Innovation starts with tinkering. From blocks and balls to simple machines, Innovation Station gives kids space — physically and mentally — to imagine, create and build. The focus will be on the process, not the product. Children are encouraged to evaluate, try, fail, re-evaluate and try again. Innovation Station appeals to multiple types of intelligence and eschews lengthy instructions for more intuitive learning.

Learning Objectives

• Recognizing that objects are made up of parts and pieces that have a purpose.

• Understanding that design is an iterative process that involves learning through failure.

• Enhancing motor skills through the use of various tools while tinkering and making.

• Developing a strong sense of agency that will empower young learners to create and co-create.

• Envisioning oneself as a member of a larger community, and as an agent of change within that community.

Activities by Recommended Age

• Newborn to 4 years old: Little Makers – kids can make any number of creations with our building set. They can build a ball run on the wall, a car out of basic shapes, a pulley system, or anything that their imagination can think up! Hardware and connectors are appropriate for all ages and help develop fine motor skills in young learners. 

• 5 to 7 years old: Real Making – kids can have their first experience working with the real tools at our lab. They can tinker by sawing through recycled materials or wood, developing perseverance and grit. They can make by screwing together parts and pieces to make a whole. 

• 8 to 11 years old: DoLandia – at DoLandia older kids can us tools such as VR and AR to be producers of content rather than consumers of content. In partnership with MERGE, they can build using a CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) program, explore their creation in a VR and AR world, make edits and repeat! 

Tips

• If your child is interested in creating amazing STEM masterpieces and learning in an interactive, engaging environment, visit a Maker Workshop every Saturday at 3:00 pm.

• We also offer Little Maker Workshops on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11:00 am for our youngest tinkerers.

Thank You to our Partner for their generous support