Red Deer Polytechnic’s Red Hot Science Youth Outreach Program

Contact: pamela.neumann@rdpolytech.ca ph. 403-357-3650

Red Deer Polytechnic’s Red Hot Science youth outreach program is pleased to offer technology, coding, and robotics workshops. These 1-2 hour workshops introduce youth to fun, hands-on tech with real-world applications in industries including agriculture. Red Hot Science is a proud network member of Actua, and is thankful to provide these workshops with their support. These workshops are part of the CanCode program made possible through funding from the Government of Canada.

Trouble with Tribbles
Ages 7 – 10, 1 hr
Finding its origins in season two, episode 15 of Star Trek: The Original Series, these charming Tribbles will dance for all audiences. The participants will assemble their very own pom-pom Tribble, name it, and then using a micro:bit process and a Hummingbird kit will learn how to write a simple block code program to make the Tribble dance for them. At the end of the class the participants will be able to take their Tribble home with them. (Only the pom-pom Tribbles are taken home with the participants, not the tech devices)

Rock-Paper-Scissors…Circuits!
Ages 7 – 10, 1 hr
We all know the game of rock-paper-scissors to determine who goes first in a game. Using the motion detector on a micro:bit processor board, the participants will learn how to use Microsoft’s block code programming language to create a small game they can play with others or by themselves to see if they can beat the micro:bit computer at rock-paper-scissors.

Programmable Chicken Door
Ages 10 – 14, 1.5 hr
There is a growing interest in growing and raising our own food. In this digital agriculture workshop participants will learn how to use a micro:bit processor board and Hummingbird kit to build a simple wireless remote-controlled chicken coop door using Microsoft’s block code programming language.

Cybernetic Hot Hands
Ages 10 – 14, 1 hr
Who is quickest to the draw? A micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer with amazing capabilities. Utilizing a micro:bit processor board the participants will use Microsoft’s block code programming language to see who has the faster response time touching a touch sensitive pad.

Aerodynamic Design
Ages 10-14, 1 hr
Flight is a fascinating world, whether it is rockets heading to space, commercial airplanes taking
passengers across the world, or the incredible long-distance migration of birds. Explore the
science of aerodynamics and design your own paper airplane to test in the Red Hot Science
wind tunnel.