Budding inventors can hone their engineering skills this half term with a Real Ideas masterclass of LEGO Robotics at Market Hall, Devonport, Plymouth, the world-class space for digital innovation and learning,  

There are two fun LEGO days scheduled for both primary and secondary school-aged children – Junior Tech LEGO Robotics on 30 May, and Teen Tech LEGO Robotics on 31 May.

Junior Tech LEGO Robotics is half a day of fun construction combining LEGO ‘modes of transport’ with motors, sensors, and lights, to inspire creativity and stretch the imagination.

Teen Tech Logo Robotics is a full day with master LEGO trainer, Andy Robinson-Noades from Scientrific. In partnership with Real Ideas, he encourages teens to join the robot challenge where, with a little help from the LEGO master, they must design, build and code a robot which is able to complete a range of tasks, from grabbing, lifting, flipping or turning. The robot will need to navigate the challenge mat filled with LEGO missions.

Andy Robinson-Noades says: “Our LEGO robotics sessions encourage children to develop their STEAM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths), applying STEAM principles to practical challenges. The UK is a hotbed for innovative technology, robotics and engineering, and LEGO provides a fun and interesting introduction to these sectors, which are always looking out for new talent. We need to nurture the next generation of innovators and engineers, as they will be at the forefront of new inventions and technology in the future.”

LEGO Robotics is one of several other activities, from Real Ideas, scheduled throughout the half-term. In addition, there will be a comprehensive timetable of 360-degree screenings in the immersive Dome:

Mini Makers

At Ocean Studios, for budding artists, there will be a series of ‘Mini-Makers’ craft activities. From 10am, every day, children age 7-10 years can drop in for a two-hour session of creative craft workshops, supervised by experienced tutors.

Print Club – Print in Action

As part of the Print in Action festival – a six-month programme of workshops, talks and activities – Kids Print Club – will take place throughout half-term. Booking is advisable and class dates are on the Real Ideas website.

360 Dome Screenings

Plymouth’s Grade II-listed Market Hall will have 360-degree screenings every day in Europe’s only 15 metre immersive dome.  Educational films on creation, space, natural phenomena, dinosaurs, the environment, and dance will be running throughout the half term period. 

Lindsey Hall, Real Ideas CEO, says, “All of our Half Term activities at both Market Hall and Ocean Studios offer brilliant ways for kids and young people to have fun testing themselves whilst learning new skills. Our LEGO Robotics classes are an ideal way for younger ones to work with a ‘toy’ they know well, but to actually build and hone vital STEAM skills that could take them a long way in the future.  And similarly, our Kids’ Print Clubs and Mini Makers sessions are ideal opportunities to ensure lots of pragmatic learning and making, as well as a successful way to get screen-addicts disconnected from the digital world and reacquainted with the real world.”

For a full schedule of screenings and kids’ activities, visit Real Ideas’ website: www.realideas.org/whats-on.