Young Makers Update

When we began the Junior Worldbuilders program for creative young people we were initially concerned with providing a place for the kids that had been coming to Steamlabs (who ran programs in the space prior to the TTLMakerspace). We didn’t want them to lose their ‘home’ in the Makerspace.

I’m very happy that we were able to keep things going, and some of those kids are still with us today.

We have been privileged to watch these curious minds develop, and participate in the growth of kids into fine young adults. It seemed to happen very quickly! And we’ve been very happy to welcome new kids into the program as well, each with their own passions and personalities.

Young Worldbuilders – Starting Apr 6, 2024

With the growth of the program, and the growth of our kids, we are adjusting the age categories of Junior Worldbuilders to better keep pace with their evolving needs, and to make room for new young makers. The program will now have two age categories:

The Junior Worldbuilders program is a rolling series of projects that kids build together while picking up valuable skills and training from our instructors. The program involves two hours of build time, followed by an hour to work on personal projects or enjoy recreation (like Minecraft). Some of our achievements in the last year have included:

• Air rocket launcher
• Design and create Foam Armour
• Mini Arcade Cabinet
• Design and build a custom DnD miniature

To achieve projects like this, the Junior Worldbuilders become proficient with intro-level software like TinkerCAD and Scratch, and get assisted use of more complex software such as Lightburn and Prusa Slicer. They will learn hand-tools like saws, hammers, hot-glue. And they will get assisted use of light power-tools such as drills, scroll-saws, staplers and sanders.

Ages 12 – 15: Young Worldbuilders

Like the JWB, the Young Worldbuilders program is a series of collaborative projects that get young people working together to build a diverse set of maker skills to solve design challenges. Projects are more time-bound, and students learn organisational and communication skills to achieve more complex projects, such as:

• Electric Vehicle prototyping
• Internet of Things
• Advanced cosplay
• Robotics and programming

This program introduces students to tools they will come across should they go on to pursue engineering, design, or digital media arts at school. At this level, students become proficient in most hand-tools and digital fabrication. They get assisted use of powerful tools like a table-saw or lathe. And they get more opportunities to take on responsibilities.

The idea with this arrangement is to provide a path that helps our young people get a great start, and continue growing as makers and community members.

We are fortunate to have amazing instructors who are deeply committed to the hands-on style of education we provide our young people in the TTLMakerspace. All have outstanding credentials and years of experience specific to maker education.

• Junior Worldbuilders (8 to 11yo) – Sundays, 10am to 1pm
• Young Worldbuilders (12 to 15yo) – Saturdays, 10 to 1pm

Principle Instructors

Reade Richard – Co-author of “Make: AI Robots”, technical representative for Thunder Laser Canada, IRBE board member, and long-time maker.

Kyle Myers – Advanced 3DPrint instructor, TTL board member, has lead minecraft-based education projects with the United Nations.

Tim Willison – Creative Technologist, Executive Director TTL, IRBE, CEO OddlyStudios, professor Digital Media Arts and Computer Science post-secondary, current Guinness World Record holder for most people generating electricity at Power of Play interactive installation.