This Collaboratory project aims to design a multiplayer game that teaches key concepts about marine food webs, with a special focus on microscopic interactions within kelp forest ecosystems. The game will be interactive, durable, and suitable for inclusion in public science education venues. By integrating science, art, and technology, this project will make microbiology and ecology more accessible and engaging to a broad audience—especially elementary students and undergraduate biology majors.
Students in this Collaboratory will collaborate with Julia Schwartzman and her lab to explore microbial life in kelp forests and the ecological principles that shape these systems. We'll analyze existing food web games (e.g., Spore, BBC’s food web simulator) and use USC libraries to examine scientific illustrations of marine microbes for design inspiration. Students will develop the game, engage in ‘world building’ by creating supporting assets such as 3D models, illustrations, videos, and user documentation and finally test and refine the game for performance, clarity, and engagement.
Apply to be a part of the Reclaim Collaboratory below. Applications are due September 9, 2025.