Ep 12. David Merrill Demos Siftables
David Merrill Demos Siftables is the twelfth episode of the first season of TEDTalks: For Kids. In this episode, David Merrill, a researcher at the MIT Media Lab, introduces his innovative creation, Siftables, to the audience.
Siftables are small, computerized blocks that can be combined in numerous ways to create interactive displays and games, or even teach mathematical concepts. Each block is equipped with a screen, a processor, sensors, and wireless communication capabilities, making them a versatile tool for educational purposes.
During the talk, David demonstrates the many possibilities that Siftables offer, using examples such as a music-making game, a word matching exercise, and a visualization tool for mathematical concepts such as fractions. He also explains how Siftables can be used to teach coding and programming skills to children in a fun and engaging way.
David reflects on how Siftables were inspired by his childhood fascination with building blocks, and how his desire to create a tool that would allow children to learn and explore in a similar way drove the development of this technology. He stresses the importance of play and exploration for children's cognitive development and how Siftables could enhance these activities.
Throughout the presentation, David emphasizes the potential for Siftables to revolutionize education by providing a platform for interactive, engaging, and individualized learning. He imagines a world where children can use Siftables to explore any subject with ease, from music to math to science to language.
The episode concludes with David encouraging the audience to consider how this type of technology could be used in their own lives and how it could enhance the learning experiences of those around them.
Overall, David Merrill Demos Siftables is an inspiring and informative episode that showcases the potential for technology to transform the way we learn and engage with the world around us. The episode will leave viewers with a sense of excitement and curiosity about the future of education and how Siftables could be part of that future.