SCHOOL students became electronic engineers and inventors during National Science Week at the Mount Gambier Library.
Children used colour-coded electronic building blocks to create inventions inspired by their own imagination.
“This year during National Science Week, our school sessions are focused on littleBits, which is the brand name for a product featuring electrical components that snap together with magnets to allow children to make inventions,” children’s services development coordinator Kelly Lynch said.
“They can make a range of inventions by following instructions or – and this is the best part – they can use their imagination to create their own inventions.”
Ms Lynch said once students learnt how the littleBits components worked, the power was in their hands.
“We explain how things in the real world are put together and then these students are armed with that scientific knowledge,” she said.
“The littleBits product is a building block system that makes learning about complex technology simple and fun.
“The philosophy behind the product is to empower young children to be creators and inventors of technology.”
Ms Lynch said the library purchased the littleBits kits after receiving grant funding.
“We secured a grant through the Inspiring SA regional small grants program and purchased six boxes of littleBits,” Ms Lynch said.
“The kits will now be available to the community and we are thinking about implementing littleBits into our Lego club.”
