Their story, in their words…
Over two days and four sessions at Redbridge Central Library, we used LEGO and microbits to creatively introduce 9–12-year-olds to the theoretical principles of electronics, such as the difference between analogue and digital output, but also the widely applicable principles of engineering such as iteration and the link between hardware and software in a way Scratch in schools can’t.
Turnout to the sessions was fantastic, being at capacity each and every time. Children enjoyed them so much many stayed past the allotted time to continue working on their projects, and parents were enthusiastic to find out how they could continue to foster their children’s interests. Feedback from the children was also positive across the board.
The project was challenging but immensely rewarding. Members of our team had to learn a new software, Fusion360, to build hypothetical 3D models of the projects and create schematic diagrams showing the practical implementation of the electronics. Finding a host proved difficult at first, but we ended up building great relations with staff at RCL by the end of the project who are enthusiastic about running the workshops again.
Most of all, seeing the children interact and work with one another and get comfortable asking us for help was fantastic, and showed us that we had achieved what we set out to do – foster a sense of community. The success of this workshop wasn’t only a chance to develop soft and hard skills, but also an opportunity that has encouraged us to build something bigger.
