September’s Space Works Theme: Discovering the Power of Simple Machines
This month in Space Works, young makers will explore the building blocks of engineering with simple machines—from levers and pulleys to wheels, axles, and inclined planes. Through hands-on projects and playful challenges, students will uncover how these time-tested tools make work easier and power everything from playgrounds to spacecraft.
October’s Space Works Theme: This October in Space Works, explore "Wings and Other Spooky Things” where Halloween and engineering take flight! Learn the science behind flight while using 3D printing, design tools, and robotics to create creepy creatures, flying machines, and spooky interactive builds.
Space Works Lab Activities
* Disclaimer: Because of the technological equipment and the dexterity and skills necessary to safely operate classroom tools, these activities are designed for students aged 12 and older (middle and high school).
*(Dates, at any moment, can be adjusted to meet the needs of UFT overflow programming)
September Open Lab Time: Inventors Club - Simple Machines Challenge
Sundays (September 28) 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Mondays (September 22 and 29) 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
12:30 - 3:30 pm
Join us for a Simple Machines Challenge! Discover how levers, pulleys, wheels, and inclined planes make work easier and solve real-world problems. Use the Engineering Design Process to sketch and prototype your own machine that can lift, move, or carry objects more efficiently. Combine everyday and upcycled materials to build your invention, and get hands-on with tools like fabric scissors, hot glue guns, rotary cutters, and cardboard cutting tools. Our Maker Staff will guide you as you create a working engineering model to take home!
Cardboard Engineering Challenge
Wednesdays (September 24)
Session 1- 10:00 am - 10:45 am
Session 2- 11:00 am - 11:45 am
Session 3- 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
In this Cardboard Engineering Challenge, students design and construct an object for Space Exploration using the Engineering Design Process. They’ll use upcycled materials along with 3D-printed cardboard screws, hinges, and connectors for added strength. This hands-on class fosters creativity and problem-solving while exploring simple machines like levers, pulleys, inclined planes, and wheels that help make work easier.
$5
Simple Greetings
Session 1- 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Session 2- 2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
In this hands-on class, students will build their maker skills by designing fall-themed greeting cards that incorporate simple machines like levers, pulleys, and wheels. Using our Cricut Cutting Machines and digital software, our Maker Staff will guide students through the design process and help fabricate their Simple Greeting Card!
$5
Teen Maker Hour: 3D Printing Simplified
Fridays (September 26) 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Saturdays (September 27) 10:30 am - 11:30 am
In this introductory class, students will learn the fundamentals of 3D design using Doodle 3D and the basics of 3D printing. They’ll select a small space-themed object to 3D print during the class, then design their own unique space-inspired creation to be printed after class. Parents will be notified by email when their student print is ready for pickup at the Ticket Desk (1-2 days later).
$10
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October Open Lab Time: Inventors Club - Flying Creatures Challenge
Sundays (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.): October 5, 12, 19. 26
Mondays (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.): October 6, 13, 20, 27
Saturdays (12:30 – 3:30 p.m.): October 4, 11, 18, 25
Join us for a Flying Creatures Challenge and explore the spooky science of flight! Learn how wings, lift, and motion work as you use the Engineering Design Process to sketch, prototype, and build your own eerie airborne creature. Using 3D printed parts, upcycled materials, and tools like hot glue guns, cardboard cutters, and more you’ll create a creepy flying invention to take home with guidance every step of the way from our Maker Staff!
Open Lab Time: Phantom Circuits
Wednesdays (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.): October 1, 8, 15. 22. 29
Fridays (1p.m. – 3 p.m.): October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Help us catch the phantom circuit! Come learn the basics of robotic coding with Ozobot mini-robots and get hands-on experience driving Botley robots through spooky challenges and haunted obstacle courses. Pick out a Halloween costume for your Ozobot robot to wear on an eerie adventure through a tabletop maze you learn to code!
Teen Maker Hour: Spooky 3D Printing
Fridays and Saturdays (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31
In this introductory class, students will learn the fundamentals of 3D design using Doodle 3D and the basics of 3D printing. They’ll select a small space-themed object to 3D print during the class, then design their own unique spooky-creature creation to be printed after class. Parents will be notified by email when their student print is ready for pickup.
$10