@Home Gaming and Coding
BEFORE the Microchip!
Given that the smallest, least expensive computer in the 1960s had a price tag of $18,000 ($140,000 in today's dollars), required a small cargo van to move (with peripherals), and had RAM measured in 12 bit word lengths (12 total 0's and 1's, or Binary Digits), how did people code and game at home in the Age of Aquarius? The answer is that they used mechanical and basic electronic equivalents of the Boolean logic and Binary systems behind even today's most sophisticated computers.
This program will explore several of the most popular coding tools and gaming systems of the period, provide generous hands-on exploration time with them, and give a healthy dose of the analog history behind the modern computer revolution.
IBM SYSTEM 360
SCIENCE FAIR ELECTRONIC COMPUTER
HONEYWELL KITCHEN COMPUTER
Program Collection for Hands-on Exploration
Participants will have a chance to explore all of the following equipment in my collection:
Presentation Materials & Webcast
Ready to experience the blunt edge of computer technology?
Check out the Home Computing 1965: Programming & Gaming before the Microchip Presentation
Watch the Home Computing 1965 Program Webcast (pair it with the free resources below)
Learn more about binary using the Computer History & Hands-on Binary Webcast
Download the Program Description/Common Core Map
Scroll to the bottom of the page for Free Online Simulators of some vintage computer tech.
See what our Partners have to say about this program and others in our Testimonials.
Delivery Requirements, Logistics & Fees
| Age Range: 9/10-Adult/Senior |
| Participants: 4-30 |
| Requirements: Projector, Screen, and Speakers |
| Setup/Breakdown: 1.5 hours each |
| Contact for details |
➤ IN-PERSON DELIVERY Options
1.0 hour Option: Presentation Only
\\\ $269+travel \\\
1.5 hour Option: Presentation + Guided Hands-on Display of Select Computing Artifacts
\\\ $349+travel \\\
Note: 1.5 hour option require a large room with four 6-foot tables.
2.0 hour Option: Presentation + Hands-on Interactive Use of Select Computing Artifacts
\\\ $389+travel \\\
Note: 2.0 hour option requires a large room with six 6-foot tables for equipment, 4 chairs per table.
3.0 hour Option: Presentation + Hands-on Interactive Use of All Computing Artifacts
\\\ $429+travel \\\
Note: 3.0 hour option requires a large room with nine 6-foot tables for equipment, four chairs per table.
➤ LIVESTREAM DELIVERY Option
Livestream via your Zoom, Google Meet, Google Classroom, WebEx, or other system
1.0 hour Option: Presentation Only
\\\ $209 \\\
Funding Options
Look into the Funding Options to help bring STEMpunk programming to your school or organization.
“Nothing like my XBox, Switch, or laptop, but still really cool!”
“Getting to play with computers from a museum was fantastic.”
