MakerKids Monday After School Program - Inventions!

At our Inventions class, kids come up with an idea and make it happen! Some previous projects include a remote controlled shoe, an automatic clothes heater, a candy floss machine and a working bow and arrow. Your imagination is the limit!

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.

These after school classes are held at our makerspace at 2241 Dundas St West, Toronto. The 2 hour classes are on Mondays at 4:30 pm starting September 9th, running 10 weeks until November 11th.The price is $325 - $250 for 10 weeks of instruction, plus $75 worth of materials. Everyone will make an awesome invention that they will get to keep!

If your child can only attend some of the Mondays, you can register them for as many Mondays as they would like to attend. (eg. Register for 7 classes instead of 10) You can do this by selecting a ticket for each day that they would like to attend.

Giant Scooter

Glove Controlled Plasma Ball

LED Scoreboard

Tornado Pump

Light Up Foam Bat

Toy and Game Commercial from Toy and Game Inventor Camp

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.”

Can my child arrive early (e.g. at 3:30 PM), coming directly from school?

Yes - new this fall, we have a Minecraft Power Hour program on Mondays from 3:30-4:30 PM which you can register them for. Please register via http://makerkids.eventbrite.com.

Do I have to register for this program in advance?

Yes, please register before September 2nd.

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 has experience with using similar tools or materials - that's great too!

What age range is this program appropriate for?

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 4 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.

I don't want to pay the Eventbrite fee - can I pay by cash, cheque or credit card?

Yes - to reserve a spot for your child, you can bring payment during one of our other programs (schedule available at http://makerkids.eventbrite.com) - if those times do not work, you can email info@makerkids.ca to arrange a time to come by the shop and pay. Cheques can be made out to Maker Kids.

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

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.

Where can I contact the organizer with any other questions?

You can email us at info@makerkids.ca