This case study looks into how we gamify Museum Exhibits into Interactive Experiential Games for Children at Asian Civilisation Museum
Background of the Museum Event
The Pagoda Odyssey Weekend Festival: East-Meets-West at the Asian Civilisations Museum aimed to bring history to life for children by immersing them in the daily lives of people in 19th-century Singapore. Mr Bottle’s Kids Party was tasked to conceptualise activities for Journey through time on the ancient Silk Road. Young traders can barter at market stalls, play games, and win prizes while experiencing the thrill of cross-cultural trade that blended education with hands-on participation.
Conceptualising the Activities
To create an engaging and meaningful experience, we designed multiple interactive game stations, each representing a different historical trade or activity. This was inspired by an exhibit from “Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco” showcasing more than 160 different trades.
We researched on the significance and selected 5 trades, which are relevant to the Singapore context. These stations allowed children to take on roles from the past, experience the challenges and rewards of different trades, and understand the cultural and economic exchanges of the time. A unique currency system using pencils as tokens encouraged participation and learning through play.
Interactive Stations – Gamifying Museum Exhibits
1. Merchant Assembly Point
Children began their journey by receiving five pencils, representing barter trade goods. They then visited different merchants to learn a trade and earn more tokens. This activity simulated the vibrant marketplaces of the past, where goods were exchanged instead of using money.
2. Ancient Scrolls – The Letter Writer
This station highlighted the role of letter writers in the 19th century, helping workers communicate with families back home. Children practiced writing Chinese characters and learned about the importance of literacy and connection in a time before modern communication.
3. Odyssey Fruit Bazaar
Watermelon sellers were common in historical marketplaces. Here, children learned about the trade routes that brought watermelons to China and practiced cutting and portioning fruits to simulate a seller’s role, reinforcing practical skills and an understanding of trade dynamics.
4. Trader’s Tiles – The Mahjong Game
Children played a memory-based Mahjong tile game, learning about this traditional pastime and its evolution in Singapore. This station emphasized strategic thinking and cultural adaptation of games across regions.
5. Tales from the Pagoda – The Storyteller’s Stage
Children could choose to be a storyteller or an audience member, experiencing how stories were once shared in public gatherings. This activity nurtured public speaking skills, active listening, and an appreciation for oral traditions.
6. Resilience and Strength Station
Mimicking the labour of coolies (workers who transported goods), children carried weighted items from a boat to a warehouse. This station encouraged physical endurance, resilience, and teamwork, showcasing the hard labor that supported Singapore’s early economy.
Empowering Children Through Play
Each station was carefully designed to not only educate but also empower children by:
- Encouraging problem-solving and strategic thinking in bartering, Mahjong, and fruit selling.
- Enhancing literacy and communication skills through letter writing and storytelling.
- Teaching resilience and perseverance through physically engaging tasks.
- Promoting teamwork and cooperation in various interactive challenges.
Educating Participants on 19th-Century Singapore
By actively engaging with historical trades, children gained a deeper understanding of life in old Singapore:
- They saw how trade shaped cultural exchanges.
- They experienced the labor and daily routines of different workers.
- They understood the value of resilience, skill, and adaptability in an era of economic and social transformation.
Conclusion
The interactive play event at the Pagoda Odyssey Weekend Festival successfully blended education, cultural appreciation, and hands-on experiences. By stepping into the shoes of 19th-century traders, workers, and storytellers, children gained not only historical knowledge but also essential life skills, making history a living, engaging, and meaningful experience.
We come up with customised concepts for your family days as well as Kids@Work. Contact us for more meaningful gamifying of your activities targeted towards children for your company or organisation.