Canada Aviation & Space Museum

Overview

Designed a custom, illustrated program map for a youth coding program at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, used as a central learning tool in a forest fire–fighting simulation game. Participants learned foundational coding concepts—such as sequencing, conditional logic, loops, and cause-and-effect—by programming actions to contain and extinguish forest fires within a simulated environment.

The map enabled learners to test strategies such as deploying aerial and ground-based resources, creating firebreaks, and responding to changing conditions, reinforcing problem-solving and logical thinking. The visual design was intentionally engaging and age-appropriate, translating abstract coding concepts into a hands-on, mission-driven experience while supporting facilitators in guiding gameplay and instruction.

By situating coding challenges within a real-world, aviation-linked scenario, the activity demonstrated how technology and problem-solving intersect in emergency response, helping students understand how code can be used to address complex, real-world challenges.