Each spring, we look forward to attending the Sandbox Summit conference for a chance to connect, play, learn and explore in the beautiful and exciting surroundings of MIT.

Playing Pattycake to let loose at Sandbox Summer. Photo courtesy of @PlayScience

Here are some highlights:

• MIT grads hosted an engaging sticker circuitry workshop where we learned to overlay a series of stick-on LED lights onto tracks of copper tape. Those little bulbs brought life to the colorful drawings scribbled on top. Check it out for yourself at chibitronics.
• Sinking Ship Entertainment explained how the series Giver is helping children build transformative playgrounds. Children use real power tools and teamwork to respond to design, engineering, and social challenges. We’re proud to note that former MCG researcher Kirsten McGregor has directed episodes of this amazing series.
• You’ve probably heard about the inspiring short documentary Caine’s Arcade where 9-year-old Caine managed an arcade that he built from cardboard and found materials. Did you know that the Imagination Foundation is helping children around the world experience that same creative play and entrepreneurship?
• PlayScience released a study of parents’ perceptions of their children’s media use. You’ll notice some interesting differences in parents’ attitudes towards and use of mobile devices according to their child’s gender.