Find a robot at your library this National Science Week

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. There are more than 1000 registered events and activities across Australia from in-person and online events, virtual tours, DIY science and more, from 14 - 22 August.

Why not visit your local Queensland public library to find what’s on this Science Week?  Many libraries offer robotics and coding events or encourage your child to join one of the regular robotics clubs for children and teens. During COVID many library sessions are now even more accessible to families with online robotics events or links to resources to access from home.   

Ask your local library staff, or visit the library website for details.

Why robotics?

Robots are cool! They can help children of all ages gain hands-on, deep, practical knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and maths. Robotics help develop their skills in critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and innovation.

Many libraries host robotics or coding clubs where help is available and children can explore maths and science principles in a fun and relaxed environment. The challenges and experiments shared provide an engaging environment for children to learn this new language and develop skills regardless of age or experience.  

Robots you might see at your library

State Library has robot kits available for loan to Queensland public libraries. Ask your local library staff if you'd like them to borrow a kit for your local branch. Kits include:

• Code-a-pillar kit: gets the littlest of budding coders into coding
• Makeblock mBot kit: build-it-yourself robots using “meccano-like” parts 
• Sphero kit: touch spherical robots that be driven over almost any surface 
• Lego Wedo 2.0: combines the classic adaptability of Lego with a discovery-based approach to learning.
• Cue Robotics creative Kit: unique interactive experiences distinct from other robots. 
• Kai’s Clan Virtual reality robotics kit: a new twist to real world robotics. 
• Vex Battlebots: build your own champion Battlebot, Bite Force, using STEM/ engineering principles.

Ipswich Libraries, Logan City Council Libraries and Cairns Libraries are just 3 Queensland public libraries that lend some of their own robots to library members. Cairns Libraries and other libraries have responded to COVID-19 restrictions by developing technology and STEAM kits for families to use at home.

For young children STEAM is about exploration. This blog post has suggestions on how you can easily incorporate these concepts into everyday life and play.

Five amazing advantages of learning robotics for children:

• Encourage interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)
• Hone coding skills: They write, test, run, find an error and fix the issues in their codes.
• Learn to be a problem solver: Makes children real-world problem solvers.
• Creative thinking: Children can design and create amazing machines and devices.
• Develops the skills of tomorrow

Ask your local public library about robotics and coding events available this National Science Week or coming soon to a library near you.