Easter is fast approaching and many parents are on the look out for entertaining and engaging activities for their children during the school break. I have looked at different events taking place throughout the country that have a tech or science twist.
There is no shortage of exciting and interesting stuff going on for kids of all ages this Easter, and what’s encouraging to see is that it’s not all just in the larger cities. I went along to the Science Gallery in Dublin yesterday afternoon to meet with Jessica Stanely who is the MakeShop coordinator there. She told me a bit about the courses they run an on-going basis.
"I primarily work at our MakeShop space. It's part shop part workshop. We sell kits that you can make and do at home, but we also run drop-in workshops in basic electronics. You can make a robot that draws for you, or learn to solder or even make a speaker for your smartphone. These events are from ages 4 and up."
These drop-in courses are €10 and full details can be found here. Jessica is also involved in a course that is running over the Easter break and is aimed at slightly older children. Called "Apps After School", the course will teach students how to build an app for an Android phone. The course costs €75. Full details are available here.
There are plenty of events taking place elsewhere around the country. Here's a selection of what is on offer.
Dublin
Junior Einsteins Science Club will host science camps this easter at five locations around Dublin. They will also be in Naas, Greystones and Dunboyne in Meath too. Email camps@junioreinsteinsscienceclub.com for more info.
Bricks4Kidz are hosting events for children aged between 5 and 12 years of age. They seek to introduce STEM principles of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths through lego play. You’ll find full information here.
Cork
LifeTime Lab in Cork is hosting two separate events for children aged from 6- 8 years of age and 9 – 12 years of age. The Junior and Senior Engineers camp will show how forces can affect motion and explore concepts of energy. As the camp progresses children build more complex mechanisms and use them to make accurate observations, measurements and records; and even design their own solutions. You’ll find more information here.
Galway
If you’re in Galway, you should check out the SeaSciece Easter workshop. The junior camp is sold out, but if your child is aged between 8 and 11 years of age they can attend. Camp activities include a host of fun ‘making’, experimenting and exploring activities that are based on STEM education principles. Activities like Lava eruptions, Engineers trail, Rockets, Squid, Art ‘n’ Crafts, Science experiments; Games and much, much more will ensure your child learns while having fun! Seniors €35 per day 10-3. Email info@nationalaquarium.ie for more.
Navan
And finally, if you’re in Navan, Brick Flicks are hosting a stop-motion-making course. This is a two-day event running on April 10th and 11th for children aged 8 and over.
"Participants will collaborate on designing their own set, scripting their own story and filming the results. Bring along your favourite mini figure and they can be the superhero of the show or movie just like Super Yeti! Completed movies will be shared with family and friends on YouTube. All equipment and materials are supplied but please bring along your own favourite mini figure."
