Free workshops electrify kids

A LITTLE BIG PROJECT: Lewis Smith, Myles Smith and Flynn Chamberlain enjoyed learning about batteries and circuits as part of the first Little Big Project workshop at Electric Village on Saturday. Picture supplied

ELECTRIC Village and The Mind Lab by Unitec have partnered up to deliver ‘The Little Big Project’, a series of free workshops teaching kids about energy and electrical engineering.

Thirty children attended two workshops at Electric Village on Saturday morning to learn about batteries, circuits and how electricity works.

“During the workshops, we explored batteries and circuits through paper circuitry,” said The Mind Lab edtech innovator Emily Walpole.

“The children created their own paper houses and built a circuit using batteries and copper tape to light up a small LED in their homes.”

This weekend’s workshop was the first in a series of activities planned for The Little Big Project.

Electric Village’s energy champion Katherine Evett said that she was excited to partner up with The Mind Lab by Unitec on this innovative project.

“Electric Village is all about new energy technology, and what amazing innovations are set to benefit our community in the future, which is exactly what The Mind Lab specialises in delivering.”

The Electric Village concept is a New Zealand first, developed by Gisborne’s Eastland Group.

“Electric Village is an important project for us and the community," said chief executive Matt Todd.

“As well as talking to adults about electricity consumption and new innovations such as solar and electric vehicles, we’re also committed to working with educators like The Mind Lab by Unitec to help kids understand how energy works. After all, they will be the one who grow up experiencing these futuristic innovations as normal.”

Helayna Rurifrok’s children attended The Little Big Project.

“My kids had a really fun and engaging morning at the Electric Village workshop,” she said.

“They loved being able to challenge themselves by making cool cards that had real, working lights in them! These have been finished off and used as Christmas cards for friends. The workshop got them thinking, and made them problem solve, which is a super important skill.”

“Next year, Electric Village will host more workshops for kids to learn and explore the future of energy and electronics,” Ms Evett said.

“Everyone interested in learning more about The Little Big Project can sign up to the Electric Village mailing list at electricvillage.nz. Or, just pop in and see us at 37 Gladstone Road.”