TinkerTech: Museum of Life and Science launches new series for families, middle schoolers

For the tinkerers out there ...

The Museum of Life and Science in Durham is launching two new series this fall that are designed to encourage creative building and critical thinking. These "tinkering" programs offer a fun way for families and middle school aged kids to get involved in all kinds of hands-on projects. The first set start this weekend, but there are many more scheduled through the fall.

Here's more information about the museum's Family Workshops and Project TinkerTech Club, designed for middle school students.

Launching Friday, Sept. 15, TinkerTech Family Workshops encourage experimentation with the latest technologies such as 3D printing pens and wearable electronics, while developing skills that create real-world critical thinking connections to STEM and beyond. While themes will vary, workshops will focus on using the engineering design process to develop key problem-solving skills. It is also an opportunity for adults and children to work together, creating something tangible to take home. Activities include designing your own exhibit after a behind-the-scenes look at popular environments, such as Hideaway Woods, building wearable optics to take home, and experimenting with light to solve a laser maze. A participation fee of $25 per person covers supplies and provides access to dedicated design space.

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 26, participants in the 10-week Project TinkerTech after-school club program will use the engineering design process to tackle a variety of individual and collaborative building projects.  Each session will feature a new theme determined by the interests and skill levels of each session’s participants, creating a truly customized experience, possible activities include creating a working heart valve and programming microcontrollers and computers. This project-based club is specially designed for middle school students during the 2017-18 school year. The cost is $220 and $200 for museum members.