Jump to:
- Competitions: Robotics and Photography
- Infographic: Programming Languages
- Short reads: 2015 Predictions and 3D Printing
- Long read: Technology and Education
- Events: Big Bang Fair and Edinburgh Science Festival
- Activity: Raspberry Pi Projects
Competitions
Animals vs Robots: A Competition for Young Engineers inspired by the Natural World
With categories for under 11s and 11-18 year-olds, this Bristol-based competition is open to applicants across the UK. What do you have to do? Design a robot inspired by animals. A lot of tech materials and products draw on nature already, so competition entrants will be following the footsteps (or paw prints?) of some great scienctists and engineers. The winning designs will be exhibited at Bristol’s 2015 Festival of Nature and there are some really great robot prizes up for grabs. Entries close 18th May, good luck!
A robot inspired by the fly. What can you come up with?
International Images for Science: Organised by the Royal Photographic Society
This competition invites skilled photographers of all ages to submit their images representing science, to be exhibited at the British Science Festival at the end of March. There are three age groups: Under 17, 18-25 and 26+. The deadline is 23th March.
Infographic
Which programming language should I learn?
If you’re overwhelmed by choice when it comes to learning a coding language, take yourself through Carl Cheo’s handy infographic and, if you’re still not sure, you can just base your decision on your Lord of the Rings preferences…
Short Reads
NESTA’s 10 predictions for 2015
Technology features big in NESTA’s look ahead to the big trends this year. The Internet of Things and Digital Art are set to make it big and, best of all, we’re going to have a new generation of digital makers in our midst.
3D Printing Explained
Heard a lot about 3D Printing lately but not sure what all the fuss is about? This great article from Help Kids Code tells you everything you need to know and has gathered together some resources if you want more information.
A rather tempting 3D-printed product to have recently been showcased
Long Read
Can the use of technology in education take on a new direction?
Gary S Stager’s recent post on technology and matching up education with the Maker Movement aligns cloesly with our own values and principles at Fire Tech Camp. It’s a great post with some interesting examples of how teachers can make computer science interesting, useful and hugely enjoyable for students.
Events
The Big Bang Fair, Birmingham
Places are going fast for this huge celebration of youth science and engineering taking place at the NEC in Birmingham 11th-14th March. There will be tonnes of interactive exhibits for people to get stuck into and the prizes for the National Science and Engineering Competiton will also be awarded.
Edinburgh International Science Festival
This year, the Edinburgh International Science Festival (4th-19th April) will be followed by a Mini Maker Faire (20th April), and there is a call for creators and innovators to show off their wares. There is a packed programme of events at the Festival itself with plenty for families to get involved with.
Activity
Five Raspberry Pi Projects for Kids
If you’re a parent interested in technology and creativity and you don’t already follow Quibly, then we highly recommend it. One recent post sums up five fun projects for kids to do with any Raspberry Pis they might have received for Christmas. Get making, and let us know how your efforts turn out!
Raspberry Pi Retro Game Console – A Project from Lifehacker recommended on Quibly
