Nuclear energy has consistently been used in Science Fiction as a metaphor for superior power, unlimited energy and destructive force. In an analysis (click here to read) of the elements of sci-fi, the author finds nuclear energy central to many sci-fi plots.
Nuclear Reactor, Engine, and Fuel Rods have been integral with the scifi genre. It not only complements the theme, but can be central to any storyline, may it be of space travel, alien invasion, time travel, war of the worlds or creepy crawly creatures. Although, the concept is developed as an engine for a spaceship or time machine, it may be adapted as a weapon, a teleportation device, or simply an energy source.
The fuel rods gives the participants a chance to freely hold and manipulate an object rather than just playing with hardwired intangible objects on walls and floors. Moreover, multiple fuel rods allow most participants to interact with them. The sizey and bulky fuel rods aren't simply false cardboard objects. They are alive, glowing and true to life. Way beyond a simple video game, the participants feel "inside" the system.
The participants take fuel rods out of receptacles and place them in appropriate locations. The hands-on experience is augmented by the unique haptic feedback received when removing or replacing a fuel rod. See the tour (click here) to understand the hands-on experience better.
The "Wow" comes when something is unexpectedly awesome. The fuel rods are so real. A bright fluoroscent blue comes out of the charged "radioactive" liquid. Ahead of the cliche green radioactive material, this is simply amazing. The result is a neat visual gag. The visuals are simply unbeatable when clubbed with the size and weight of the props. Other than the fuel rods, thin thin lines of bright light coming from the panels escalates the feeling.
Radioactive materials are dangerous. They are not supposed to be touched. This general knowledge leads to a chill that travels down the spine of each participant. The terror and threat give a long-lasting effect, which they will not forget so easily. After all, we know people love being in such adrenaline pumping situations. That's why roller coasters have such long cues.
The intent is to give the participants the sense of being trapped within a system that is potentially dangerous. The fuel rod and nuclear engine in a dark room simply capture the moment.
Some concerns arise when we give participants an independent object, the fuel rod in the present case, to play with. Like tokens in a monopoly game, the objects may get stolen, lost or damaged. The concerns are addressed in two simple ways. First, the fuel rods are big. One cannot simply put them in their pockets and take home, or misplace them in small crevices or chinks. Second, the fuel rod is resistent to breakage. A strong frame and outer construction lend safety to interior parts. The sealed fluid chambers and electronic circuits withstand shock well.
We were asked if the fuel rods would bear a drop test. What could have been a better way to prove it than doing the test there and then. We dared to go to the extreme and played catch with it and threw it on hard ground. The prototype sustained! Only the batteries got disconnected, and the wet paint got some scratches.
Refer to the construction page for details on inner structure.
The fuel rods and engine system tally well with all requirements of a successful 5Wits adventure.
Self Resetting
The system automatically resets from any state the participants leave the room in. Resetting is easily done by changing visual indicators in an order that corresponds to the present setup. The unique connections between fuel rods and the panels inform the system of the present state and also of any missing pieces. The gameplay can be adjusted accordingly. If some fuel rods are missing, they can be retrieved from the participants when they exit or from where they leave them.
For Different Group Sizes
The system can be developed such that the engine has six sides. Total twelve fuel rods, six in the engine and six in the charging station, gives almost every participant in a large a chance to hold a fuel rod. For smaller groups, the gameplay may be shortened to replacement of only two fuel rods rather than six. The adjustments can be made automatically without any human intervention.
For Different Age Groups
The engine and charging stations are at heights accessible to middle school children to senior. The rods can be scaled down in final implementation for a more bearable weight by participants in every age group.
Simple - Easy to Understand
The gameplay is easy to understand. The participants are consistently guided by lights and sounds. The progress in the task is also indicated by status lights. An additional robotic voice may be added to guide even better.
Adjustible Difficulty Level
The difficulty level can be adjusted during the task by increasing or decreasing the fuel rod replacements required to complete the task. The status lights can also be manipulated to indicate faster or delayed completion. All the adjustments can be made automatically based on a timing mechanism without human intervention.