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.
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.
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 24 and 31) 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Mondays (August 25) 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturdays (August 23 and 30)12:30 - 3:30 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 20 and 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 22 and 29)
Saturdays (August 23 and 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
Fridays (August 22 and 29)
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
September Open Lab Time: Inventors Club - Simple Machines Challenge
Sundays (September 7, 14, 21, and 28) 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Mondays (September 1, 8, 15, 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 3, 10, 17, and 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 5, 12, 19, and 26) 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Saturdays (September 6, 13, 20, and 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