May 28, 2012

Epcot’s Innoventions West

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Last week we took a look at Epcot’s Future World and some of the cool hands-on science stuff at Innoventions East. Today we’re crossing the Pavilion to explore Innoventions West.

The Great Piggy Bank Adventure

At Innoventions West

Learn the importance of sound financial planning at The Great Piggy Bank Adventure. Play interactive games with physical and virtual elements, led by your personal investment guide (PIG), that challenge you and your family to save and spend money wisely. But beware! The wolf is hot on your tail.
Create an avatar then play a video game starring YOU at Smarter Planet. That’s right, IBM puts you in the game at run time. Play your way through computing history and see how advances in computer design can reduce energy use and how technology helps solve complex problems.
Team up and use high-tech devices to search “the most dangerous house in America” for fire hazards at Where’s the Fire? Become an honorary Fire Chief by answering the most questions at the Burning Questions kiosks, explore the Play it Safe Maze, and investigate the interactive 30-foot pumper truck.
Take a Segway tour! Pick up your vehicle at Segway Central for one of Epcot’s Around the World at Epcot tours ($99). Learn to ride the first hour, then practice your skills the second hour by riding around World Showcase before that section of the Park opens.

Where’s the Fire?

Today’s Takeaway:

Today is Memorial Day in the United States. I urge you to discuss with your kids the significance of the day and to honor the brave men and women who have given and/or who continue to give their lives in service for our country.

Now, because it is a holiday, I know my family won’t be getting much school work done, so take some time to learn while you play today. Visit the Innoventions website to access three online games:

Recycle Rush—Use your speed, skill, and smarts to go through a series of recycling challenges. Each activity is preceded by a bit of recycling trivia.
The Great Piggy Bank Adventure—Online board game version of the interactive finance game you’ll find at Innoventions West (discussed above). There’s also a free, downloadable activity book available.
Runtime—A personal video game adventure created at Smarter Planet.

SCHOOL SUBJECT: Fun & Games, Recess
SKILL LEVEL: All

About Jodi Whisenhunt

Jodi Whisenhunt has written 810 posts in this blog.

Jodi Whisenhunt is an award-winning freelance writer and editor who has visited Walt Disney World numerous times and has been homeschooling since 2000. She is the author of MAGICAL MOUSE SCHOOLHOUSE: Learn While You Play at Walt Disney World Resort, available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and CreateSpace. You can also find her work at Chip & Company, WDW FanZone, and various places on the web. Come, think outside the textbook and stretch the walls of your home classroom with Walt Disney entertainment!