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New web toy for schools

04/12/2003

"Sodaplay will now be able to reach and deeply engage multiple communities of learners in interconnected creative experiences across the curriculum."

The toy, Sodaplay, which brings 2-D wire models to life, will be implemented throughout key stages 2 - 4 as both an artistic or design medium and a cross-curricular scientific teaching tool.

Sodaconstructor was built three years ago by London-based company Soda Creative, and has since received critical acclaim for its potential to stimulate creative potential by blending technical skill with artistic or design expression. Programmed in Java, it is an intelligent tool that allows users to create models from springs by clicking and dragging with a mouse then adjusting the gravity and simulating movement.

NESTA's award will allow the developers to build Sodaconstructor II, an extension of the original that will enable teachers to create new simulations of their own. Through manipulating the nuts and bolts of the software they will be able to create new applications appropriate to their particular teaching needs or innovative ideas.

Sodaplay will be made available free of charge to all schools and will include a e-community for teachers to create and share lesson plans and a gallery showcasing students' designs. It will complement Design and Technology, Science, with a focus on Physics, and ICT. Pilot tools for the English Curriculum are also being produced. In addition to its web-based activity, Sodaplay plans to form an interactive touring exhibit and workshop programme through major UK science attractions and surrounding schools.

Ed Burton, Research and Development Director at Soda Creative said:

"Thanks to NESTA's award, Sodaplay will now be able to reach and deeply engage multiple communities of learners in interconnected creative experiences across the curriculum."

Holly Moore, Programme Manager, at NESTA added:

"At NESTA we are always on the lookout for radical new ways of engaging students in science, technology and the arts. This project has strong potential to increase the use of ICT in the classroom, making lessons fun and interactive, as well as bridging the gap between art and science - an area we are particularly keen on exploring."

Soda Creative will be consulting with schools to assess their needs before the site building commences next year. The web site will up and running by March 2005.

The Sodaconstructor tool won the Interactive Arts category in the 2001 BAFTA Interactive Entertainment awards and was nominated for two international Webby Awards for Learning and Youth in 2003.