Workshops
Our Workshops
Robotics
Description
The Robotics workshop exposes students to the fundamentals of robotics through the usage of user-friendly and interactive programmable robots, mBot2s. In the session, the club teaches kids about application of robots in everyday life, introduces them to a role model in the field, explains the basic relevant hardware in the robots, walks through coding the robots in the software mBlock (distance-based or automatic), and concludes with a challenge where children code the mBot2 to successfully maneuver its way through a maze.
Length
Robotics workshops are single-session workshops with one session scheduled for 90 minutes. Each workshop begins with an introduction to real life applications and usages of robots and robotics fundamentals, and concludes with a robotics challenge where kids apply what they have learned.
Key Outcomes
After the workshop, participants should be able to:
- Provide an example of a role model in STEM
- Explain the basic hardware functions of mBot2s
- Code an mBot2 to successfully maneuver through a maze and be able to explain what each line of code means
Simple Machines
Description
Simple Machines is a single-session workshop aimed to acquaint students with the basics of engineering through the design and use of simple machines taught in the Alberta school curriculum. This workshop is delivered in collaboration with local elementary schools in Calgary. In each session, the club teaches kids what engineering is along with different types of engineering, introduces them to a role model in the field, and concludes with a Big Hero 6-themed challenge where students plan and implement a solution to use different simple machines to help Baymax reach his friends and give them the care they need.
Length
Simple Machines workshops are single-session workshops scheduled for 90 minutes. Each workshop begins with an introduction to engineering and the different types of simple machines and concludes with a simple machines challenge where kids apply what they have learned using materials you can find at home.
Key Outcomes
After the workshop, participants should be able to:
- Describe what engineering is
- Enumerate the fundamental simple machines and provide a real-life example for each
- Produce a plan of approach given a well-defined problem and implement the said plan through collaborative problem-solving
- Communicate and present the solution involving simple machines to peers, volunteers, and teachers
Intro to Engineering
Description
Intro to Engineering is a 4-week multi-session workshop aimed to familiarize students with the different types of engineering by having them take part in a variety of activities, from building bridges to making circuits. In each session, the club goes in-depth about a particular field of engineering, introduces kids to a role model in the field, and concludes with an engineering challenge where they get to apply their understanding of design and problem-solving principles.
We have four sessions in the Intro to Engineering Series:
- Bridges: Get your hands dirty in civil engineering by building a truss bridge that can hold weight. (Offered exclusively in the Intro to Engineering workshop series)
- Circuits: Discover electrical engineering by making a simple LED circuit to send a message in Morse code. (Offered exclusively in the Intro to Engineering workshop series)
- Robotics: Learn about software engineering by coding an mBot2 to travel through a maze. (Also offered as a stand-alone single session workshop)
- Simple Machines: Explore mechanical engineering by designing a solution to a distance-based challenge by building a combination of different simple machines to work together. (Also offered as a stand-alone single session workshop)
Length
Intro to Engineering workshops are 4-week, multi-session workshops, with each session introducing a different field of engineering to students. One session is slated for each week, and each session is scheduled for 90 minutes. Each workshop begins with an introduction to an engineering discipline, followed by a more in-depth discussion of discipline-specific concepts, and concludes with a hands-on collaborative activity where kids apply what they have learned.
Key Outcomes
After the workshop, participants should be able to:
- Describe what the different types of engineering disciplines are (civil, mechanical, software, electrical)
- Develop knowledge of:
- Engineering statics as it relates to bridges and trusses
- Uses of different simple machines
- Fundamentals of coding in mBlock
- Basics of electricity and circuits
- Demonstrate ability to plan ahead and safely execute a project in a team setting
Arduinos
Description
Arduinos introduces students to circuitry and coding with the Arduino computer. This workshop begins with introducing a role model in the field and then covers what coding is and coding fundamentals, the basics of electronics and circuits, electrical safety, what Electrical and Software engineering is, and concludes with an activity where students wire and code their own low-voltage circuits to turn an LED light on/off. If time permits, students can move onto a more advanced activity of coding the LED light to gradually dim/brighten. Depending on class sizes, students will be in groups of around 5 students each. Coding will be completed with a block coding program similar to Scratch. This workshop is for Grade 6 students.
Length
Arduino workshops are single-session workshops with one session scheduled for 90 minutes. Each workshop begins with an introduction to electronics and circuits followed by the construction of a low-voltage circuit to turn an LED light on/off in groups.
Key Outcomes
After the workshop, participants should be able to:
- Identify basic circuit components and describe their functions
- Explain what coding is and how it is used in everyday life
- Describe what current, voltage, and resistance are in relation to Ohm’s Law
- Wire and code a low-voltage circuit to switch an LED light on/off
Rocket Workshops
Description
Rocket Workshops are single-session workshops aimed to acquaint students with the fundamentals of chemistry and mechanics in rocket science through the construction and launch of a vinegar-and-baking-soda rocket aligned with the Alberta curriculum. This workshop is administered in collaboration with the University of Calgary’s Student Organization for Aerospace Research (SOAR). In the session, the club teaches kids the basics of rockets, including their anatomy and chemistry which allow them to operate and function, provides guidelines on how to construct a DIY rocket, and concludes with the launch of the students’ personalized rockets.
Length
Rocket workshops are single-session stand-alone workshops. Each session is scheduled for 60 minutes. Each workshop begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of rocketry, which is followed by the actual construction of the rockets and concludes with an outdoor rocket launch.
Key Outcomes
After the workshop, participants should be able to:
Demonstrate understanding of rocket science by constructing a DIY rocket and launching it in a safe environment
Identify the different parts of a rocket
Describe the basic circuitry of a rocket
Explain the chemistry behind rocket propulsion