Electrical littleBits

In this workshop students use littleBits, electronic building blocks that snap together with magnets, to create their circuits.

NASA engineers

Students take on the role of a research and development engineer at NASA and are challenged to build a working satellite dish by following an engineering design process.

Hands-on experience

'I loved the experience of building something so technical. It was a brilliant opportunity and I learned so much.'

Workshop participant, 2017

Workshop overview

Year level 7-8
Capacity 16-32 students. If you want to bring more students, email stemworkshops@qut.edu.au
When School days: Monday-Friday
Duration Half day
Where QUT Gardens Point, Science and Engineering Centre
Cost Free (Late cancellation fees apply. Please see terms and conditions).

Workshop details

One of our most popular and fun workshops, littleBits: NASA teaches the basics of circuitry and culminates in a challenge to design and build a working satellite dish.

Students use littleBits electronic snap-together modules to assemble and test a variety of increasingly complex tools and machines. They learn about engineers and explore the basic concepts of aeronautical and aerospace engineering, and discover the role of the electromagnetic spectrum in interstellar communication. Using their new-found knowledge they are challenged to construct a working satellite dish using craft materials and littleBits.

Topics covered in this workshop:

  • electrical engineering
  • design and technologies
  • physical sciences.

Book this workshop

All bookings are subject to availability of university spaces and presenters.

Make a booking

Discover more workshops

You can also add a 30-minute interactive experience at The Cube to your visit.

Curriculum links

Year 7

Science

  • Measure and control variables, select equipment appropriate to the task and collect data with accuracy (ACSIS126), (ACSIS141)
  • Reflect on scientific investigations including evaluating the quality of the data collected, and identifying improvements (ACSIS131), (ACSIS146)

Design Technology

  • Analyse ways to produce designed solutions through selecting and combining characteristics and properties of materials, systems, components, tools and equipment (ACTDEK034)
  • Critique needs or opportunities for designing and investigate, analyse and select from a range of materials, components, tools, equipment and processes to develop design ideas (ACTDEP035)
  • Select and justify choices of materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques to effectively and safely make designed solutions (ACTDEP037)
  • Independently develop criteria for success to evaluate design ideas, processes and solutions and their sustainability (ACTDEP038)
  • Use project management processes when working individually and collaboratively to coordinate production of designed solutions (ACTDEP039)

Year 8

Science

  • Measure and control variables, select equipment appropriate to the task and collect data with accuracy (ACSIS126), (ACSIS141)
  • Reflect on scientific investigations including evaluating the quality of the data collected, and identifying improvements (ACSIS131), (ACSIS146)
  • People use science understanding and skills in their occupations and these have influenced the development of practices in areas of human activity (ACSHE136)

Design Technology

  • Analyse ways to produce designed solutions through selecting and combining characteristics and properties of materials, systems, components, tools and equipment (ACTDEK034)
  • Critique needs or opportunities for designing and investigate, analyse and select from a range of materials, components, tools, equipment and processes to develop design ideas (ACTDEP035)
  • Select and justify choices of materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques to effectively and safely make designed solutions (ACTDEP037)
  • Independently develop criteria for success to evaluate design ideas, processes and solutions and their sustainability (ACTDEP038)
  • Use project management processes when working individually and collaboratively to coordinate production of designed solutions (ACTDEP039)

Contact us

Contact us if you've got questions about the STEM High School Engagement program, or subscribe to our mailing list to stay up-to-date with news and events.

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