STEAM Education & Workshops

As everyone knows: engineering and programming is the future. We believe that (now and in the near future) the programming language is just as an important language as for example English. Everywhere you look there is software and technology involved. But how to get newbies excited about this topic in general? With our workshops we aim at making a first step in programming and engineering in a fun and exciting way. Not a newbie anymore? No problem, as every workshop is adapted to the participants, the difficulty of the workshops can be altered so that it is inspiring for both young and old, or, newbie and professionals!

With our GBCs (Great Ball Contraptions) / STEAM Education Workshops there’s a fit for everyone. STEAM (or STEM) is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding participants inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. Builders will collaborate closely together on big machines in a systematic and organized way using the SCRUM method. Improve the collaboration within a team, think out of the box and have fun doing so. During the workshop participants will learn about physics, mechanics, programming, gearing, pneumatics, forces, construction, timing, logic, audio/music, mechanisms and so much more!

There is always something for anyone. So tell us about your event/workshop ideas and let us discuss the possibilities together.
We always custom tail our workshops to fit into your event/organization but as a starting point here are a few workshops we have given before.

Great Ball Contraptions
Participants will build a Great Ball Contraption themselves using our building instructions. How do certain mechanisms work and what do you have to consider while designing a Great Ball Contraption yourself? How can timings mechanisms always stay in sync? During the workshop they will learn about physics, gearing, forces, construction, timing, mechanisms and more. By using the SCRUM method multiple teams can work together on the same machine, enhancing the collaboration which makes for a great team effort.

Program unique art
By using our own designed Spirograph Spinners, participants will program their machine to create unique art. A step by step presentation will be given by us which gets the participants started with the very basics of programming while working their way up to more complex tasks. During the workshop they will learn about programming, physics, forces, logic, motors, encoders, sensors and more. Which program can create the most beautiful wall decoration?

Program music
By using our own designed Record Blasters made from LEGO, participants will program their turntable to play music. Our LEGO compatible needle (cartridge) will be used to actually get sound from real vinyl records! A step by step presentation will be given by us which gets the participants started with the very basics of programming while working their way up to more complex tasks. During the workshop participants will learn about programming, physics, audio/music, frequencies, gearing, motors, encoders, logic and more. By good programming we can improve the overall audio quality of the music. What will work best?