The "Extraordinary Explorers" Tech Workshop
this two-day workshop for 10–14 year olds in Liskeard connects local heritage with cutting-edge robotics.
More Info:
The Vision Inspired by the Summer Library Reading Challenge, "Extraordinary Explorers," this two-day workshop for 10–14 year olds in Liskeard connects local heritage with cutting-edge robotics. Students will transition from creating search-and-rescue hardware to autonomous planetary rover engineering, using industry-standard Python programming.
Part 1: The Resolute Rescue (Local History & Wearable Tech) Students will discover the story of Liskeard’s George Lower, who served on the HMS Resolute during the search for the lost Franklin Expedition in the Arctic.
- The Challenge: In the 1850s, communication was impossible once an explorer fell. Students will solve this using modern micro:bit technology.
- The Project: Coding a "Smart Beacon" in Python. The device uses the onboard accelerometer to detect a fall; if the explorer does not cancel the alarm within a set time, the beacon automatically broadcasts a radio distress signal to a base station.
Part 2: The Mars Frontier (Robotics & Autonomous Systems) The focus shifts to the modern-day "Extraordinary Explorers"—the robotic rovers currently navigating the Martian landscape.
- The Challenge: Communication delays between Earth and Mars mean rovers must be programmed to handle terrain independently from Earth.
- The Project: Students will program a rover using Python. By the end of the session, they will have mastered motor control simulating the complex commands sent to rovers like Perseverance or Curiosity.
Why This Initiative Matters This workshop addresses the "KS3 Gap," where students often lose interest in STEM as coding becomes more theoretical. By using physical hardware (micro:bits and Raspberry Pi-powered rovers), we provide a tangible, high-excitement environment.
- Skill Progression: Moving students beyond simple screen-based games to real-world hardware engineering.
- Community Connection: Reclaiming the story of local heroes like George Lower and showing students that Liskeard has always been a hub for global exploration.
- Literacy Link: Directly supporting the Summer Library Reading Challenge by bringing the themes of "Extraordinary Explorers" to life through technology.
Tickets for this workshop have been funded by the Lyskerys Fund. Fully funded places are available for children living in the Caradon District only.
Join us in celebrating Liskeard’s past while building its digital future.
Book your tickets below or view other dates & times:
Book your tickets.
All tickets are obtained and managed through Ticket Tailor; any information or amendments must be made on Ticket Tailor's website.
More information is available in our FAQs below.
Book your tickets.
All tickets are obtained and managed through Eventbrite; any information or amendments must be made on Eventbrite’s website.
More information is available in our FAQs below.
FAQs
We have tried to include all of our FAQs here but if there’s something you don’t see – please let us know via our contact forms.
How do I find out more about new events?
You can sign up for our newsletter or follow us on all the socials! We regularly update with the latest events we are running in all our spaces.
What are the terms and conditions for tickets or any bookings?
Please refer to our terms and conditions. We also have a Privacy Policy, Terms of Sale and Ticket Cancellation Policy.
Can I get a refund on an event I have booked?
You can request a refund up to 24 hours before the event. You will need to do this via the Eventbrite website.