Welcome to D3 Playground!
A creative learning space designed especially for K–5 learners.
AI: Artificial Intelligence C: Coding E: Engineering D: Data Science R: Robotics S: Security
In today’s rapidly evolving world, technologies like Data Science and Artificial Intelligence are transforming the future. But what about young children? Often, they’re left out of the picture when it comes to learning these groundbreaking concepts. At D3 Playground Research Lab, we believe the journey into science and technology should start early, with tools and activities tailored just for them.
Our mission is simple yet impactful: to take complex ideas from computer science and technology and make them fun, engaging, and accessible for young learners. We design resources that spark curiosity, empower teachers, and involve parents in their child’s learning journey. Together, we’re building a future where every child has the opportunity to explore and thrive in the world of science and technology.
How We Make a Difference
- Research-Informed: Grounded in the latest research in computer science education, child development, and pedagogy.
- Resource Creator: Develop practical tools, children’s books, lesson materials, and hands-on activities to make learning engaging and accessible.
- Workshop Leader: Organize and lead interactive workshops for students, parents, and teachers to encourage collaborative learning.
- Conference Organizer: Host and contribute to educational conferences, connecting experts, educators, and families.
- Panelist & Moderator: Share insights and facilitate discussions on education and technology in diverse settings.
- Community Builder: Design programs and events that involve families, schools, and the broader community in modern learning.
- Opportunity Seeker: Pursue new initiatives that support children’s learning and well-being, always striving to make a positive impact.
Let’s play a game together!
Can you help the fruit seller make an important decision? He's just starting his fruit shop and sells three kinds of fruits: apples, watermelons, and bananas.
Day One: It was a sunny day. He sold all the watermelons, some of the apples, and only a few bananas (the leftover bananas turned darker).
Day Two: It was cooler outside. He sold all the watermelons and bananas, along with some apples.
Now, he has enough money to buy only two types of fruit for the next day, which will be hot and sunny.
What two fruits should he buy to make the most sales?
Be a data detective! Look at everything multiple times before guessing: the weather, what people like, and which fruits spoil faster.
Apple
Watermelon
Banana
This is just one example of the games we design! Our research focuses on developing frameworks that can be integrated into age-appropriate and engaging mediums such as interactive stories, virtual worlds, cartoon videos, plugged games, and unplugged games, all carefully crafted for the early childhood age range based on extensive research.
Would you like to join us? We welcome children, educators, parents, and researchers to be part of our journey. Whether you're looking to learn, collaborate, or contribute, we’re open to all kinds of partnerships and ideas!
Meet Our Team
Dr. Safia Malallah
Lab director
Teaching Assitant Professor
Department of Computer Science, Kansas State University
United States
safia@ksu.edu
Dr. Lior Shamir
Lab Co-director
Professor
Department of Computer Science, Kansas State University
United States
lshamir@ksu.edu
Dr. Zahraa Marafie
Adjunct Faculty Member
Assitant Professor
Department of Information Science, Kuwait University
Kuwait
zahraa [dot] marafie [at] ku [dot] edu [dot] kw
Alumni
Dr. jiji Osiobe
Lab Co-director
Assitant Professor
United States
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