JAMM Labs projects
The projects here are divided into those currently active, and those requiring more development. We include those needed development as a way of gauging interest and also as a way of encouraging partnerships to develop them. Please contact us if they are of interest here.
Currently Active JAMM Labs projects
Game making with text code (JavaScript)
Making retro arcade games is a well explored way of learning how to code. It’s engaging, especially for people that like to play games, but just about everyone has some knowledge that will help you.
This project allows you to choose your own game design features and apply them to your starting platform game to make it your own.
We have extensive resources to support game making via text coding using the most common web coding language JavaScript. This course was used in Mick Chesterman’s PhD work.
Topics explored: Practical coding experience, design thinking concepts, screen time and gaming social norms.
Software used: Phaser, Replit, CodePen, Pixilart
Project status: This has a set of innovative resources online promoting a choice based approach to accessing documentation. More work would be welcome to polish the resources, proof read them and get them ready for physical printing as cards.
Game making with block code (MakeCode Arcade)
Making retro games is an interesting way to explore systems thinking. MakeCode Arcade is a block based coding system similar to Scratch but especially for making retro games.
This course has additions which let us explore some systems concepts using the games we create.
Topics explored: Practical coding experience, systems concepts, screen time and gaming social norms.
Software used: MakeCode Arcade
Project status: As above, more work would be welcome to polish the resources, proof read them and get them ready for physical printing as cards.
Battle buggies
A mini robot wars - perfect project based learning jam material. More information available on the Noisy Toys website.
Tools used: Crumble, Stepped motors, Sensors
Project status: The project has been run successfully several times. Documentation and resources are at 50% of capacity (see this chart).
Sketchy Robots
Using a low cost robot base with limited ability and a wonky personality, we use a beginner’s Microcontroller (a Crumble) and simple electronics components to bring our robot to life.
We program our robot to use its helpless cuteness to spread positive messages. As a small team you’ll get to decide on a message that is helpful for people or the planet.
See our report on a Social action project at a Todmorden school, in which Sketchy Robots played an important part.
Topics explored: Environmental or social issues, safe and appropriate tool use, electronics
Tools used: Crumble, LEDS, Stepped motors, Sensors,
Project status: We have internal delivery resources but more work is needed to create resources to make the project easily replicable by others.
LED puppet theatre
Building LED powered puppets and mini-stage lighting to put on a show. These sessions mix craft skills, art practices, storytelling and some elements of programming LED lights. The process can be open in scope or themed around stories concerning environmental or social issues.
We have undertaken a pilot project at the Makery workshop in Todmorden
Topics explored: Environmental or social issues, safe and appropriate tool use, electronics
Tools used: Arts and craft materials, glue guns, stories, Microcontroller (Crumble), LEDS, Arcade buttons
Project status: We have internal delivery resources but more work is needed to create resources to make the project easily replicable by others.
JAMM Labs projects in development
We have undertaken the following as pilot projects in the following areas and are seeking to collaborative with partners to develop them further.
Diverse projects in the areas of media and animation creation, electronics and art, practical skills.
Sketchy Circuits
Using recycled electronic parts to create modular electronics kits.
Tools used: recycled E-waste, Microcontrollers (Crumble, Microbits, Arduino),
Topics explored: Sustainability, E-waste, simple electronics, physics of electricity
Project Status: While some prototype materials are in place, resources and pedagogy need significant development.
Retro News Reporting
Take advantage of older broadcast quality cameras to make short news reports and feed them back to the community a video screenings.
Tools used: Tape based Video cameras, Kdenlive, Video projectors
Topics explored: Media literacy, non-linear video editing
Project Status: Resources and pedagogy needs updating. A Kdenlive manual is in place but needs updating. While Mick has extensive experience facilitating short video making (see here), a new course for young learners would be appropriate.
Podcasting and audio reports
Using old equipment from radio stations to record audio podcasts, or portable equipment to record radio out and about on the street or at events.
Making radio reports allows an exploration of issues of social or environmental significance. Recoding audio only can be less stressful than video recording, which can put both interviewers and interviewees more at ease.
Topics explored: Media literacy, non-linear audio editing, sound recording
Tools used: Audacity audio editing software, microphones, audio mixers, portable digital audio recorders.
Project Status: Resources and pedagogy needs updating. While Mick has good background knowledge from previous experience with adult learners, and access to existing documentation, both need updating.
Screen printing and logo design
Screen printing is fantastic accessible and messy technology. Using Inkscape we design our print logos which is a great way to learn about vector graphic editing.
Tools used: Inkscape, Screen printing kit.
Project Status: Resources and pedagogy need significant development.
Animation & Digital Art
Using paper / pencil and then varied software packages to develop digital art and animation projects.
Software used: Krita, Gimp, Kdenlive.
Topics explored: Media literacy (especially gender representation and violence in media), drawing techniques, Animation and layer based graphical editing.
Project status: Exploratory stages.
Unmaking and Junk Art and Animatronics
The process of Unmaking (dismantling) of electronics goods to see what makes them tick allows an active exploration, varied tool use and physical puzzle solving.
This project takes the process further and allows you to reassemble the parts into art in the form of wearable technology (in the form of jewellery, or techy bracelets) and even animatronics.
Tools used: Old appliances, specialist screwdrivers, Glue guns, cardboard
Project status: This is already an active part of Noisy Toys workshops which was developed in part at the Makery workshop. The process of creating animatronics in particular needs more development and documentation.
Test-A-Trade
The process of learning what would be involved in a trade is explored through hands on experience. This work is inspired in part by the work with young people at the Makery workshop repairing objects brought in by the public, and in part by Hayley’s work at Plumb learning teaching young people plumbing skills.
- Web designer: creating a simple website via a github repository and a JAM stack approach.
- Graphic Designer: Use of vector and layer based graphic design and working to a brief.
- Electrician: Fuses, household wiring, circ
- Electronics Engineer: Arduino based electronics.
Tools used: Varied
Topics explored: Varied, but include evaluating future possible professions.
Project status: Exploratory stages.