Less Screen Time, More Active Learning

Across Georgia, kids are jumping, stomping, and laughing their way into STEM—and afterschool leaders are seeing the difference.

Thanks to a new partnership between Unruly Studios and the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN), 20 afterschool and summer programs at 106 sites that serve almost 7,000 students across the state are receiving something different: not more screen time, but a hands-on, feet-on-the-ground way to explore coding and math. With full funding from the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), these programs are being equipped with Unruly Splats®—programmable floor buttons that light up, make sounds, and collect points when stomped on, allowing students to code with their feet literally.

In a time when the average person accumulates more than seven hours of screen time per day, this partnership offers a critical reset. The Splats program blends movement, collaboration, and creativity—delivering academic content in a way that feels more like a game than a lesson. Educators get everything they need to get started, including a full classroom set of Splats, access to over 130 hours of standards-aligned curriculum, and professional development tailored to afterschool environments. No prior tech experience is required—just a willingness to press play, clear a little space, and let kids learn on their feet.

For us at Unruly, this isn’t just about kits and content. It’s about unlocking the energy already present in every child and channeling it into joyful, confidence-building learning. When a group of students codes a relay game together and then physically runs it using the Splats, they’re not just practicing sequencing and logic. They’re learning to collaborate, to problem-solve, and to see themselves as capable, creative thinkers.

That’s why the program intentionally focused on reaching a diverse mix of communities across Georgia, including many that haven’t traditionally had access to emerging STEM tools. These are vibrant, resourceful programs that are already making a difference, and this partnership is about building on that foundation. GSAN’s leadership helped shape a thoughtful application and onboarding process that supports lasting impact. Participating sites don’t just receive equipment—they become part of a statewide learning community, with real training, ongoing support, and opportunities to grow together.

Site leaders—affectionately known as “Champions”—have already started implementing the program in their communities. From gym floors in Macon, community centers in Albany and afterschool academic programs in Hogansville, the first cohort of kids is already in motion.

We’ve heard from educators who say their students have never been this engaged, and we’ve been reminded again and again that movement isn’t a distraction from learning—it’s a gateway to it. For Charon Prophet, founder and CEO of Elevation of 5c’s after-school academic program in Hogansville, GA, and his team of educators, “The excitement of implementing Unruly Splats into our summer camp and soon to be school year is unmatched. Our students are exercising while thinking, building motor skills, strategizing with peers, and improving with confidence daily. The multiple games and skillset activities offered with Unruly Splats gives every student an opportunity to enjoy, learn, and grow without stressful routine academics.”

As Patrice Holt, Quality Manager at GSAN of Voices for Georgia’s Children put it, “This partnership helps kids move, connect, and build STEM skills that will serve them long after the school day ends.” That’s what this is all about: giving every child the chance to be curious, confident, and capable—whether they’re in a big city or a small town, whether they’ve coded before or are just getting started.

We’re just at the beginning. Over the next few months, we’ll be sharing stories from the field—videos, data, and voices from the students and educators who are bringing this program to life. And we’re already thinking about how to scale this success to even more communities in Georgia and beyond.

If you’re part of an afterschool program, a parent, or an educator looking to reimagine what STEM learning can look like, we’d love to connect. Visit unrulysplats.com or reach out at james@unruly-studios.com to learn more and visit GSAN’s website to learn more about out-of-school time in Georgia and get access to training and resources.

Georgia is proving that learning doesn’t have to be static, silent, or solitary. It can be joyful. It can be active. And it can start with a stomp.

‍