Robotics Design Studio: Create Interactive Exhibits

FOR YOUTH 13-18

Over four Tuesdays in June, work alongside science educator Parker McLean to design and build an interactive exhibit that demonstrates a scientific concept for library visitors.

Using VEX IQ robotics, gears and linkages, participants will construct, code and prototype their own exhibit. Projects might include reaction time challenges, optical illusions, probability games, mechanical demonstrations or interactive explorations of plant and animal behaviour.

Participants can develop an original concept or draw inspiration from classic science centre exhibits such as laser harp strings, mechanical gear displays or motion-based games.

All experience levels are welcome. Bookings are essential as places are limited.

Please note this program runs each Tuesday across four sessions and participants are expected to attend the full series:

• Tuesday 2 June

• Tuesday 9 June

• Tuesday 16 June

• Tuesday 23 June

By booking, participants are enrolled in all sessions.

This program may particularly interest:

• Coders interested in controlling real-world objects through robotics

• Designers and artists exploring kinetic or interactive work

• Robotics enthusiasts keen to fabricate parts and experiment with VEX IQ systems

About the facilitator:

Science Educator Parker McLean has developed and delivered more than twenty creative robotics programs in Canada and Australia, including Robotics Club, Make a Tech Pet and Robotics Design Studio. His programs are learner driven, place based and inquiry based, blending art and design with engineering and technology to help young designers create joyful experiences for others.

He has worked with VEX IQ, Micro:Bits, LEGO Mindstorms, Ozobots, Dash Robots, Spheros, BeeBots, Makey Makey, cardboard, yoghurt containers, batteries, wires and more.