Join us in the IdeaLab for hands-on high-tech crafting using the principles of computing. This week, we’re driving “smart” with ultrasonic radar & backup sensors.

Tuesday November 10 from 5-6:30pm
$30 per participant. For ages 9 to 14.

The Challenge: How do modern cars "see" obstacles before a crash happens?

What Kids Will Do: Kids will build a custom mini car and equip it with sonar "eyes" (ultrasonic distance sensors). They'll program their micro:bit to bounce silent sound waves off nearby objects to calculate real-time distance. As their car approaches a wall, the micro:bit will display visual warnings and speed up its warning beeps—just like a real modern backup camera!

Skills Learned: Sonar echolocation logic, variable math calculations, distance thresholds, and conditional safety logic (if/else).

Materials: This class uses the Micro:Bit microcontroller. Already have one from a previous session? Great, bring it along! Need to get one? You can purchase it at check-out for $26.95 or purchase one at the museum when you arrive for class.