Designed with a mobile-first, kid-friendly design, the initial set of eight activities featured on the site are organized around three key themes of materials science:
- Ingredients (recenlty renamed "Break Down" due to initial evaluation feedback) – Atomic Models , Sand Structures, Bubble Wars
- Building processes (recenlty renamed "Build Up") – Lemon Freeze, Grilled Cheese Stackers
- Control – Molecule Races, Color Control, Mini Motors
Each activity was conceived, designed, tested, and scripted iteratively, guided by education and design staff from each project partner and involving cohorts of MRSEC and Cal State LA students, staff, and faculty at each stage. This collaborative process ensures scientific accuracy while also providing opportunities for scientists to learn and practice communication and outreach skills.
On the site, each activity will be anchored by a “how-to” video, hosted by high school students from The Franklin Institute’s youth programs as approachable guides for exploration. A second video, featuring materials scientists who research related topics, helps connect each activity to more in-depth science and real-world applications. Links to additional resources offer gateways to further exploration. The instructions for each activity are also included in downloadable PDF format to facilitate use in other educational settings.
