Children Presented Innovative Projects from the Fab Lab
Following a series of intensive workshops, the Zukunft Akademie held its closing event at the University of Siegen’s Fab Lab. Ten talented children presented their creative final projects in an interactive project gallery.
They are between 12 and 16 years old but already possess impressive technical and creative skills: Over the past five months, ten young participants took part in workshop modules at the Fab Lab, the University of Siegen’s creative workshop. At the end, they presented their projects. The children combined AI-generated stories with 3D-printed models and interactive touch sensors that they had programmed using the Calliope Mini.
First, each group presented its project in three minutes. Afterward, the jury and guests had the opportunity to examine the projects. The evaluation was based on the following criteria: innovation, creativity, and originality; technical implementation; narrative structure; visual and sound design; and presentation skills.
The winning projects are:
- 1st Place: Dawn of Tribes by Émile Julian Schneider – Prize: Calliope Mini microcontroller
- Second Place: “The Last Loaf” by Dorothea Breichler – Prize: PLA filaments for 3D printing
- 3rd Place: A debt unpaid by David Fedorenko and Vladyslav Halevych – Prize: Arduino Uno microcontroller
In addition to the main prizes, all participants received a certificate of participation from the University of Siegen as well as a personalized, laser-engraved badge in recognition of their individual achievements in the various modules.
Parents, guests, and the jury were impressed by the children’s innovative spirit and dedication. They had participated in a total of five workshop modules: 3D printing and 3D modeling, programming with Calliope Mini, sugar measurement with a photometer, storytelling with AI, and interactive storytelling.
The Future Academy is part of the EnvironMINT project, an application-oriented research initiative focused on the creative teaching of STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) to young people. Of particular note is the participatory approach: Together with young people, parents, teachers, and practitioners, a concept for extracurricular STEM activities is being developed. The focus is on so-called “maker” activities, which incorporate not only technological but also artistic aspects.
The EnvironMINT project is a research project at the University of Siegen and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
The Fab Lab Siegen is directed by Prof. Dr. Claudia Müller. Marios Mouratidis serves as the executive director and project manager. At the Zukunft Akademie, research associates Karina Oliveira, Ontika Nazmun, and Hina Firdaus are responsible for content and operational planning.
