We’ve put together a list of recommendations for local activities and online resources to spark your imagination further!
Local Activities
Access Space
Access Space is where people interested in art, design, computers, recycling, music, electronics, photography and more, meet like-minded people to share and develop skills, and work on creative, enterprising and technical projects. Keep an eye on their website and social media, and join the mailing list to hear about upcoming events, exhibitions and workshops.
Bright Box Makerspace
Bright Box Makerspace creates sneaky learning opportunities for everyone, young and old, to learn creative problem solving. They do this by creating playful spaces to explore tech, engineering and arts with the help of role models. This summer, they have workshops for children, families and adults at their Makerspace in Castlegate.
Book here: brightboxmakerspace.com/calendar
Code Club
Code Club is a nationwide network of volunteer-led after school coding clubs for children aged 9-11. Visit the website to search for your local club (there are five in Sheffield), or to find out how you can volunteer, host or start one of your own!
Makers
Makers, based on Abbeydale Road in Sheffield, is a place where you can find, make, and remake things. Check out their website to find all sorts of crafty activities, including a regular Laser Cutting for Kids workshop!
www.makersontheedge.com/workshops
Pimoroni
Pimoroni is a company of makers and educators based in Sheffield. Check out their website to find all sorts of fun and educational activity kits for kids of all ages!
shop.pimoroni.com/collections/kids
Sheffield Hardware Hackers and Makers
Sheffield Hackspace (Sheffield Hardware Hackers and Makers) is a non-profit, member-run hackspace in central Sheffield. Their aim is to build a community to help people in Sheffield get involved in the creative use of technology and tools for hobby-scale projects. Current members are working on projects from Raspberry Pi and Arduino to textiles, wood/metal working and High Altitude ballooning. Check out their blog and calendar to see what they’re up to and how to get involved.
www.sheffieldhardwarehackers.org.uk
UTC Sheffield
University Technical Colleges (UTCs) offer 14-19 year olds the opportunity to take a highly regarded, technically-oriented course of study alongside their academic qualifications. Students benefit from top quality facilities that reflect the modern workplace and teachers with industry experience.
Apps/online
ContempoPlay
Advice for parents of kids living digital lives. Useful news and advice about new apps, games and internet safety concerns.
Scratch
Scratch is a free coding platform and community where kids can create stories, games, and animations to entertain themselves or share with others around the world.
Toca Boca
Toca Boca makes a range of digital toys that you can play with your kids. They believe that the best way to learn is through play for the sake of play, and they do it in a safe way without advertising or in-app purchases. See the full range at their website.
Who makes apps for kids?
Who makes apps for kids is a huge collection of kids apps and books compiled by Chris O’Shea, British artist and designer who explores play, human behaviour and engagement through interaction design and the visual arts.
You can visit the web page (www.chrisoshea.org) or subscribe to the Twitter list to stay up to date with his recommendations.
Chris also formed Cowly Owl (www.cowlyowl.com), which designs digital toys for children and parents to play together, exploring creativity.
