Tami's Tower - Español

Functionality & Mechanism

This educational simulation, developed by the Smithsonian Science Education Center, delivers pedagogical content on basic engineering principles through a gamified interface. The system presents a challenge-based task requiring the construction of a stable structure to solve a problem, introducing the relationship between an object's form and its function. It incorporates metacognitive prompts to facilitate user self-evaluation and supports an iterative design process by enabling reflection on previous attempts. The platform includes a tutorial module, a sandbox mode for custom level design, and a summary screen that displays user responses for educator assessment.

Intended Use & Scope

This tool is intended for students in kindergarten through second grade and is specifically designed for emerging readers. It serves to introduce foundational engineering design concepts within classroom or home settings, providing a mechanism for educators to review student self-assessment data. This app is designed to supplement learning and may be most effective when used alongside formal instruction.