Robotics and coding on agenda at The Mind Lab

Mindlab Holiday Programme - Nina Buscke, McKenzie Pepere, Nina Wilson, Carter Orford, Max Elsmore. File picture

MORE than 250 children in Gisborne will be given the chance to develop robotics and computer coding skills at Mind Lab by Unitec, Gisborne's state-of-the art digital learning facility.

The Mind Lab has been successful in applying for the Curious Minds funding from MBIE. The Lab was awarded $26,000 to engage more young people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The Mind Lab Gisborne education director Tim Gander said funding would allow around 270 young people access to long term (five-week) afterschool and weekend workshops this year.

“In addition to the reduced cost, the Mind Lab has also adjusted the time of sessions to allow more young people access. We have learnt that the time of sessions and transport have been barriers to participation in the past. Te Wananga Whakawhanui will be run slightly later and during the weekends so learners from out of town will be able to attend.”

Five open sessionsThe first stage of Te Wananga Whakawhanui will be five open sessions, which will be free and run after school and at the weekend. The aim of these sessions is to allow young people the chance to find out which workshops they would like to apply for. The first session is on Tuesday, June 28.

The taster sessions will cover film, coding, animation and 3D printing and to register an interest fill in this form.

“Applications for Te Wananga Whakawhanui will be circulated through schools/kura and social media," Mr Gander said.

“Young people between seven and 18 will be able to apply to be a part of the academy, which will be developing the bright young minds in Tairawhiti. When learners are part of the academy they will attend afterschool and weekend workshops at The Mind Lab for a gold coin koha."

The workshops range between $130-$150 for five to six sessions, which have been subsidised by the funding.

“The workshops will be in computer coding, electronics with Arduino, web-design, app development, 3D printing and design.

“We were really passionate as a regional lab to make this opportunity accessible to everyone as we see this is where the real change will begin. To have subsidies to support further equitable access will really make a difference to a wide range of young people in the district.”

Email gisborne@themindlab.com for further details.