Community members can get “amped” for the Earth by learning about sustainable energy and building their own solar power kit during a free family-friendly workshop in Lindsay during Earth Week.
Ampere is inviting people of all ages to attend the not-for-profit organization’s Lindsay Makerspace on Saturday (April 26) for a renewable energy-themed event during which attendees can be among the first to test and build Ampere’s new solar power kit.
Running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 12 Peel St. in Lindsay, the “Amped for Earth” workshop offers those who attend the chance to learn about, build, and take home a kit at no cost, while supplies last. There will be a limit of one kit per family.
“We’re hoping to see our Makerspace full of curious minds, learners of all ages, eager to explore the new kits and engage with solar energy in a way they haven’t yet had the chance,” Jamie Steel, Ampere’s senior lead of community relations, told kawarthaNOW.
“Our goal for the event is to share these kits with as many people as possible, working alongside our friends, families, and neighbours as we collectively learn about solar energy and the various aspects of STEAM — science, technology, engineering, art and math — that contributed to the development of the device.”
Ampere designed and developed the solar kit in collaboration with community subject matter experts, manufacturing partners, component suppliers, Makerspace educators, community participants, end users, and innovators.
“These kits are an excellent example of how science, technology, engineering, art, and math can create something with a meaningful impact,” said Ampere CEO and founder Ryan Oliver.
“The development of the kit incorporated every aspect of STEAM and assembling the kits offers users a chance to see those components up close.”
Each kit is valued at $150. Once built, the kit is small enough to take camping, on road trips, to the office, or keep at home in case of a power outage.
Although the kits were designed for learners ages 11 and older, Ampere says the event will also offer hands-on activities for younger children. However, this is not a drop-off event and parents must stay with the children.
While registering for the event isn’t mandatory, doing so will ensure a family receives one of the limited number of kits available to take home. Families can register at go.amp.ca/earth_general.
If you miss the event but are interested in obtaining one of the solar power kits, Ampere will be making them available for purchase at a future date.
Founded in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, and formerly known as the Pinnguaq Association, Ampere is a not-for-profit social enterprise that has partnered with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities to provide access to STEAM education and opportunities for more than a decade.
Ampere says it applies “a lifecycle approach” to support learners at every age and every stage of life, and offers programming directly through makerspaces in Iqaluit, Nunavut, and in the Kawartha Lakes. The organization works directly with community partners, social organizations, governmental funders, and educational institutions across the country.
For more information about Ampere, visit amp.ca.
