Powerhouse Castle Hill Summer School Holidays
Powerhouse Summer School Holidays program runs from 21 December 2024 – 30 January 2025. It provides a range of in-depth workshops including popular gaming, coding, Minecraft and family workshops. Families are invited to adventure through exhibitions at Powerhouse Castle Hill to discover the stories and histories of objects on display. Powerhouse Castle Hill is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am–4pm.
1. Python Coding: Learn, create and play in this full-day coding workshop. In a Minecraft world specially constructed by Powerhouse, young participants will experiment with different combinations of Python code to modify and control their immersive environment. The workshop uses Minecraft Education, a game-based learning platform that promotes creativity, collaboration and problem-solving in an online realm. The editing tool Microsoft MakeCode for Minecraft is also used for coding in popular programming language Python. BOOK HERE
2. Robotics: Learn the basics of robotics and coding while engaging with the Powerhouse Collection and a range of hands-on technology experiences. Explore the popular visual programming of block code with the pocket-sized BBC micro:bit computer (yours to take home), including coding lights and sounds before moving off the board to construct a cardboard robot that dances and lights up. Code and race a miniature mBot rover inspired by the Mars rovers Curiosity and Perseverance, using the in-built sensors to avoid obstacles and help the robot ‘think’ for itself. BOOK HERE
3. Family micro:bit Coding: Learn the basics of coding with the BBC micro:bit, a pocket-sized computer which introduces physical computing and coding using a block-like interface. This family-friendly workshop is designed to encourage collaboration between young learners and adults as participants are guided through each step, from creating light patterns to attaching external components. Young workshop participants will take home their own BBC micro:bit to continue their learning at home. BOOK HERE
4. Storytelling Through Minecraft: Drawing inspiration from the stories behind the objects in the Powerhouse Collection, young players will compose their own story and bring it to life in the immersive world of Minecraft. In this full-day workshop, players will complete a series of Minecraft challenges, including redesigning and remixing builds in a team quest, and exploring storytelling through the game’s building blocks. The workshop uses Minecraft Education, a game-based learning platform that promotes creativity, collaboration and problem-solving. The expansive tools of Minecraft Creative Mode will exclusively feature in the workshop. BOOK HERE
5. Map your way: This summer school holidays, join us at Powerhouse Castle Hill to experience Dick Smith: First Solo Helicopter Flight, showcasing the iconic Bell 206B Jetranger III helicopter and newly digitised Super 8 footage. Take inspiration from the Super 8 footage and join this hands-on workshop to learn the art of tin punching as you create your unique bird’s-eye view map, retracing and imagining your journey to the museum that day. Free to drop in any weekend during the school holidays
