@members we’ve just finished a series of four sessions where Grace and Femi from South London Raspberry Jam and a bunch of great kids developed a submission for the ESA’s [AstroPi challenge] (http://www.esa.int/Education/Teachers_Corner/European_Astro_Pi_Challenge_Code_your_ISS_experiment_-_more_details)
We’ll watch closely to see how they get on, but wish them luck!
@Esther_Gladstone @courty @RichM and Sam (are you on Discourse, Sam?) all came along to lend their time, expertise and enthusiasm to what were very successful sessions all round.
For me it was great to see youngsters in the space collaborating on a creative coding project: there’s was incredible engagement and energy from the kids – and their enthusiasm was infectious their parents and siblings, who all seemed to get drawn in to the activities.
Grace has asked whether we’d be willing to host them for a trial run of Sunday monthly afternoon sessions. The format would likely be less project based than the AstroPi, and more open for people to drop in and get involved. This is aimed at 9 to 14 year olds but younger participants are welcome: this might suit members with young children.
I’m always mindful that the primary purpose of the Makerspace is for to provide workshop space for our members, but at our current usage levels I think we can accommodate this, and it brings in a different crowd which always adds extra to the mix. I think this is a win for us, and something we can easily give.
Proposal:
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RasPi Jam every third Sunday of the month 1:45 to 4pm – Six month trial
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use of the large tables in the clean room, and projector/screen.
NOTES:
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a Makerspace member would need to be present during the events, and to open and close up. So we’d need volunteers to cover six Sunday afternoons.
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Although it takes up the main table it still leaves: textiles, electronics, and social areas free for members to work, and has no effect on the other workshops.
Let us know what you think