There are avatars moving up the wall in the technology lab at the Carmel Clay Public Library.
With a $5,000 Duke Energy grant, the library’s Children’s Department launched a new feature where kids ages eight to 12 can participate in a self-guided “Questers” program that involves science, technology, engineering, art and math games, robots and other activities. As kids complete the activities they earn points and badges, and their self-created avatars move up the “wall of skill.”
“Children learn when they have fun, and this encourages kids to explore, play and experiment while acquiring new skills they will use in the future,” said Mark LaBarr, community relations manager for Duke Energy in Hamilton County.
Inspired by the Muncie Public Library’s “Digital Climbers Program,” the program encourages students to work independently to master technology skills. Participants compete with other students as they chart their progress with help from library staff “Expedition Guides.”
The Quester lab is open from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.
About Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. The foundation provides approximately $2 million annually in charitable gifts across Indiana. The foundation’s education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture.
I just am reading this and want to THANK DUKE ENERGY! I DID NOT KNOW THEY HELPED FUND THIS AWESOME PROGRAM!!!!!!!!
My son is 11 and this was perfect for him. He has a cognitive disability. It has helped foster more independence from him and he’s making his momma sooooooo proud. he has made and done some amazing things with Questers and is actually on the second level which not many have achieved yet.