Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a modern myth; a 200 year-old science-fiction story that explores themes of human creativity, societal responsibility and scientific ethics.
Two centuries later, these themes continue to resonate in our technological age. As citizens with access to incredible tools for creation and transformation, we not only need to understand the fundamentals of science and technology, but also to develop the skills to actively participate in the policy discussions that surround these fields. Arizona State University, supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation, will take on this challenge, pairing Mary Shelley’s compelling Frankenstein narrative with an integrated set of digital and hands-on activities to inspire deeper conversations about scientific and technological creativity and social responsibility.
Frankenstein200 is built on three distinct elements that contribute to an integrated transmedia environment for STEM learning:
Frankenstein200 Alternate Reality Game: An original digital narrative, created with groundbreaking filmmakers and game designers that pairs real life collection objects from a broad range of museums with interactive storytelling tools including videos, website pages, puzzles, and games to reimagine Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein for a new generation of students and their families.
Frankenstein’s Footlocker: A tabletop kit for museums, science centers, community centers, and other learning hubs that will support creative and making activities, promote reflection on social and ethical issues, and explore emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, robotics, and bioengineering. Download the materials here.
Frankenstein’s Workbench: A set of at-home maker activities, online challenges, and competitions involving hands-on science and other creative activities.
Across these multiple engagements, Frankenstein200 will prompt participants to consider the questions that emerge in Shelley’s Frankenstein and continue to inform contemporary discussions about science, technology, and society:
What is life?
What does it mean to be human?
Why do we create?
For more information on Frankenstein200 and to start the experience visit Frankenstein200.org.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a modern myth; a 200 year-old science-fiction story that explores themes of human creativity, societal responsibility and scientific ethics.