Maker Mobile Workshops for high schools and specialist high skills majors (SHSM)

Grade: 7 to 12
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Format: Online or Classroom

This interactive workshop introduces 3D printing, its functionality and applications. In small groups, you will have the opportunity to create your own 3D model using TinkerCAD, a user-friendly 3D modelling software. Using 3D printers, you’ll also be able to turn your design into reality!

• During a 1-hour workshop, your students will have the opportunity to design in TinkerCAD.
• During a 2-hour workshop, not only will your students design their model but they will also get the opportunity to 3D print their design.

Grades 7 to 12 will learn how to make a Lego head. This workshop also explores the design process by requiring specific dimensions to ensure the modelled Lego head can pop onto a Lego body. Express your creativity and create a unique Lego head as well!

Grade: 7 to 12
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Format: Classroom

This interactive workshop allows for older students or those with beginner 3D modeling experience to continue exploring the depths of TinkerCAD and the design process!

The challenge at hand is that of creating a spinning top while keeping in mind the constraints of a 3D printer and the physics at play in order to design and create the most efficient spinning top.

• During a 1-hour workshop, your students will have the opportunity to design their top in TinkerCAD.   
• During a 2-hour workshop, not only will your students design their top but they will also get the opportunity to 3D print their design.

Grade: 9 to 12
Duration: 60 to 75 minutes
Format: Online or Classroom

In this interactive workshop, participants learn about microcontrollers by programming an Arduino board and controlling its various inputs and outputs (lights). Open-source microcontrollers like Arduino are currently mainstream and have been adopted by electronic hobbyists around the world. This workshop gives participants a good introduction to the world of electronics and electrical engineering. Chromebooks or laptops are required for this workshop.

Grade: 9 to 12
Duration: 75 minutes
Format: Online or Classroom

This workshop should be booked as a follow-up workshop after the first Arduino workshop or for participants who have previous programming experience. More advanced programming concepts, such as loops and arrays, are explored.

Grade: 7 to 12
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Format: Online or Classroom

In this workshop, you will create a virtual reality simulation of a roller coaster on Cospaces. You will learn to work in a 3D environment, program objects, and understand the various, real-world applications of VR. In the longer classroom workshop, students will also get the opportunity to explore the VR space using the Meta Quest headset.

• During a 1-hour workshop, your students will have the opportunity to design their roller coaster in Cospaces.
• During a 2-hour workshop, they will also get the opportunity to test out the VR headsets (in-person only).

Note: Chromebooks or laptops are required for this workshop.

Grade: 11 to 12
Duration: 75 minutes
Format: Online or Classroom

In this interactive workshop, participants apply many different physics theories studied in class to real-life situations. More specifically, participants use kinematic and conservation of energy concepts to solve a complex projectile problem. Once solved, the projectile problem will be recreated using a 3D software called CoSpaces and participants will conduct a virtual simulation to test their calculations and see if they were correct.

Note: Chromebooks or laptops are required for this workshop.

Grade: 9 to 12
Duration: 60 to 75 minutes
Format: Online or Classroom

Participants learn how to code using Python, a program that calculates probabilities. They will understand the benefits of using programming to handle a large amount of data. This workshop is a good introduction to coding with Python.

Note: Laptops or Chromebooks are required for this activity.

Grade: 9 to 12
Duration: 60 to 75 minutes
Format: Online or Classroom

In this workshop, students will learn about the importance of having a strong password by creating two Python programs. In the first one, students will create a password generator and in the second they will create a password cracker. Not only will students learn what makes a password strong, they will also explore the concepts of brute force and ethical hacking practices.

Note: If your school has laptops or chromebooks for your students, please let us know ahead of time. 

Grade: 9 to 12
Duration: 75 minutes
Format: Classroom

In this interactive workshop, students will learn basic JavaScript coding concepts and will create their own game using a virtual micro:bit board. A micro:bit is a small board, half the size of a credit card, that has a microprocessor, accelerometer, sensors, a display of 25 LEDs, and two programmable buttons. It’s now used around the world to encourage children to get actively involved in writing software and building new things.

The challenge is to code a coin flipper and rock paper scissors game that you can play with your micro:bit!

Note: Chromebooks or laptops are required for this workshop. If your school has laptops or chromebooks for your students, please let us know ahead of time. 

Grade: 7 to 12
Duration: 2.5 hours
Format: Classroom

In this engaging workshop, students will embark on a hands-on project to design and build a wind turbine. Guided by the principles of the design process, participants will brainstorm, prototype, and refine their turbines with the ultimate aim of maximizing electricity generation. The performance of each turbine will be tested and measured using our specialized power board, providing real-time feedback and fostering a competitive yet collaborative learning environment.  

Grade: 9 to 12
Duration: 75 minutes
Format: Classroom

In this workshop, students will learn about Lewis structures. They will use happy atoms to help them visualize the structures and complete a worksheet.

For French workshops, please note that the Happy Atoms app is only in English. Our presentation and worksheet will be in French, but the application can not be translated. 

Grade: 11 to 12
Duration: 75 minutes
Format: Classroom

In this workshop, students will apply concepts of simple machines, statics, and principles of energy and momentum into the design of a swinging pirate ship. They will be given a set of design requirements from which they must calculate the safest and most enjoyable ride! Students will get the opportunity to expand their knowledge on the concepts of energy, statics, kinematics taught in their physics courses to a carnival ride. They will use theoretical values to calculate and design the safest and most energy efficient ride. 

Grade: 9 to 12
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Online or Classroom 
Sector: Arts and culture 

In this interactive workshop, participants are introduced to 3D modelling and discover the functionality and applications of 3D printers. They also explore how to code 3D objects using mathematical concepts like geometry, coordinates, and transformations to create their own model of a mandala using Tinkercad Codeblocks. Then, they use the concepts learned to create a three-dimensional art object. This workshop is a perfect mix of coding, mathematics, and arts!

Note: Chromebooks or laptops and good internet connection are required for this workshop.

Grade: 11 to 12
Duration: 75 minutes
Format: Online or Classroom 
Sector: Aviation and aerospace, transportation 

In this workshop, participants are introduced to the connection between the transportation/aviation sectors and computer programming. They learn about how different programmable devices play a role in everyday transportation methods. After a short presentation, participants learn the basics of programming before being challenged to program a device to detect a flying vehicle’s motion and alert HQ if the vehicle takes any dangerous actions.

Note: This interactive workshop is conducted virtually, with the programming aspect using a simulated microcontroller (micro:bit). No equipment is necessary, other than a computer with an internet connection (a tablet can also be used, but is less practical).

Grade: 11 to 12
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Online or Classroom 
Sector:  Health and wellness, manufacturing 

This workshop is one that introduces you to the engineering design process by challenging you to design an object that can be used to open doors without using you hands using 3D modeling!

It allows you to learn basics of 3D modelling and printing and to better understand what engineers have to go through when designing a new prototype!

Note: Chromebooks or laptops and good internet connection are required for this workshop.

Grade: 9 to 12
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Online or Classroom 
Sector: Construction, information and communication technology 

During this workshop, participants learn how to program an Arduino microcontroller. They learn about digital and analog signals and how they can be used as inputs to control outputs (LEDs). Participants write code to make a series of lights blink and create different light patterns. They also learn about pulse width modulation and how to use this concept to change the LED brightness level and colour. Finally, participants use a potentiometer to control the LEDs and display the values read by the analog port on their computer.

Note: Chromebooks or laptops and a good internet connection are required for this workshop.

Grade: 11 to 12
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Online or Classroom
Sector: Health and wellness  

In this workshop, participants make a connection between the health/wellness/fitness sectors and computer programming. They are introduced to the various ways in which programmable devices play a role in health systems and infrastructure, and how certain devices can help people live more active lifestyles. After a short presentation, participants learn the basics of programming before being presented with a challenge: to program a wearable device to detect motion with the goal of counting steps, suggesting random exercises, and prompting the wearer to exercise if they have been idle for too long.

Note: This interactive workshop is conducted virtually, with the programming aspect using a simulated microcontroller. No equipment is necessary, other than a computer with an internet connection (a tablet can also be used, but is less practical).

Grade: 9 to 12
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Online or Classroom 
Sector: Information and communication technology 

In this interactive workshop, participants are introduced to 3D modelling and discover the functionality and applications of 3D printers. They also explore how to code 3D objects using mathematical concepts like geometry, coordinates, and transformations to create their own model of a mandala using Tinkercad Codeblocks. Then, they use these concepts to create a tri-dimensional artwork. This workshop is a perfect mix of coding, mathematics, and art!

Note: Chromebooks or laptops and good internet connection are required for this workshop.

Grade: 11 to 12
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Online or Classroom 
Sector: Information and communication technology 

Participants are introduced to virtual reality and learn how to create a 3D world using an online software called CoSpaces. They create a rollercoaster and write the code to move it along a path.

• This 2-hour workshop is offered in two parts: First, your students will have the opportunity to design their roller coaster in Cospaces. Then, they will also get the opportunity to test their design with the VR headsets (in-person only)

Maximum 30 participants per workshop.

Requests for workshop cancellations must be submitted in writing at least three business days prior to the scheduled workshop date. Cancellations left on voicemail will not be accepted. If a cancellation is made less than three business days before the scheduled workshop date, a $50 cancellation fee will be charged.

In the event of cancellation due to inclement weather, the fee will not be charged. Workshops will be rescheduled at a later date.

• Teachers must always remain in the classroom and will be required to complete a short evaluation at the end of the workshop.
• The classroom or laboratory must have at least two electrical outlets
• A projector is required
• Wi-Fi access is required (please have the password ready for our instructors)
• For 3D printing workshops, we will need a table, near power outlets, on which to install our three 3D printers

Teachers must always remain in the meeting and will be required to complete a short evaluation at the end of the workshop.