Do you know a kid who is crazy about robots and want to learn how to make one? At our past robotics class, kids have built an underwater robot, a robot with a spinning arm, a robot that squirts water and more!
Start date: Thursday April 24
End date: Thursday June 26
Length: 10 weeks
Time: 4:30-6:30 each week
Ages: 10+ with or without Arduino experience, or younger if they have taken our Beginner Robotics class and/or have Arduino experience
Advanced Robotics involves:
Introducing participants to a number of different sensors and components. Order of introduction is important, so we will show them a sound module, and then connect to a button. We will show one or more things per week and figure out a way to integrate them together, then build project time into weeks 4 or 5 onwards.
Topics:
Internet of things
IR receiver
Range finder
Light sensor
LCD display
Motion sensor
At our Robotics class, kids will come up with an idea and make it happen! Some previous projects include a remote controlled shoe, an automatic clothes heater, battle bots and a remote controlled airplane. They can learn about electronics, soldering, how to wire up LED lights and even using Arduino (a micro controller and open source software).
We start off the first few weeks with exploration. This is the time to brainstorm and come up with your idea. In between classes, the MakerKids teacher rounds up all the materials needed for each project. All materials costs are included with the registration price.
The rest of the weeks are build time! Kids are encouraged to try out different ways of accomplishing their idea, learning new skills and tools as they go. We have an electronics lab, a wood shop, sewing machines, a 3D printer and all kinds of other tools to make use of. Photographing and blogging their progress is encouraged.
The last day is for exhibition! After a frantic hour of last minute construction, friends and family are invited in. Each kid describes their process, and their final creation.On June 26 parents and friends will get to come watch the robots showcase! (mark your calendars). Everyone will make an awesome robotics invention that they will get to keep!
Imagine it, make it!
For a limited time: If you refer a friend to sign up, you get $25 off and they get $25 off too! Use code MKFRIEND and indicate each other's name in the Friend Referred field when you are completing the registration.
Already signed up or want to refer more friends and get $25 off for each person that signs up? Email us with your name and the name of the referred person, get your friend to use the MKFRIEND code, and you'll get another $25 off!
What have others said about MakerKids?
“At first when I came here, I had no idea how any of this electric stuff worked, and I’m just like, how I am going to be able to make this? But over time with my mistakes, I realized it gets easier and it comes to me and sometimes making a mistake actually teaches you something – why something doesn’t work.”
“MakerKids is an awesome organization. I like that they won’t do the project for you. They will of course teach you how to use tools. If you want to make something they will supervise but you will do it. Little kids can use drills even. We need a MakerKids here.” - Joey Hudy, teen maker who made a marshmallow cannon that he showed to President Obama
Inspiration:
Instructor Bio
Erica Tiberia
Erica is a scientist by training, with a BSc In Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Waterloo, and is currently writing her MSc thesis on research done at the Department of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto. She has done molecular biology research at Cornell University, the University of Waterloo, SickKids, and the Princess Margaret Hospital. She has studied many different organisms and cellular and molecular processes; a bacterium that has a symbiotic relationship with legume plant roots, how the DNA in a plant cell’s chloroplast is regulated, how an important cell signalling pathway is damaged in skin cancer, and how an inherited gene mutation causes a fatal adolescent epilepsy. Being involved with tech education and scientific outreach in the community has been an important part of her learning journey so far. Erica loves robotics, programming, beading, sewing, baking (cakes and bread especially), inventing homemade ice cream flavours, and learning new things.
FAQs
What have other kids learnt at our past programs?
“At first when I came here, I had no idea how any of this electric stuff worked, and I’m just like, how I am going to be able to make this? But over time with my mistakes, I realized it gets easier and it comes to me and sometimes making a mistake actually teaches you something – why something doesn’t work.”
What skill level is this program appropriate for?
No previous experience is required-just a desire to make things! Our instructors will show you how to use any tools safely, and teach you anything else you might want to know. If your child already experience with using similar tools or materials - that's great too!
What age range is this program appropriate for?
10+ without Arduino experience, younger with Arduino experience
What is your instructor to student ratio?
1:5
How many 3D printers do you have?
7
Do you have any safety measures in place?
Yes, we have safety procedures and training for the kids on how to use the tools safely. Our instructors are also well trained and we usually have a ratio of 1 instructor per 5 kids. Our woodworking shop has a lock on it and kids can use it safely when adults are around to supervise. Kids also wear safety goggles when using certain tools or materials. Any sharp tools are kept well out of reach unless someone needs to use them for a particular project with adult supervision. If you have any questions about this, please contact us.
What is your philosophy towards making?
Our philosophy is to encourage creativity and empower kids with their own ideas for projects. We encourage all kids to participate in our programs and we don't push towards certain activities based on gender or stereotype - it's up to the child what they want to explore and learn about! We also like to encourage children in making their own decisions and to learn by doing, while we act as mentors instead of doing things for them.
Do I have to purchase a ticket in advance?
Yes.
I'm a parent staying with my child. Do I need to purchase a ticket for myself?
Parents are welcome to stay and participate too, if they also purchase a ticket, as space is limited.
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
We are located at 2241 Dundas St W, about a 5 walk from Dundas West TTC subway station. The 504 King Street car also stops nearby. If you are driving, there is parking across the street at Loblaws.
Do you have other programs?
We have other programs for kids, teens and adults: www.makerkids.eventbrite.com
Where can I contact the organizer with any other questions?
You can email us at info@makerkids.ca
Please note: our programs are contingent on running if at least 6 or more kids sign up. If you know a friend who would be interested, please share it with them.
