First principles thinking is the key to unlocking innovation! By breaking down problems into fundamental principles, we can develop new solutions and build a generation of innovators. Reasoning from first principles is a powerful approach to design and innovation which involves breaking down a problem into its most fundamental elements and building up a solution [...]
As part of our science week activities we’ve been looking at a few green technology concepts. There are many great examples and we found the Salt Powered Robot Kit by Kidz Labs was a perfect way to demonstrate how you can make batteries and generate electricity via chemical interactions. Scientists are [...]
We continue to work with junior members of the STEAMShip crew to help realise their creative ambitions. This project was a year 8 music homework assignment to create a diagram of an orchestra, showing the various sections - strings, woodwind, brass and percussion. In true STEAMShip style our crew member, Lois, wanted to make something [...]
Nintendo changed the landscape of video games over a decade ago with the revolutionary Wii remote which came bundled with the Wii console. Never before had such a broad span of the population been caught up the world of video game entertainment. The very young, senior citizens, whole families getting together to compete at Wii [...]
Coding - It's not a computer thing, not a techie thing, not a gadgets thing - it's a language thing! Coding essentially involves using languages to perform tasks, to communicate ideas and to express your motivations. More importantly, code is becoming the language which powers all other languages - our thoughts, feelings, emotions are all [...]
We recently held a 'making' activity day themed around dragons. Inspired by this topic we decided to explore some new ideas for using the BBC Micro:Bit creatively, developing projects for making and coding in a creative way is at the heart of everything we do here at the STEAMShip. Hic Est Draco - Roar! [...]
As a seasonal challenge I thought I would try to make a light-up Christmas card. I have documented the entire process and challenges I faced along the way. Why don’t you have a go with some paper circuits? The advantage with using a paper based medium for this project is that it [...]
Electro dough is a great way to introduce lessons on circuits to younger learners. It is such a tactile way to get involved with building and engages the creative mind, placing more emphasis on creative play and hands-on exploration. Another advantage is that is it less fiddly to handle than some traditional electronics components - [...]
From all across the world, teams of young people have gathered at the University of Bath, UK, to participate in the First Lego League International Open Championship 2017. How fortunate for the Steamship crew that this year's competition is in our own home city and the very first time this prestigious event has been hosted [...]
Drawbots are always a very popular introduction to robotics workshop idea so we've spent some time recently experimenting with various designs and techniques to extend the drawbot workshops. Our focus was evaluating what materials and construction techniques are appropriate for different age groups and skill levels. We also analysed how much of the building activity [...]
