uOttawa Maker Mobile Workshop
The uOttawa Maker Mobile Workshop is a Makerspace on wheels. Carrying the latest technologies, the Maker Mobile delivers fun hands-on learning activities to schools, libraries and community centres across the region, complementing the school curriculum. Workshops can be bilingual and tailored to your needs!
Our goal is to encourage creativity, problem-solving skills and interest in technology among everyone in the community.
Locations
Ottawa-Gatineau region
From September 2018 to June 2019, we have reached a total of 511 schools, over 36,000 kids and have given over 1383 workshops in the National Capital Region and the province of Ontario and Québec.
Outside of the Ottawa-Gatineau region
The Maker Mobile sometimes travels to other regions in Ontario and Québec. If you are interested in having the Maker Mobile come to your school or region, please contact us at makermobile@uOttawa.ca, call us at 613-562-5800 ext 6973 or sign-up to be notified if we are visiting your region.
Online
Teacher will create a meeting either with Google Meet or Microsoft Teams and will invite us to participate.
Workshops for students
Registration
Discover our workshops and choose the one(s) that will best suit your students’ interests and your curriculum.
- Select two potential workshop dates. Registrations for workshops are done on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Once registration is complete, you will receive an email from Adventures 1-3 business days following the receipt of your application. Occasionally, it can take up to 5 business days for us to contact you. If you do not hear back within a week, please send us an email at: makermobile@uottawa.ca.
- Once your registration has been processed, we will send you an email with a tentative schedule. You must review it thoroughly then reply by email to either confirm your registration or make changes.
Workshop sequence
“Advanced 3D printing” and “Laser cutting” must be the first session booked in the morning or afternoon since these workshops are a minimum of 2 hours. This is to allow for processing time of printing or cutting. For this reason, there's a maximum of two “Advanced 3D Printing” or “Laser cutting” workshops that can be booked each day.
Language
- English, French, and Immersion
Cost
At your school or location:
- $525 for a full day (4 workshops, for up to 4 classes)
- $995 for a full day (8 workshops, for up to 8 classes)
- $335 for morning only (2 workshops, for up to 2 classes)
On campus:
- $395 for a full day (up to 4 workshops)
- $295 for half a day (up to 2 workshops)
Online:
- $75 per workshop, per group (before December 18th, 2020)
- $100 per workshop, per group (Starting January 4th, 2021)
Group Size
- Maximum 30 students per workshop
Preparing for your event
Our dynamic instructors will come to your school with the Maker Mobile or will meet you and your group online!
Requirements for
in-person workshops
- The teacher must always remain in the classroom and will be required to complete a short evaluation at the end of the workshop.
- Classroom or laboratory with at least 2 electrical outlets
- A projector
- Wi-Fi access (please have the password ready for our instructors)
- For a 3D printing workshop, we will need a table to install our three 3D Printers (close to power outlets)
- Access ramp to bring in the machinery (if available)
Requirements for
online workshops
- The teacher must always remain in the meeting and will be required to complete a short evaluation at the end of the workshop.
Discover all our in-person workshops for students
3D printing (advanced)
- Grade 2 to 12
- Duration: 2.5 hours (counts as two workshops)
In this advanced interactive workshop, participants will discover this new technology from how it works to its multitude of uses. They will have more time to create their own 3D model in small groups using Tinkercad, a user-friendly 3D modeling software. Depending on their grades, they will design a more complex prototype then during the Introduction workshop. Next, they will learn how to print their design with the 3D printers, and turn it into reality. During the printing time, students will also work on more design challenges.
- Grade 2: Cookie Cutter. Students will turn a 2D drawing into a 3D shape, which they can use as a cookie cutter.
- Grade 3 to 6: Creative Character. Students will create their own character while investigating the 3D design process.
- Grade 7 to 8: Catapult. Students will learn how to design in 3D and build their own catapult using a 3D printed part and other materials.
- Grade 9 to 12: Science: Students will design a top. They will investigate forces, inertia and torque as well as the design process.
3D printing (introduction)
- Grade 2 to 12
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this interactive workshop, participants will be introduced to this new technology, and will discover its functionality and applications. In small groups, they will have the opportunity to create their own 3D model of a Lego character’s head using Tinkercad, a user-friendly 3D modeling software. We won't have time to print each individual student's design, but each student will get an example, 3D printed during the workshop.
Create your own animal habitats in AR
- Grade 4 to 7
- Duration: 75 minutes
Students will learn about different animal habitats and their characteristics. Then, they will create their own animal habitat in 3D using the online software CoSpaces. They will learn how to animate their animals and use simple coding concepts to make them move. Afterwards, using a Merge cube, they will see their habitat come to life with augmented reality!
Note that there is a maximum of 4 AR or VR workshops (combined) per day and they can't run simultaneously.
Arduino
- Grade 5 to 12
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this interactive workshop, students will get a chance to learn about microcontrollers by programming an Arduino board and controlling its various inputs and outputs (lights). In this day and age, open source microcontrollers like the Arduino have become mainstream and have been adopted by electronic hobbyists around the world. This workshop gives participants a good introduction to the world of electronics and electrical engineering.
Curriculum expectations for this workshop
|
Grade |
Topic |
Overall expectation |
|
5-6 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures Read and alter existing code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes (gr 5) and the efficiency of the code (gr 6) |
|
7 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing efficient code, including code that involves events influenced by a defined count and/or sub-program and other control structures
Read and alter existing code, including code that involves events influenced by a defined count and/or sub-program and other control structures, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes and the efficiency of the code |
|
8 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code Read and alter existing code involving the analysis of data in order to inform and communicate decisions, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes and the efficiency of the code |
Arduino (advanced)
- Grade 7 to 12
- Duration 75 minutes
This workshop is to be booked as a second workshop after the first Arduino workshop or for students with previous programming experience. More advanced programming concepts such as loops and arrays will be explored.
Curriculum expectations for this workshop
|
Grade |
Topic |
Overall expectation |
|---|---|---|
|
7 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing efficient code, including code that involves events influenced by a defined count and/or sub-program and other control structures Read and alter existing code, including code that involves events influenced by a defined count and/or sub-program and other control structures, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes and the efficiency of the code |
|
8 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code Read and alter existing code involving the analysis of data in order to inform and communicate decisions, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes and the efficiency of the code
|
Bee-bot
- Kindergarten to grade 2
- Duration: 75 minutes
Bee-Bot is an award-winning programmable robot, perfect for teaching orientation, sequencing, estimation and programming to young children. Students will have the opportunity to complete the challenge of programming their Bee-Bot to make its way through a maze.
Curriculum expectations for this workshop
|
Grade |
Topic |
Overall expectation |
|---|---|---|
|
1-2 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves sequential events (gr 1) and concurrent events (gr 2) |
Create your own VR world with CoSpaces
- Grade 6 to 12
- Duration: 75 min to 2 hours
Students will learn how to create a 3D world using the online software CoSpaces. They will create and code a roller coaster to move along a path. Then, they will be able to go inside their roller coaster to try it in a virtual world with an Oculus Go headset!
Note that there is a maximum of 4 AR or VR workshops (combined) per day and they can't run simultaneously.
Programmable electric car
- Grade 7 to 12
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this hands-on workshop, participants will get the chance to bring together digital and physical worlds by programming a small car robot to go through a maze. Concepts of vectors and programming will be introduced.
Electricity
- Grade 8 to 12
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this hands-on workshop, students will design, build and test simple parallel and series circuits. They will investigate different electrical components such as transistors and switches.
Green engineering (solar energy)
- Grade 8 to 12
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this hands-on workshop, students will learn about solar energy. They will investigate, test and compare solar panels in series and parallel circuits by measuring electrical voltages and currents.
Laser cutting
- Grade 3 to 12
- Duration: 2.5 hours (counts as 2 workshops)
This workshop is all about using a high precision laser to cut and etch materials. Using the software Inkscape, participants will design a project in 2D, that will be cut by the laser, and assembled to make a 3D object. They will learn all about this versatile tool and its applications.
- Grade 3 to 4: Bird House
- Students will design and build a small bird house made of cardboard (in teams of 2-3) that will be laser cut.
- Grade 5 to 6: Glider
- Students will create a 3D airplane from a 2D design (in teams of 2-3) that will be laser cut.
- Grade 7 to 8: Candy Box
- Students will create a 3D box from a 2D design (in teams of 2-3) that will be laser cut.
- Grade 9 to 12:
- Science: Students will learn about the benefits and challenges of a nature bridge (a place where animals cross the highway). Students will then design their own nature bridge (in teams of 2-3) and cut it out of cardboard on the laser cutter.
- Technology: Students will design a chair to scale (in teams of 2-3), and cut it out of cardboard on the laser cutter while learning about the design process.
Little Bits
- Grade 2 to 4
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this hands-on workshop, students will investigate circuits and computer logic using electronic building blocks called Little Bits, while learning some basic programming concepts.
Coding with Micro:bits
- Grade 4 to 7
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this interactive workshop, students will learn basic coding concepts and will create their own game using a Micro:bit board. A Micro:bit is a small board, half the size of a credit card, that has a micro-processor, accelerometer, sensors, a display of 25 LEDs and two programmable buttons. It’s now used around the world to encourage children to get actively involved in writing software and building new things.
Curriculum expectations for this workshop
|
Grade |
Topic |
Overall expectation |
|---|---|---|
|
4 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves sequential, concurrent, repeating, and nested events read and alter existing code, including code that involves sequential, concurrent, repeating, and nested events, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes |
|
5 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures |
|
5-6 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing efficient code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures read and alter existing code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes (gr 5) and the efficiency of the code (gr 6) |
Robots and creative art
- Grade 3 to 7
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this interactive workshop, students will learn robotics basics using Jade Robots, an educational robot designed to engage and excite youth about STEM. Using basic coding concepts, they will program their robot to make it draw a creative art piece!
Codemaker programming and scratch
- Kindergarten to grade 7
- Duration: 75 minutes
Students will learn to program their own interactive stories and games. In the process, they will learn to solve problems, design projects and express themselves creatively on the iPad or laptops.
We will provide the iPads or laptops for this workshop, so access to other computers is not necessary.
- Kindergarten to grade 3: Scratch Jr on iPads
- Grade 3-6: Hopscotch on iPads
- Grade 4-7: Scratch on laptops
Curriculum expectations for this workshop
|
Grade |
Topic |
Overall expectation |
|---|---|---|
|
1-3 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves sequential events (gr 1); concurrent events (gr 2); repeating events (gr 3) Read and alter existing code, including code that involves sequential,(gr 1) concurrent (gr 2), and repeating events (gr 3), and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes |
|
4-6 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves sequential, concurrent, repeating, and nested events (gr 4) Read and alter existing code, including code that involves sequential, concurrent, repeating, and nested events, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes (gr 4) Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing efficient (gr 6) code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures (gr 5) Read and alter existing code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes (gr 5) and the efficiency of the code (gr 6) |
Engineering design (wind turbine)
- Grade 7 to 12
- Duration: 2.5 hours
In this interactive workshop, students will learn the step-by-step process of Engineering Design, from conceptualizing, to designing and creating renewable energy by making wind turbines. Students will learn how to transform the wind’s kinetic energy into electrical energy using their wind turbine. They will get to design, build and test their prototypes and will have to adjust their design in order to produce the most energy. Our giant light board will be used to show the amount of electricity that they produced.
The Engineering design process includes many steps. The first part of this workshop will be to design their turbine. After having built their wind turbine, students will have a chance to test it and will return to their station to adjust their product for the final competition.
Discover all our online workshops for students
Online robotics!
- Grade 1 to 3
- Duration: 40 to 45 minutes
Participants will learn about cool robots, will understand how to give a series of commands to program a robot and will learn basic coding concepts using a virtual Beebot.
Curriculum expectations for this workshop
|
Grade |
Topic |
Overall expectation |
|---|---|---|
|
1-2 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves sequential events (gr 1) and concurrent events (gr 2) |
Introduction to coding with Scratch Jr
Grade 1 to 3
Duration: 40 to 60 minutes
Students will learn to program their own interactive stories and games. In the process, they will learn to solve problems, design projects and express themselves creatively. For this workshop, an app must be installed on ipads or you can also download it on a computer. Note: Chromebooks can be used for this workshop.
Curriculum expectations for this workshop
|
Grade |
Topic |
Overall expectation |
|---|---|---|
|
1-3 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves sequential events (gr 1); concurrent events (gr 2); repeating events (gr 3) Read and alter existing code, including code that involves sequential,(gr 1) concurrent (gr 2), and repeating events (gr 3), and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes |
Coding with Scratch
- Grade 4 to 7
- Duration: 1 hour
Students will learn to program their own interactive stories and games. In the process, they will learn basic programming concepts, how to solve problems and express themselves creatively. Scratch is an online program. Chromebooks or laptops are required for this workshop.
Curriculum expectations for this workshop
|
Grade |
Topic |
Overall expectation |
|---|---|---|
|
4-6 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves sequential, concurrent, repeating, and nested events (gr 4) Read and alter existing code, including code that involves sequential, concurrent, repeating, and nested events, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes (gr 4) Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing efficient (gr 6) code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures (gr 5) Read and alter existing code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes (gr 5) and the efficiency of the code (gr 6) |
|
7 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing efficient code, including code that involves events influenced by a defined count and/or sub-program and other control structures Read and alter existing code, including code that involves events influenced by a defined count and/or sub-program and other control structures, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes and the efficiency of the code |
Coding with virtual micro:bits
- Grade 4 to 8
- Duration: 1 hour
In this interactive workshop, students will learn basic coding concepts and will create their own game using a virtual Micro:bit board. A Micro:bit is a small board, half the size of a credit card, that has a microprocessor, accelerometer, sensors, a display of 25 LEDs and two programmable buttons. It’s now used around the world to encourage children to get actively involved in writing software and building new things. Chromebooks or laptops are required for this workshop.
Curriculum expectations for this workshop
|
Grade |
Topic |
Overall expectation |
|---|---|---|
|
4 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves sequential, concurrent, repeating, and nested events Read and alter existing code, including code that involves sequential, concurrent, repeating, and nested events, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes |
|
5 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures |
|
5-6 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing efficient code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures Read and alter existing code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes (gr 5) and the efficiency of the code (gr 6) |
Introduction to Arduino
- Grade 6 to 12
- Duration: 1 hour
In this interactive workshop, students will get a chance to learn about microcontrollers by programming a virtual Arduino board and controlling its various inputs and outputs (lights). In this day and age, open-source microcontrollers like the Arduino have become mainstream and have been adopted by electronic hobbyists around the world. This workshop gives participants a good introduction to the world of electronics and electrical engineering. Chromebooks or laptops are required for this workshop.
Curriculum expectations for this workshop
|
Grade |
Topic |
Overall expectation |
|---|---|---|
|
6 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures Read and alter existing code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes and the efficiency of the code |
|
7 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing efficient code, including code that involves events influenced by a defined count and/or sub-program and other control structures Read and alter existing code, including code that involves events influenced by a defined count and/or sub-program and other control structures, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes and the efficiency of the code |
|
8 |
Math/Algebra/Coding |
Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code Read and alter existing code involving the analysis of data in order to inform and communicate decisions, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes and the efficiency of the code |
Introduction to 3D printing modelling
- Grade 4 to 12
- Duration: 1 hour
In this interactive workshop, participants will be introduced to this new technology and will discover its functionality and applications. They will have the opportunity to create their own 3D model using Tinkercad, a user-friendly 3D modelling software. Chromebooks or laptops are required for this workshop.
3D modelling molecules
- Grade 9 to 12
- Duration: 75 minutes
In these chemistry workshops, the instructor will first start by reminding students about the most relevant material in their curriculum while keeping it interactive by asking simple questions. The instructor will also relate those chemistry principles with an environmental issue to discuss. Next, the instructor will introduce 3D modeling and 3D printing. And finally, the main activity will be to 3D model a molecule using the software Tinkercad (the details required will increase depending on the age group of the students). Chromebooks or laptops are required for this workshop.
3D modelling and programming with Tinkercad Codeblocks
- Grade 6 to 12
- Duration: 1 hour
In this interactive workshop, participants will be introduced to 3D modelling and will discover functionality and applications of 3D printers. They will also explore how to code 3D objects using mathematical concepts like geometry, coordinates and transformations to create their own 3D model of a mandala using Tinkercad Codeblocks. This workshop is a perfect mix of coding, mathematics and arts! Chromebooks or laptops are required for this workshop.
Introduction to virtual reality and Cospaces
- Grade 6 to 12
- Duration: 1 hour
Students will learn how to create a 3D world using the online software CoSpaces and will be introduced to virtual reality. They will create and code a roller coaster to move along a path and will be able to see a simulation on their computer. Chromebooks or laptops are required for this workshop.
Exploring Space in VR with CoSpaces
- Grade 6 to 12
- Duration: 75 minutes
Grade 6: Students will learn how to create a 3-dimensional world, using the online CoSpaces program. They will create a 3D representation of the solar system and will code the planets to follow a path around the sun.
Grade 9 to 12: Students will learn how to create a 3-dimensional world, using the online CoSpaces program. Students will be given the task of creating a base on the planet Mars. They will have to take into account the extreme environment that Mars presents to create a base that can support human life.
Chromebooks or laptops are required for this workshop.
Investigating Simple Machines in Virtual reality
- Grade 7 to 10
- Duration: 75 minutes
Students will learn about the different types of simple machines and construct a lever in virtual reality, using the software CoSpaces.
They will then explore what happens when the masses and positions of objects on the lever are changed and how this affect the forces through an accurate physics simulator. Students will end the session using a lever as their virtual catapult to try to break down a virtual wall.
Link with curriculum:
Grade 8: 2.3 use scientific inquiry/experimentation skills to investigate mechanical advantage in a variety of mechanisms and simple machines. (for example, conduct experiments to determine what happens when the length of the effort arm and/or the load arm in a lever are changed, and note qualitative or quantitative changes in mechanical advantage.)
Kinematics and Virtual Reality
- Grade 11 to 12
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this interactive workshop, students will get to apply many different physics theories seen inside the classroom to a real-life situation. More specifically, participants will get to use kinematics and conservation of energy concepts to solve a complex projectile problem. Once solved, the projectile problem will be recreated in a 3D environment software called Cospaces, where students will simulate and test out if their calculations were correct through a virtual simulation.
Link with curriculum:
Grade 11: B2. investigate, in qualitative and quantitative terms, uniform and non-uniform linear motion, and solve related problems;
Grade 12: B2. investigate, in qualitative and quantitative terms, the linear uniform and non-uniform motion of objects, and solve related problems; B3. demonstrate an understanding of different kinds of motion and the relationships between speed, acceleration, displacement, and distance.
Mathematics & Coding - Count your Coins
- Grade 2 and 3
- Duration: 45 minutes
Kids will learn about the various Canadian coins and bills and how to add them. They will need to solve problems and use basic coding principles (e.g. sequential events) to code a path to reach a specific amount of money.
Note: Laptops or chromebooks are required for this activity.
Curriculum expectations for this workshop
| Grade | Topic | Overall expectation |
|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Math: F. Financial Literacy |
F1.1 identify different ways of representing the same amount of money up to Canadian 200¢ using various combinations of coins, and up to $200 using various combinations of $1 and $2 coins and $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. |
| 2 | Math: C. Algebra/ Coding | C3.1 Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves sequential events and concurrent events. |
| 3 |
Mathématiques: F. Financial Literacy |
F1.1 estimate and calculate the change required for various simple cash transactions involving whole dollar amounts and amounts of less than one dollar |
| 3 | Math: C. Algebra/ Coding |
C3.1 Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves sequential, concurrent and repeating events. |
Mathematics and Coding - Calculate the Area Using Scratch
- Grade 4 to 6
- Duration: 60 minutes
Using Scratch, students will code a program that will allow them to calculate the area of any shape they learnt in class. In this fun activity they will learn about the basic programming concepts including sequence, concurrent, repeating and conditional events.
Note: Laptops or chromebooks are required for this activity.
Curriculum expectations for this workshop
| Grade | Topic | Overall Expectation |
|---|---|---|
| 4 |
Math: E. Spatial Sense |
E2.5 use the row and column structure of an array to measure the areas of rectangles and to show that the area of any rectangle can be found by multiplying its side lengths. E2.6 apply the formula for the area of a rectangle to find the unknown measurement when given two of the three. |
| 4 | Math: C. Algebra/ Coding |
C3.1 Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves sequential, concurrent, repeating, and nested events. |
| 5 |
Math: E. Spatial Sense |
E2.1 use appropriate metric units to estimate and measure length, area, mass, and capacity. E2.5 use the area relationships among rectangles, parallelograms, and triangles to develop the formulas for the area of a parallelogram and the area of a triangle, and solve related problems. |
| 5 | Math: C. Algebra/ Coding |
C3.1 Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing efficient code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures. |
| 6 |
Math: E. Spatial Sense |
E2.4 determine the areas of trapezoids, rhombuses, kites, and composite polygons by decomposing them into shapes with known areas. |
| 6 | Math: C. Algebra/ Coding |
C3.1 Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing efficient code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures. |
Mathematics and Coding - Probability with a virtual micro:bit
Grade 7 to 8
Duration: 60 minutes
Students will learn how to code a micro:bit to roll a dice and calculate the probability of an event, including two independents or two dependent events. In this fun activity they will learn about the basic programming concepts including creating sub-program and data analysis.
Note: Laptops or chromebooks are required for this activity.
Curriculum expectations for this workshop
| Grade | Topic | Overall expectation |
|---|---|---|
| 7 |
Math: D. Data |
D2.1 describe the difference between independent and dependent events, and explain how their probabilities differ, providing examples. D2.2 determine and compare the theoretical and experimental probabilities of two independent events happening and of two dependent events happening. |
| 7 | Math: C. Algebra/ Coding | C3.1 Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing efficient code, including code that involves events influenced by a defined count and/or sub-program and other control structures. |
| 8 |
Math: D. Data |
D2.2 determine and compare the theoretical and experimental probabilities of multiple independent events happening and of multiple dependent events happening. |
| 8 | Math: C. Algebra/ Coding | C3.1 Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code. |
Discover all our online workshops for SHSM students
Arts and Culture
Where Arts meet Engineering
- Grade 9-12
- Duration: 60- 75 minutes
In this interactive workshop, participants will be introduced to 3D modelling and will discover functionality and applications of 3D printers. They will also explore how to code 3D objects using mathematical concepts like geometry, coordinates and transformations to create their own 3D model of a mandala using Tinkercad Codeblocks. This workshop is a perfect mix of coding, mathematics and arts! Chromebooks or laptops and good internet connection are required for this workshop.
Aviation and Aerospace
Coding with micro:bits – Motion Detector
- Grade 11-12
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this workshop, students will make a connection between the transportation/aviation sectors and computer programming. They will be introduced to different ways programmable devices play a role in everyday transportation methods. After a short presentation, students will learn the basics of programming before being presented with a challenge: to program a device that will detect the motion of a flying vehicle, and alert HQ of any dangerous actions the vehicle is taking.
This interactive workshop will be done virtually, with the programming aspect using a simulated microcontroller (micro:bit). No equipment necessary, other than a computer with internet connection (a tablet can also be used, but less practical).
Exploring Space in VR with CoSpaces
- Grade 9-12
- Duration: 75 minutes
Students will learn how to create a 3-dimensional world, using the online CoSpaces program. Students will be given the task of creating a base on the planet Mars. They will have to take into account the extreme environment that Mars presents to create a base that can support human life.
This interactive workshop will be done virtually, with the programming aspect using the program CoSpaces. No equipment necessary, other than a computer with internet connection.
Business
Product Design and prototypes
- Grade 11-12
Duration:
- 75 minutes to 1.5 hours for Part 1
- 1 hour for Part 2
During this interactive workshop, participant will be presented with a design challenge to solve a problem that people face in their lives. They will learn the engineering design process steps and will create their own design in 3D of a prototype for a new product, using Tinkercad, an accessible free 3D design software. During the second part of the workshop (optional) they will present and pitch their product to a panel of judges, who will then decide which design is the best.
Chromebooks or laptops and good internet connection are required for this workshop.
Construction
Structures, Forces and Virtual Reality
- Grade 11-12
- Duration: 1.5 hour
Participants will have the opportunity to learn 3D design, as well as the concepts of forces and stability of different structures. During this workshop, participants will be challenged to design and build their own building in 3D and apply their new design knowledge to make their building strong and stable. Using 3D modeling software such as TinkerCad and Cospaces, which will be able to simulate real conditions of forces applied to structures, participants will be able to test their design to determine the quality and stability of their structure.
Chromebooks or laptops and good internet connection are required for this workshop.
Introduction to Arduino
- Grade 9-12
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this interactive workshop, students will get a chance to learn about microcontrollers by programming a virtual Arduino board and controlling its various inputs and outputs (lights), and dc motor (simulate an automatic door). Chromebooks or laptops and good internet connection are required for this workshop.
Chromebooks or laptops and good internet connection are required for this workshop.
Health and Wellness
Coding with micro:bits – How Coding can help improve Health
- Grade 11-12
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this workshop, students will make a connection between the health/wellness/fitness sectors and computer programming. They will be introduced to different ways programmable devices play a role in our health system and infrastructure and how certain devices can help us live a more active lifestyle. After a short presentation, students will learn the basics of programming before being presented with a challenge: to program a wearable device that can detect your motion with a goal of counting your steps, suggest random exercises, and prompt you to do an exercise if you’ve been idle for too long.
This interactive workshop will be done virtually, with the programming aspect using a simulated microcontroller. No equipment necessary, other than a computer with internet connection (a tablet can also be used, but less practical).
Product Design and prototypes
- Grade 11-12
Duration:
- 75 minutes to 1.5 hours for Part 1
- 1 hour for Part 2
During this interactive workshop, participant will be presented with a design challenge to solve a problem that people face in their lives. They will learn the engineering design process steps and will create their own design in 3D of a prototype for a new product, using Tinkercad, an accessible free 3D design software. During the second part of the workshop (optional) they will present and pitch their product to a panel of judges, who will then decide which design is the best.
Chromebooks or laptops and good internet connection are required for this workshop.
Information and Communication Technology
Coding with micro:bits
- Grade 9-12
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this interactive workshop, students will learn basic coding concepts and will create their own game using a virtual micro:bit board.
Chromebooks or laptops and good internet connection are required for this workshop.
Introduction to Arduino
- Grade 9-12
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this interactive workshop, students will get a chance to learn about microcontrollers by programming a virtual Arduino board and controlling its various inputs and outputs (lights).
Chromebooks or laptops and good internet connection are required for this workshop.
3D modelling and programming with Tinkercad Codeblocks
- Grade 9-12
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this interactive workshop, participants will be introduced to 3D modelling and will discover functionality and applications of 3D printers. They will also explore how to code 3D objects using mathematical concepts like geometry, coordinates and transformations to create their own 3D model of a mandala using Tinkercad Codeblocks. This workshop is a perfect mix of coding, mathematics and arts!
Chromebooks or laptops and good internet connection are required for this workshop.
Introduction to virtual reality and CoSpaces
- Grade 9-12
- Duration: 75 minutes
Students will learn how to create a 3D world using the online software CoSpaces and will be introduced to virtual reality. They will create and code a roller coaster to move along a path.
Manufacturing
Product and Prototype Conceptualization
- Grade 11-12
Duration:
- 75 minutes to 1.5 hours for Part 1
- 1 hour for Part 2
During this interactive workshop, participant will be presented with a design challenge to solve a problem that people face in their lives. They will learn the engineering design process steps and will create their own design in 3D of a prototype for a new product, using Tinkercad, an accessible free 3D design software. During the second part of the workshop (optional) they will present and pitch their product to a panel of judges, who will then decide which design is the best.
Chromebooks or laptops and good internet connection are required for this workshop.
Sports
Coding with micro:bits – How Coding can help improve Health
- Grade 11-12
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this workshop, students will make a connection between the health/wellness/fitness sectors and computer programming. They will be introduced to different ways programmable devices play a role in our health system and infrastructure and how certain devices can help us live a more active lifestyle. After a short presentation, students will learn the basics of programming before being presented with a challenge: to program a wearable device that can detect your motion with a goal of counting your steps, suggest random exercises, and prompt you to do an exercise if you’ve been idle for too long.
This interactive workshop will be done virtually, with the programming aspect using a simulated microcontroller. No equipment necessary, other than a computer with internet connection (a tablet can also be used, but less practical).
Transportation
Coding with micro:bits – Motion Detector
- Grade 11-12
- Duration: 75 minutes
In this workshop, students will make a connection between the transportation/aviation sectors and computer programming. They will be introduced to different ways programmable devices play a role in everyday transportation methods. After a short presentation, students will learn the basics of programming before being presented with a challenge: to program a device that will detect the motion of a flying vehicle, and alert HQ of any dangerous actions the vehicle is taking.
This interactive workshop will be done virtually, with the programming aspect using a simulated microcontroller (micro:bit). No equipment necessary, other than a computer with internet connection (a tablet can also be used, but less practical).
Introduction to virtual reality and CoSpaces
- Grade 9-12
- Duration: 75 minutes
Students will learn how to create a 3D world using the online software CoSpaces and will be introduced to virtual reality. They will create and code a roller coaster to move along a path and will be able to see a simulation on their computer.
Chromebooks or laptops and good internet connection are required for this workshop.
Birthday parties
Themes
- Choose one of the themes
Break-out the code! (9 to 12 years old)
Based on the popular "Escape room" game, participants will have to work together to solve riddles and clues in order to open locks and break the box open! They will use technology like micro:bits and some coding concepts to solve the mystery of the Break-Out box!
Robotics Birthday Party (5 to 8 years old)
Kids will participate in fun hands-on activities and games with 2 types of robots: Beebots and Ozobots. They will program the beebots to go through a maze and use the colors to program the "cool moves" of the ozobots!
Cost
- At your house: $225 (wifi is required for the Break-out)
- On campus: $175
Duration
- The activity will last about 60 to 75 minutes.
- For birthday on campus, you will have the room for 2 hours. We do not provide any food, but you can bring your own.
A parent needs to be present to supervise the kids at all times.
Group Size
Maximum of 10 kids.
To book the Maker Mobile for a birthday party, please inquire about availability at makermobile@uOttawa.ca. It is recommended to reserve at least 3 weeks before the desired date.
Workshops for parents
Programming for parents
The goal of this workshop designed specifically for parents, tutors or guardians is to teach them how to code and enable them to support their children in developing this new skill.
Coding is a new skill that we believe every child should learn. It is the best way to understand technology and allows kids to develop problem-solving, critical thinking and logic, while encouraging creativity! Since coding can be learnt at a very young age, we will be running a 2-hour long workshop, divided in two parts of one hour each.
- Part one: Coding for parents of grade K-3 using Scratch Jr on iPads.
- Part two: Coding for parents of grade 4-8 using Scratch on laptops.
Parents can choose to participate to either or both parts of the workshop. Participants will be able to learn the basis of coding by doing hands-on activities, such as coding simple stories, using iPads or laptops that will be provided.
Cost: $325 for 2 hours
Registration and availability:
- Workshops can be held as an after school activity. You may choose a date that is convenient for your school.
- Workshops can also be offered as a "Coding night for families", where both parents and children would learn to code together (maximum of 30 families).
- Contact us by email at makermobile@uOttawa.ca to register now!
Community events
Community event kiosk
Invite the uOttawa Maker Mobile Workshop to your community event! The activities can be held either inside or outside.
- Activities available: 3D printing demonstration, robotic activities with Ozobots, Beebots, etc.
- Cost: $335 for a half-day or $525 for a full day.
- Contact makermobile@uOttawa.ca for further details.
Additional details
Do I need to give the exact number of students participating?
Yes. In order for the uOttawa Maker Mobile to be able to sustain its programs (including workshops at schools), we rely on sponsorship from a number of partners. Therefore, we must provide accurate statistics, including the number of students participating in each workshop.
Do you offer free workshops?
Yes, we offer a number of free workshops to a variety of non-profit organizations, including community centres, youth groups, aboriginal and Inuit centres, Boys and Girls clubs, Scout groups, and Girl Guide groups. To find out if your group/organization is eligible for a free workshop, or to book one, please email us.
Can I rent some of your equipment (3D Printers, lasers, ect.)?
No. However, the uOttawa Richard L’Abbé Makerspace is open to the general public on Sundays and you are welcome to come and work on your personal projects for free.
Reserving multiple workshops
What is the maximum number of workshops that can be booked in one day?
We can offer a maximum of eight Maker Mobile workshops in one day, with a maximum of 2 workshops running simultaneously (subject to equipment availability.)
Can I book 3D printing workshops and laser cutting workshops for the same day?
Yes. However, you can only reserve one of each for the same day. 3D printing and laser cutting must be booked as the first workshops in the morning and/or afternoon. This will allow extra time for the tools to complete their tasks (i.e. to print or to laser-cut the designs). For this reason, 3D printing and laser cutting workshops cannot be booked back-to-back.
What is the minimum number of workshops I need to book?
There is no minimum. However, if you book only one workshop, you will be charged for a half-day ($335).
Can I book four 3D printing workshops for the same day?
No. There is a maximum of two 3D printing workshops per day. 3D printing workshops must be booked as the first workshop in the morning and/or afternoon in order to leave enough time for the printers to complete their prints. For this reason, 3D printing workshops cannot be booked back-to-back.
Can I reserve four identical workshops in the same day?
Yes. However, 3D printing and laser cutting workshops are limited to two per day (or one of each per day). Any other workshop can be reserved for up to four times in one day.