August’s Space Works Theme:
Eyes on the Skies: Exploring Space Tech in Orbit
This month in Space Works, we invite young makers to explore the technology orbiting above us — from powerful space telescopes to satellites and space junk — through hands-on projects that bring the wonders of low Earth orbit down to Earth.
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)
August Open Lab Time: Inventors Club
Space Junk Challenge
Sundays (August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31) 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Mondays (August 4, 11, 18, 25) 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Join us for a Space Junk Challenge! Learn about the growing problem of orbital debris and explore innovative ways to clean up space junk around the Earth. Use the Engineering Design Process to sketch and prototype your own space-cleaning robot or satellite system to scale. Combine 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 Space Works staff will guide you as you create a working engineering model to take home!
Free
Ozobot Challenge
Wednesdays (August 6, 13, 20, 27)
10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Session 1
11a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Session 2
1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – Session 3
Learn the basics of robotic coding language by programming Ozobot mini-robots using Blockly web-based software. Bring these robots to life through fun challenges with creative problem solving. Code your Ozobot to dance, navigate color-coded mazes, complete simple tasks, and explore a mini world.
$5
Teen Maker Hour: Building The James Webb Space Telescope
Fridays (August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29)
Saturdays (August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30)
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Discover the incredible engineering behind the James Webb Space Telescope! Learn how it was assembled, explore its mission to study the origins of the universe, and dive into the science behind its key components—like the sunshield, mirrors, and instruments. Then, build your own custom papercraft scale model of the telescope and see how each part fits together in this groundbreaking space observatory.
$10
Space Junk Mail
Session 1- 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Session 2- 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Learn the basics of digital design using Cricut Design Space and explore techniques for creating a custom greeting card featuring different 2-D space objects. Our Space Works staff will help you design your space junk-themed scene, combining rocket parts and satellites to beam a 2-D message home. Bring your design to life using our Cricut Cutting Machines that combine creativity and technology in a unique way.
$5
Open Lab Time: Inventors Club: Space Junk Challenge
12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join us for a Space Junk Challenge! Learn about the growing problem of orbital debris and explore innovative ways to clean up space junk around the Earth. Use the Engineering Design Process to sketch and prototype your own space-cleaning robot or satellite system to scale. Combine 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 Space Works staff will guide you as you create a working engineering model to take home!