Makerspace Workshops

Designed for beginners, this workshop will introduce participants to the world of drones. During this workshop, participants will learn about different types of drones and how drones are used in today’s world. By the end of the workshop, each participant will have learned about drone safety, how to fly a drone and how to code a drone for automated flight!

Covered in the workshop:

• Drone technologies in industry and the community
• Drone safety
• How to manually fly a drone
• How to code a drone

Get ready to soar to new heights and conquer the skies! Take your drone-flying skills to the next level! Designed for drone enthusiasts who have completed the CQUniversity Makerspace Drone (Basics) Workshop, this advanced session offers an exciting opportunity to sharpen skills, tackle obstacles, and compete in fun drone challenges. This action-packed workshop blends technical learning with thrilling challenges, making it the perfect environment for innovators to elevate their drone expertise.

Important: Participation requires prior attendance at the Drone (Basics) Workshop.

Covered in the workshop:

• Explore real-world applications of drone technology in industries and communities
• Understand essential drone safety practices
• Master manual drone flying techniques
• Learn advanced coding skills to program and control drones

Dive into the fascinating world of marine science and drone technology! Participants will become citizen scientists for a day by taking part in a simulation to help marine biologists study spotted eagle rays off the coast of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. In this exciting hands-on workshop, participants will design a set to represent Lady Elliot Island, then fly and code drones to identify and monitor these magnificent ocean creatures. They will learn how scientists use drones to protect marine life while enjoying flight challenges and coding adventures!

This engaging workshop transforms participants into marine researchers, combining science, technology, engineering, and math in a creative ocean mission. Perfect for those who love oceans, animals, and technology!

Important: Participation requires prior attendance at the Drone (Basics) Workshop.

Covered in the workshop:

• Discover the unique world of spotted eagle rays and coral reef ecosystems
• Learn basic drone piloting skills in a fun team environment
• Practice coding fundamentals through engaging challenges
• Understand how scientists use technology to study and protect ocean animals
• Develop problem-solving skills through mission-based activities

Ideal for beginners (ages 4-10), younger and older siblings to enjoy together, or anyone interested in exploring patterns, sequences, and creative problem-solving. Participants will explore the foundations of coding through playful activities involving robots, games, and patterning challenges. They will develop skills in sequencing, directional language, and problem-solving as they guide robots, create drawings, and identify patterns. The workshop will conclude with a treasure hunt, encouraging participants to apply their new coding knowledge in a fun and engaging way.

Join us for an exciting and interactive workshop where creativity meets technology! In "Robot Mania," participants will dive into the fascinating world of robotics using Ozobots, Dash and Blue-Bots.

First, participants will get hands-on with Ozobots, tiny robots that follow colourful paths and respond to unique codes drawn with markers. They'll create intricate courses and watch their Ozobots navigate twists and turns while learning the basics of programming.

Next, it's time to meet Dash, the friendly and responsive robot. Participants will use simple coding apps to make Dash dance, sing, and complete fun challenges. They'll learn to program Dash to move, light up, and interact with its surroundings.

Finally, participants will explore the create potential of Blue-Bots by programming them to create unique, robot-assisted drawings. Using simple coding techniques, they’ll guide Blue-Bots across the paper, experimenting with patterns, shapes, colours and codes.

Throughout the workshop, participants will develop problem-solving skills, enhance their creativity, and discover the joy of coding. Whether they're new to robotics or seasoned enthusiasts, everyone will have a blast bringing their robotic creations to life!

 Covered in the workshop:

• Robotic technologies in industry and the community
• How to code a robot
• How to create visual commands for a robot
• Using robotics to solve puzzles

Get ready to think outside the box and spark your imagination! Unleash your creativity and dive into the exciting world of circuits with our Makey Makey workshop! Perfect for young inventors and tech enthusiasts, this hands-on session will teach participants how to transform everyday objects into amazing game controllers. Using the innovative Makey Makey kits, participants will combine creativity, coding, and engineering to play games in a whole new way. Whether it’s turning a banana into a button or crafting a cardboard masterpiece, the possibilities are endless!

Covered in the workshop:

• Explore the difference between conductors and insulators
• Learn the basics of circuits and how they work
• Design, build, and test your very own custom game controller

In this fun and creative workshop, participants will learn how to use programming blocks to add exciting features like light, sound, and movement to their LEGO® Amusement Park creations. They will explore how to make their builds come to life, experimenting with different ways to use technology alongside their LEGO® designs. It is a great opportunity to spark creativity and develop new skills.

Note: This is a workshop we have previously offered. Participants will be building Amusement Park rides. If you have attended this workshop in the past, you are welcome to come again to re-build or expand on previous build creations.

Covered in the workshop: 

• How to code with programming blocks
• Design and build a LEGO® creation
• Add light, sound and movement effects using code
• Test and troubleshoot build and programming issues

Rev up your engines and get ready for an exhilarating experience in "LEGO Dragster Dash!" In this high-octane workshop, participants will unleash their creativity to design, build, and race their very own LEGO dragsters. Dive into the world of speed as you construct and code vehicles capable of zooming down the track. Fine-tune your design and make adjustments to achieve the ultimate racing machine.

Throughout the workshop, participants will develop problem-solving skills, enhance their creativity, and experience the thrill of racing. Whether you're a LEGO enthusiast or a speed fanatic, "LEGO Dragster Dash!" promises an action-packed adventure full of innovation and fun. Join us and take your dragster from the drawing board to the winner's circle!

Covered in the workshop:

• How to code with programming blocks
• Design and build a LEGO® creation
• Test and troubleshoot build and programming issues

Get ready to build the future of transportation! Participants will team up to design and construct smart bikes using LEGO®. After building, they will dive into coding to bring their bikes to life, adding smart features like lights, sensors, and movement. Finally, teams will put their bikes to the test through a series of challenges, using their engineering and coding skills to refine and improve their designs.

Covered in the workshop:

• How to code with programming blocks
• Design and build a LEGO® creation
• Test and troubleshoot build and programming issues