Its Happy Atoms Project Reimagines STEM Molecular Modeling Sets for the 21st Century
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (May 5, 2015) – On Friday, May 1, 2015, Schell Games was awarded a $1 million, two-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to change the way molecular chemistry is taught in high schools. This award, from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), was one of only eight given for Phase II projects.
Happy Atoms is a chemistry learning tool designed to teach molecular modeling in high school classrooms. Happy Atoms pairs physical atom models with an interactive digital app to innovate current STEM chemistry teaching practices. Students can build molecules with the magnetic modeling set, and using the iPad® app, take a picture of what they’ve built. The app will allow them to discover additional information about the molecule, including its atomic weight and real-world applications.
“Chemistry is not usually the easiest subject for high school students to grasp, but with Happy Atoms, we can change the way students learn this material. This tangible, interactive learning tool for STEM classrooms encourages discovery and experimentation, resulting in more deeply engaged students,” remarked Jesse Schell, CEO of Schell Games and creator of the Happy Atoms system. He further commented, “I cannot describe how proud I am of our project team, who worked incredibly hard on securing this funding. Their efforts are to be commended.”
The IES’s SBIR program for education technology products aims to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector and strengthen the role of small business in meeting the Department’s research and development needs. In 2014, Schell Games received the Phase I SBIR award. The goal of Phase II funding is to further expand the development of Phase I projects. It requires a more comprehensive plan that outlines the effort in detail and describes the commercial potential of the tool. Phase II awards can reach upwards of $900,000 and are granted for a period of up to two years. The combined Phase I and Phase II grants equal $1 million.
With this grant, Schell Games will begin to fully develop the Happy Atoms system. With the help of an industrial prototyping firm, the company will determine large-scale production methods, manufacturing and distribution for the product. The app’s molecule identification system will be refined further. Finally Schell Games will leverage its experience in game design to create a stimulating, intuitive experience for the Happy Atoms user.
To get the latest information on Happy Atoms, sign up for our email list at happyatoms.com. To learn more about this STEM education tool, watch our video.
About Schell GamesSchell Games is a full-service game design and development company with a focus on creating transformational games and innovative, interactive experiences. Founded in 2002 by world-class game designer and renowned author Jesse Schell, the studio, based in Pittsburgh, PA, heralds a highly talented array of artists, programmers, producers, and game designers. Schell Games specializes in creating memorable experiences through mobile, PC, console, handheld, online and social games, interactive theme park attractions, internet-enabled toys and virtual worlds. The company counts some of the world’s most respected brands as clients, such as Amplify Learning, The Fred Rogers Company, Yale University, SeaWorld Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company and Microsoft Corporation.