Sign up now for Lindsay Makerspace winter programs

The Lindsay Makerspace, an initiative of the Pinnguaq Association, is a community space for people to explore, make, create, think, play, share, learn, unlearn, hack, and discuss.

It opened its doors early in October of 2019, and are focused on supporting digital justice and building gender and racial equity in STEAM by providing access to space, educational workshops, tools, and resources.

Their winter season offerings include a varied selection of after-school courses, workshops and drop-in programs, along with community and school programs.

Their courses run for 9 weeks (January 6 – March 6, 2020) and include the following: 

Introduction to Coding – Jan 9th – March 5th

Ages: 5-11 (family friendly) • Time: Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm • Cost: $70 – 15 spaces

Participants will be introduced to how computers think and basic coding concepts like algorithms, sequences, loops, conditionals, and functions. Working with the open-source software Scratch, they will explore block-based and drag-and-drop coding to create fun and interactive experiences.

Introduction to Electronics: Circuits, Breadboards, and Soldering

Presented in Partnership with BTW Electronics – Jan 10th – March 6th

Ages: 11+ • Time: Fridays 3:30-5:00pm • Cost: $70

In this course, participants will be introduced to the building blocks of electricity and electrical circuits, breadboards, and soldering, as well as microcontroller systems like the Arduino and Micro:bit. Participants will apply their skills towards an electrically-powered creative project.

Introductory 3D Print a Piece Jan 7th to March 3rd

Ages 9-12 • Time: Tuesdays 4-5:30pm • Cost: $ 70

Step into the world of 3D modeling using the open-source software Blender. Participants will learn the basics of building in 3D structured on the theme of board games and their pieces. Individuals will be guided to design and print an original game piece inspired by their own interests.

Intermediate 3D Modeling Jan 7th to March 3rd

Ages 11+ • Time: Tuesdays 4-5:30pm • Cost: $ 70 – 10 spaces

Using the open-source software Blender, this course provides intermediate instruction to moving and transforming objects in 3D space, creating and moving vertices, edges, and faces, using modifiers to create complex objects, and preparing an object for 3D print. Participants must have taken the Introductory 3D Print-a-Piece course or have working knowledge of Blender.

Create Comix (Digital Art) – Jan 6th to March 2nd

Ages 10+ • Time: Mondays 3:30-5pm • Cost: $ 70

Explore visual storytelling using digital tools to create and share stories more efficiently. Participants will learn about traditional comic techniques, story and visual development, pencilling, inking, and colouring, preparing images for print, and how to share stories in physical and digital form. Students will work towards creating a collaborative ‘zine to showcase their work.

The Makerspace’s Free Drop In programs run from January 6 – March 21, 2020, and include the following: 

TechXploration – Jan 8th to March 21st

All Ages/Family Friendly •Time: Saturdays 10am-12pm & Wednesdays 3-5pm • Free

Join us for open-ended play and experimentation with a variety of rotating tools and games, along with select challenges designed to nurture the curiosity of youth in a variety of STEAM-based topics. We welcome families to engage, play, and learn alongside your children.

GRRL TECH – Jan 11th – March 21st

Ages 11-25 •Time: Saturdays 5-6:30pm • Free

A drop-in program intentionally designed with girls and women aged 11 to 25 in mind. It will alternate a combination of programs including techXploration, skill share, design thinking, and applied projects that respond to their interests through a coding and STEAM lens and a growth mindset. This program aims to be a safe and inclusive space to empower women in STEAM.

LGBTQ+ Tech Club – Jan 9th to March 19th

Ages 12-25 • Time: Thursdays 5-6:30pm • Free

An inclusive drop-in program designed for members of the LGBTQ+ community. This program provides a safe space for you to create, learn, and meet new people through a combination of open-ended and applied coding and STEAM programs that respond to group interests. 

Importantly, also is their offering of workshops to community organizations and schools districts in the region. These workshops can be one time or multiple sessions on a variety of subjects; including Coding, Robotics, Video Game Design, Electronics, DIY Design, 3D Modeling, Digital Art and Storytelling, and e-textiles.

Of particular note is a featured workshop produced in partnership with Dennis Geelen from Zero in on Design Thinking and Innovation for schools. This workshop will present an opportunity to young makers to generate creative and innovative ideas that will contribute to our community. Throughout the workshop participants will engage with the design thinking process through interactive and cooperative activities that will inspire students to create and innovate with the things they are passionate about.

The Lindsay Makerspace also offers full PA Day and March Break camps for children aged 5-11.

Visit their website for additional details at www.pinnguaq.com/makerspace.