Maker Cafe
What kind of fabulous work- space combines robotics, halo-halo ice desserts, special FX make up and 3D printing?
The Maker CafeÌ at GeeCon combines all the skills of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) with an added A, for Arts.
Pushing full STEAM ahead, the cafeÌ will take up a busy space among the stalls at the Darwin Convention Centre, offering youth-orientated activities that will spark the creative and tech imaginations of GeeCon-goers.
You may have watched the weird and wonderful inventions of Makey Makey on YouTube, and now this is your chance to get inventive.
A simple, affordable invention kit, Makey Makey uses alligator clips and a circuit board to connect everyday items to any computer, allowing users to create ridiculous but fun machines like banana pianos or a play-dough game console.
Also at the cafeÌ will be the Edison robot, an easy programmable robotics tool for keen inventors, as well as 3D printing and virtual reality demonstrations.
The cafeÌ is an initiative of the Darwin City Council and Libraries, and as well as fixed-time demos and workshops, includes self-directed activities like manga drawing, a reading space and the perennial favourite – badge making.
“Conventions are massive down south,” says the Council’s Lisa Burnett, “and this GeeCon is instigated by young people. They wanted to provide something like that up here, but maybe with a heavier component around video gaming.”
To replenish those spent electrolytes and skill-up on an awesome dessert craze, the cafeÌ’s Southeast Asian shaved ice dessert workshops are sure to be a hit, with Filipino halo-halo, Malaysian ais kacang and Korean patbingsu all on offer – for free!
