SquidKid: A Glowing Toy That Teaches Kids Biology and Caring for Nature

A New Way to Connect with Nature: Meet SquidKid

What if your child's favorite toy wasn't just a piece of plastic, but a glowing ecosystem that they actively nurtured? Enter SquidKid, an innovative toy prototype created by students at Northeastern University, inspired by the nostalgic Tamagotchi craze. Unlike traditional toys that merely entertain, SquidKid engages children in a hands-on experience with living bacteria, encouraging them to cultivate an appreciation for life and the environment.

Why Bacteria?

In a world where children are often advised to steer clear of bacteria, the idea of a bacteria-filled toy might seem outrageous at first. However, the team behind SquidKid aims to redefine our relationship with these microorganisms. As Deirdre Ni Chonaill, one of the design students, puts it, "Kids don't always treat their toys very well. With Tamagotchi, if you ignored it, it died. In this case, you're actually killing something.” The aim is not just to create a toy but to foster a sense of responsibility and understanding of biological processes.

Interactive Learning at Its Finest

SquidKid isn’t just about fun; it's also an educational tool. Children are tasked with maintaining a bioluminescent bacterial culture by ensuring they provide oxygen, the right food, and even manually agitating the bacteria for the glowing effect. As Katia Zolotovsky, the class instructor and assistant professor of design and biotechnology states, "This project teaches kids how to take care of the environment and learn about biology and mutualistic relationships in nature.” The design aims to instill environmental awareness in children while introducing basic biology concepts.

The Role of Design and Science

The process of creating SquidKid was a collaborative effort that fused design with science. Zolotovsky emphasizes the importance of blending the two disciplines: "When you work with materials, you immediately see results." This hands-on approach allowed students with varying levels of scientific knowledge to succeed. Utilizing Northeastern's Wet Lab Makerspace, the students learned about bioluminescent materials through experimentation and exploration, bringing a once-imaginary creature into the real world.

Nurturing Collaboration with Nature

At its core, SquidKid advocates for viewing bacteria as collaborators and not adversaries. Ni Chonaill asks, "What would it mean for a generation to grow up seeing bacteria as collaborators, recognizing care as a form of intelligence and a skill?" This perspective shift could lead to greater empathy and environmental stewardship among future generations as they learn to interact positively with all forms of life.

Bringing Bioluminescence Home

Drawing inspiration from the Hawaiian bobtail squid and its partnership with bioluminescent bacteria, the design team’s goal was to make these captivating microorganisms part of everyday life. Physically incorporating glowing bacteria into a child's playtime not only captures their imagination but also sparks deeper questions about biology and ecology. Their design integrates science into play, creating an interactive learning experience that encourages curiosity about the natural world.

As we move forward in an era that increasingly values sustainability and environmental education, SquidKid presents a fresh opportunity to engage children with science in a way that is both exciting and informative. It symbolizes the potential of biotechnology, intertwining fun with knowledge to create lifelong learners and stewards of the planet.