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MAKEY MAKEY PIANO ONLINE WORKSHOP

To celebrate Science Odyssey, which took place May 1st-16th, we will be holding an online workshop on Tuesday June 22nd from 6-7pm for students in Grades 4-6.  Join us online through Microsoft Teams to create a functional piano using Makey Makey technology.  Supplies will be provided.  A computer/laptop with USB port will be required and can be borrowed from us if needed.  To register for this online interactive workshop please fill out this form.  Registration closes Friday June 18th at 12pm.

 

ACTIVITY KITS PROGRAM

We currently have a variety of activity kits for at-home STEM learning.  Activity kits will require registration and will be made available with non-contact delivery by X-Chem staff.  At this time, activity kits will only be available to those within a 15km radius of the Town of Antigonish.  All kits will be prepared following COVID-19 protocols and guidelines set by StFX and Nova Scotia Health.  Our COVID-19 safe operating procedure for our activity kit program can be found here.

Science Activity Kits

NOTE: Science Activity Kits are now available!  Kits will be delivered Monday June 21st between 6:30-8pm.  Registration closes Friday June 18th at 12pm.  Coding kits are not available at this time.

NATURE

Recommended age level: all ages. It's only NATURAL to want to get this activity kit since it's all about nature!  Create your own ecosystem with a test tube terrarium, and learn about the science of gardening by testing different soil compositions.  Try branching out and design your own birdhouse to watch the birds flock to your yard. This kit requires some patience as it takes PLANT-y of time to grow.  Required materials: crayons/markers, tape, glass cup, water.  NO FEE REQUIRED! To register for a Nature science kit, please fill out this form.

ROCKS & MINERALS

Recommended age level: 8-12 years old. This activity kit really ROCKS!  Learn how the rock cycle works by making your own crayon rocks, and grow your own crystals using the crystal growing kit.  Of QUARTZ you can also become a geologist and identify different rocks using scientific tests of physical properties.  Start your own rock collection with the rocks you identify, they may have some SEDIMENTAL value!  One thing's for sure, you won't take this kit for GRANITE!  You STALAG-MIGHT need some parental/guardian help, as heat is used in several of the activities.  Required materials: a pot, a microwave/stove, a bowl, water.  NO FEE REQUIRED!  To register for a Rocks & Minerals science kit, please fill out this form.

ENGINEERING

Recommended age level: 8-12 years old. This activity kit focuses on the science of engineering. Made your own wobblebot with batteries and motors, create a car using a balloon engine, and build an extending grabber to reach things far away! Some parent/guardian assistance is required, as a hot glue gun is considered useful for some activities. If in need of a hot glue gun, there are a limited number available to be included with the kits. When registering for a kit, please let us know if one is needed. Required materials: scissors, tape, glue and markers. NO FEE REQUIRED! To register for an Engineering science kit, please fill out this form.

 

Coding Kits

NOTE: Coding Kits are currently unavailable!

Coding activity kits will contain X-Chem coding equipment that must be returned.  Note: Participants must be at home at the time of delivery to ensure the kit is received!

BINARY CODE BRACELET OR KEYCHAIN ACTIVITY KITS

Recommended age level: 5+.  This kit will teach the concept of binary code, which is the language computers use to read and process information.  Learn about binary code by using UV beads and coloured beads to spell your child's initials in binary numbers.  Choose between a bracelet or a keychain for your kit.  UV beads appear to be white, but change colour when exposed to UV light.

To register for a binary code bracelet or keychain kit, please fill out this form.  One form/child, please fill out for each child in your house wanting a kit.

 

BOTLEY THE CODING ROBOT ACTIVITY KITS

Recommended age level: 5-8 years old.  These kits will the complete Botley set with the required AAA batteries and instructions.  No other technology/equipment is required.  Botley introduces coding in a fun, easy way and teaches the basics of coding through active play.  Program Botley with the easy-to-use remote programmer and watch him follow your commands.  Botley also introduces the concepts of loops and if/then logic.  For more information view the Botley Activity Guide

To register for the 1 week use of a Botley, please fill out this form.  Limit of 1 kit/household. 

 

mTINY ROBOT ACTIVITY KITS

Recommended age level: 4-7 years old.  These kits will include a mTiny Robot kit complete with robot, tap pen controller, USB charge cord, coding cards, map blocks, and instructions. No other technology is required. Note: The mTiny will come fully charged, however a USB charge block/device will be required if you wish to recharge. mTiny is an early education robot that "brings computer programming into children's real life, using coding cards and various themed map blocks to guide the child in exploring, perceiving, and creating through highly interactive, stimulating, and fun games".  For more information visit https://www.makeblock.com/mtiny

To register for the use of a mTiny robot kit, please fill out this form.  Limit of 1 kit/household. 

 

OZOBOT ACTIVITY KITS

Recommended age level: 7-10 years old.  These kits will include an Ozobot Bit robot, USB charge cord, Ozobot markers, and instructions.  Note: The Ozobot will come fully charged, however a USB charge block/device will be required if you wish to recharge.  Additionally, an iPad can be used with the Ozobot however it is not required. Ozobot is a small robot the blends the physical and digital worlds to teach kids programming.  Ozobots identify and follow lines, colours, and codes on both physical and digital surfaces such as paper and an iPad.

To register for the use of an Ozobot kit, please fill out this form.  Limit of 1 kit/household. 

 

SPHERO MINI ACTIVITY KITS

Recommended age level: 7-10 years old.  These kits will include a Sphero Mini, USB charge cord, small accessories kit, and instructions.  Note: An Apple or Android tablet or phone is required, as well as a USB charge block or charging device. Sphero Mini is a small app-enabled robot the size of a ping pong ball.  Use the drive, slingshot, and tilt options on the app to steer the Sphero Mini through obstacle courses as well as play games such as bowling, curling, and more.

To register for the use of a Sphero Mini kit, please fill out this form.  Limit of 1 kit/household.  

 

TURING TUMBLE ACTIVITY KITS

Recommended age level: 7+.  These kits will include the complete Turing Tumble set along with instructions/activity book containing 60 easy to follow puzzles.  No other technology/equipment is required. The goal of each puzzle is to build a computer that completes a particular objective.  "Turing Tumble is a revolutionary new game where players build mechanical computers powered by marbles to solve logic puzzles. It’s fun, addicting, and while you’re at it, you discover how computers work."  For more information visit https://www.turingtumble.com/ 

To register for the 1 week use of a Turing Tumble, please fill out this form.  Limit of 1 kit/household.