Hands-on STEM workshop in Canberra

Friday, 28 Jul 2023

Young Japanese girl scooping balls out of a bowl with a broken net.

Have you heard of the word “Matsuri” or festival in Japanese?

“Matsuri” are held at shrines and temples on special occasions, and they often feature stalls with games for kids shown in the picture. How many bouncy balls in the pool can you pick up using only a thin paper scoop? In this workshop, amazing Japanese traditional waterproofing technology using a mysterious liquid will help you scoop as many balls as possible. Although waterproofing technology has 1000+ years of history in Japan, plastic technology has completely replaced it. But as we realise the environmental damage plastics are doing worldwide, scientists and inventors are returning to this ancient wisdom to solve today’s problems.

It takes 60 minutes. It is a free event. Suitable for Primary School aged children (Year 1 to 6). Parents are required to stay, and we warmly encourage them to get involved.

Would you like to know what kind of technology and where it began? Could it be something you find in the supermarket? In this workshop, you’ll get hands-on with Japanese culture and traditional technology, then create your original inventions using the mysterious waterproofing liquid!

Please note that participants will be asked to participate in a voluntary research study using questionnaires and worksheets.