Learn and play at Te Papa during the school holidays

30 March 2017

Build and fly a Lego drone, create a musical instrument and record a musical track or fly around with friends in a virtual world during Te Papa’s school holiday programme.

The national museum’s new learning lab, Hīnātore, will host a series of school holiday events for children running from Tuesday, April 18 till Friday, April 28.

The programme is designed for kids to have fun while they learn, using a range of digital and immersive technologies, Head of Learning Innovation Miri Young says.

“Whether kids are creating their own stop-animation movie using Lego, inventing a new musical instrument or building a robot that can create a piece of art, our programme will offer kids the chance to flex their creative muscles,” she says.

In addition to accessing Te Papa’s exhibitions and collections, the programme utilises the digital and immersive technology on offer at Hīnātore including the VR (Virtual Reality) studio, 3D printers, 3D scanners, touch tables, and telepresence technologies that enable learners to connect in real time with learners around the globe.

“The programmes combine physical, hands-on creating with cutting edge technology to give kids a really fun and engaging learning experience.

“Each session is led by our Learning and Museum Education Specialists. Our team is specialised in working with young people and supporting meaningful, challenging and fun learning,” Young says.

The Te Papa Holiday Programme costs $75 a child a day, and each session runs from 9am till 5pm. All materials required are provided, BYO lunch.

Supporting partners of the Hīnātore Learning Lab where the Holiday Programme is being held are Victoria University of Wellington, Staples Advantage, Pelorus Trust and The Lions Foundation.

Te Papa Holiday Programme – schedule

Monday, April 17 – Easter Monday
No programme.

Tuesday, April 18 – Maker Day
Put together an animated movie, zoom around the world using virtual reality, or even create a real drone that flies.

Wednesday, April 19 – Trash to Tunes Music-Making Workshop (with Capital E)
Explore sound, create instruments from recycled materials, and digitally record a music track. Plus, design an album cover and explore how to add visuals to the track.

Thursday, April 20 – Game Makers
Explore different styles of analogue and digital games to design, develop, play, and take home.

Friday, April 21 – Design and Make Flying Machines
Create a flying fleet. Craft a kite, fold a world-record-breaking paper plane, design a rocket, and build and crash a Lego drone.

Monday, April 24 – Smart Art
Build a robot that scribbles, make an art work using sand and a light box, and try sculpting in virtual reality.

Tuesday, April 25 – Anzac Day
No programme.

Wednesday, April 26 – Virtual Reality Video Makers
Complete a series of film-making challenges. Choose one challenge and become an expert in a day, or get a taste of them all.

Thursday, April 27 – 3D and Virtual Reality Designers
Design and build a 3D world. Make a Minecraft Te Papa, go virtual hang-gliding, try 3D printing, and more.

Friday, April 28 – Virtual Reality Play
Create a world of pixels. Make a 360-degree video, fly in a virtual environment where you can fire rockets, and more.