KIDfest Features Giant Automatons, Baby Seal Robots, More

SILVER SPRING, MD — What sparks your creativity? On Sunday, September 23, 2018, 12:00-5:00pm at the Silver Spring Civic Building, children and adults alike can find their spark through hands-on activities and inspiring demos in robotics, engineering, biotechnology, sustainability, interactive art, and much more—providing a glimpse of a future that’s being invented right now. Admission to the festival and activities are free to the public.

KIDfest is part of KID Museum’s ongoing effort to expose children and adults alike to the power of hands-on maker learning, and inspire the next generation of creative and confident innovators. Along with two stages of live musical performances and entertainment, the festival also features dynamic talks by local inventors, as well as exhibits and activities that include both fun, off-the-wall inventions and serious science innovations:

● In the KID Museum area, crank the lever and watch the gears of a giant automaton produce light and sound; try out kid-created pinball; connect pipes for a super-sized ball run (called “Pipe Dream”); and play with a robotic balloon pop (aka "Bot Pop"). KID Museum will also be running free coding jams for kids.
● Pet PARO, an advanced therapeutic robot, which looks like a cuddly baby seal. Presented by the Japanese Science and Technology Agency, the seal can respond to the sound of your voice or touch through audio and tactile sensors.
● Explore space with the Girl Scouts! Walk into their portable, inflatable planetarium to investigate the night sky and constellations.
● Meet Alexander Kao-Sowa, a teenager who has been blacksmithing for years. Alexander will teach the public how to set-up blacksmith operations in your backyard using readily available items from a hardware store and will be demonstrating ornamental iron making.
● At the Charles Koiner Center for Urban Farming Education exhibit at KIDfest, participants will learn how to use wildflowers from the farm to create water paints.
● Music Discovery Lab will provide instruction on playing hand-crafted musical instruments. No experience is necessary to explore sound in this musical petting zoo.
● Build electronic circuits, modify codes, and observe a robot’s response at the STEM After School Academy’s booth; or drive a robot at the Blair Robot Project exhibit.
● Try out the Fab Lab Maker Space at Montgomery College or the Museum of Small Motors at Gadget Lab.

Harmonic spirographs, robots, rockets and drones- KIDfest is jam-packed with free activities to interest all ages.

KIDfest is the signature event of KID Museum, is an innovative learning space unlike any other in the Washington, DC region. The museum provides impactful hands-on learning that incorporates STEM, art, and culture with 21st century skills like creativity and critical thinking. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, KID Museum has been working to create a state-of-the-art learning center and cultural gathering place for the entire community.

KIDfest is an opportunity for KID Museum to take their innovative programming to the community in a festival environment. In addition to the automaton, Pipe Dream, and Bot Pop, KID Museum will showcase young maker inventions from their district-wide partnerships with local schools, and give kids a chance to sample their fab lab, woodworking, textiles, and electronics studios.

For more information visit www.kidfest.org. KIDfest is always free and open to the public. The event is accessible by the Silver Spring Metro station. Free parking is available in the nearby Wayne Avenue or Bonifant garages. For more information, visit www.kidfest.org.

(Photo via KIDfest)