Burnie came alive with creativity and innovation when Mini MakerX took over the University of Tasmania's newly-refurbished Makers Technology and Innovation Hub at the Cradle Coast Campus for a day filled with hands-on activities and discovery.
The one-day expo, held Sunday, 25 August, featured a vibrant line-up of hands-on activities and demonstrations.
From the latest in digital tech and gaming to the fascinating world of little penguins, Mini MakerX aimed to inspire future innovators and makers.
"Mini MakerX is a family-friendly show-and-tell that brings together the whole community," said University of Tasmania Executive Dean (Regional Education), Professor Natalie Brown.
"This year's National Science Week theme is 'species survival - more than just sustainability.' We're shining a spotlight on our adorable local little penguins, and visitors will learn all about their habitat, ecology, and how we can help them thrive."
Throughout the day, attendees explored the cutting-edge world of digital tech, tried their hand at coding, animation, and gaming, engaged in science experiments, and immersed themselves in sustainable practices.
Special interactive zones allowed participants to delve into various aspects of STEM with activities suitable for all ages. Kids designed and built their own penguin burrows and learned how to digitise them, while adults explored the latest in drone technology, VR, and sustainable living.
In a nod to the much-loved heritage of the building, making in all its shapes and forms was showcased.
Other highlights included:
- Species survival: spotlight on Little Penguins
Visitors learned about the Little Penguins, their habitat, ecology, and how to help them thrive.
- Play, create, innovate: Dive into the world of game development
Attendees experienced the thrill of playing games made in Tassie and unleashed their creativity by building their own. From coding to design, participants brought their game ideas to life.
- Human vs GenAI
Participants pitched their creativity against ChatGPT to see who could design the best tech solutions.
- Cultivating the future
Visitors discovered innovative farming technologies, sustainable practices, and career opportunities, met the passionate team, and dove into the science behind agriculture.
Mini MakerX was part of National Science Week and was supported with grant funding from the Australian Government.
