What is ELO?

Crossdisciplinary:

Election Lab Online (ELO) uses STEAM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Art-Math) to explore the civic issue of crucial importance: voting and functionality of the Electoral College in the United States Presidential Elections.

The cross disciplinary approach in ELO brings statistical literacy, data visualization, argument from evidence, and ethical data use to inform actual history and US presidential elections.

Authentic:

This Election Lab game employs actual elections and authentic data to create a direct experience, and a direct connection, with history. This innovative approach increases students’ and players’ engagement and learning.

Electoral College” Swing State Bingo and Board Games

We have been teaching electoral College and Presidential Elections since 2012. Our course: “Electoral College” Swing State Bingo” first started as a math lesson. It evolved into creating a Board Game in the US Presidential Election 2016. In addition, we created other board games with the following election years: 1860, 1876, 1960, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2016, 2020.

Election Lab Online Learning Game

Around 2021-2022, we started working on creating digital Election Lab learning game. Our team has been feverishly working on creating and implementing playable Election Lab Online prototypes ever since.

Our Journey with Election Lab: A Family and Entrepreneurial Adventure

Our journey with Election Lab began as a family project driven by a shared passion for education and civic engagement. As a family deeply invested in the democratic process, we wanted to create a tool that would make understanding elections and statistical concepts accessible and engaging for everyone. This vision gave birth to Election Lab, an online strategy game designed to teach players the intricacies of elections through interactive gameplay.

Creating Educational Value

Election Lab is not just a game; it is a mini statistics lab that immerses players in the world of elections. By simulating real-world electoral processes, players gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play, enhancing their knowledge of democracy and the importance of their participation. Our game emphasizes the value of statistical literacy, helping players make informed decisions based on data and probabilities.

The Entrepreneurial Path

Developing Election Lab has been an exhilarating entrepreneurial journey. From initial brainstorming sessions at the kitchen table to collaborating with talented developers, each step has brought us closer to realizing our dream. Our goal has always been to create a scalable and user-friendly platform that can reach a wide audience, promoting civic education in an engaging and innovative way.

Impacting Lives

The feedback from our users has been incredibly rewarding. Educators have praised Election Lab for its ability to make complex concepts easier to understand and fun for students and teachers alike. Players have shared stories of how the game has sparked their interest in politics and improved their decision-making skills. Knowing that Election Lab is making a positive impact in the world is the greatest reward for our efforts.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to evolve and improve Election Lab, we remain committed to our mission of fostering informed and active citizenship. We are excited about the future and the possibilities that lie ahead. Our journey is far from over, and we look forward to reaching even more people with this valuable educational tool.