I took a different approach in engaging the kids than I had during the Reverse Field Trips. During one of the sales pitches, I shouted out to the kids, "How many of you like video games? How many of you like comic books?" I got a huge response from the kids. As soon as I got back to the table, we were swamped with kids I was surprised to learn that these kids grew up playing the same exact video games I did. One kid mentioned that his grandma had held onto the Super Nintendo and he basically grew up playing the same exact video games that I did. Another kid told me about playr.org. It was like one generation being able to connect with the next.
The downside with this approach is that it only engages kids who like comic books and video games. Next time, I will take a different approach. Instead of having a make your own video game controller activity I would probably have a make your own musical instrument activity. Instead of video games, I would say apps or animation. Instead of comic books, I would say story telling.
We went to the Google Geek Street Fair the day before and I noticed a big difference in our event and theirs. Our event had more arts and crafts activities whereas the Google Geek Street Fair had more engineering/technically oriented activities.
They were trying to promote STEM and we were trying to promote STEAM.
Another interesting thing was the sharing of ideas. Tina from exposure camp.
Here are some of the makes from the event
https://hivemakerparty.makes.org/thimble/wolverine-vs-hulk
https://hivemakerparty.makes.org/thimble/the-adventures-of-supernova