Melbourne Mini Maker Faire encourages innovation and creativity
In Summary
- KIOSC, at Swinburne's Wantirna campus, is hosting the Melbourne Mini Maker Faire
- Schools from across Victoria will participate in an exciting range of ‘making’ activities and workshops on the Friday
- Saturday is an all-ages event open to the public
School students and the community of Melbourne’s east will have the opportunity to be immersed in innovation and creativity at the Melbourne Mini Maker Faire at the Knox Innovation, Opportunity and Sustainability Centre (KIOSC)
The Department of Education and Training, in partnership with Swinburne and KIOSC will host the event from Friday 18 March to Saturday 19 March.
Primary and secondary schools from across Victoria will participate in an exciting range of ‘making’ activities and workshops. Students and teachers will have the opportunity to learn new skills, show that they have made and share what they have learnt with others.
Saturday 19 March is an all-ages event open to the public, which will invite tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, artists and families to come and share their skills and learn from each other.
Kate Kent-Evans, Director of KIOSC, says the event has aims to inspire students and the community to develop skills and strategies that will encourage them to use their creativity to solve problems.
“The idea of making is a global movement, combining science, technology, engineering, maths, arts and crafts to create rich community learning experiences,” Ms Kent-Evans says.
“We are looking forward to hosting this event for school students and the community. At KIOSC, we aim to inspire and empower today’s students to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours which will equip them for their future careers.
“The Melbourne Mini Maker Faire will be a great opportunity for us to showcase innovation and collaboration. We encourage the community to come onto campus and work with us.”
@Swinburne Paper Lab! Getting ready for the Maker Faire #kiosc @CDIengage @transgrafx @incognitosum pic.twitter.com/nwKQCKpRRP
— Dr Samantha Edwards (@transgrafx) March 17, 2016
Some of the highlights of the Mini Maker Faire include:
- Enabling the Future: a global network of passionate volunteers using 3D printing to create artificial limbs
- Community Neural Knitworks: a collaborative project about mind and brain health. Participants will find out about neuroscience and contribute to a giant-size network of crafty neurons. KIOSC invites the community to knit, crochet or knot neurons, to be assembled into a huge network.
- Drones and Bots: Woolsthorpe Primary School Students will share their current learnings around 'coding and design'. Workshop participants will learn how to think critically and creatively by programming mini flying drones and dash and dot bots.