with camp themes or values. For instance, if your camp focuses on science, a LARP session could revolve around solving a fictional scientific mystery.
Schedule Regular Sessions: Consistency is key. Regularly scheduled sessions, be it monthly or quarterly, will give campers something to look forward to and ensure sustained engagement.
Incorporate Feedback: Allow campers to influence the story’s direction or provide feedback on gameplay. This empowers them and ensures the LARP remains relevant to their interests.
Promote and Remind: Use email newsletters, social media, and other channels to keep campers informed about upcoming online LARP events.

Best Practices for a Successful Online LARP Session

Design or Find a System: You can either make your own online LARP system for navigating your adventures, or you can take our free online course which uses the Universal Game System Lite and has documentation on how to run not only an in-person LARP, but also an Online LARP. (Yes, it’s free and no strings attached – we are trying to make LARP more accessible and wide spread)
Moderate: Ensure there’s a skilled moderator or game master to guide the story, resolve conflicts, and keep the game flowing smoothly.
Incorporate Multimedia: Use videos, music, images, backdrops, props, and even dress in a costume or use masks to enhance the virtual environment and make the experience more immersive. Encourage your campers to also use (appropriate) costumes and backdrops.
Safety First: Especially with younger campers, ensure that all online interactions are safe. Set ground rules, use secure platforms, and monitor discussions.
Stay Inclusive: Make sure every camper, regardless of their technological proficiency, can participate. We highly recommend offering tutorials or tech support ahead of sessions.
Follow-Up: After a session, send out a recap, highlight memorable moments, and tease the next adventure to keep the excitement alive.

In the digital age, the end of summer doesn’t mean the end of camp camaraderie. By leveraging online LARP sessions during the school year, camps can maintain and even boost engagement, ensuring campers eagerly return year after year. It’s not just about retention; it’s about enriching the camp experience and making memories that bridge the gap between summers.

Guardian Adventures provide consulting and a free LARP for afterschool programs, summer camps, amusement & attraction industries, and more.

Newer Posts

Older Posts