Mini scientists take over EnergyVille during Children’s University with workshops on robots, energy and the Einstein telescope.
Normally, it’s our researchers and engineers who set the tone in the building. But this past weekend, EnergyVille was filled with very different sounds: amazed reactions, enthusiastic laughter and the buzzing of robots. EnergyVille became the lively backdrop for the KU Leuven Children’s University. Together with partners like EducaThor, Soltech, CoderDojo Genk, and UCLL, we welcomed over 130 curious children to Thor Park for a day full of experiments, robots and clever ideas.
A journey through the universe
We started in the auditorium: during the children’s lecture, energy expert Robbe Breugelmans (EnergyVille/imec/UHasselt) took them on a journey through the universe. He playfully explained concepts like the Einstein telescope and gravitational waves.
Hands-on discovery in workshops
The children also got to explore hands-on in various workshops. Together with EducaThor, they learned the basics of programming by giving commands to the robot Dash. With CoderDojo Genk, they discovered how to control robots using LEGO Mindstorms and micro:bits. At Soltech, they explored how smart solar energy can be integrated into buildings. Paul Meugens (EnergyVille/KU Leuven) helped them design and assemble small game computers, each with custom buttons and games.
Care and technology were also highlighted by UCLL. During this workshop the children got to interact with high-tech resuscitation models and learned to program the care robot ZORA. Finally, Tom de Rybel and Roland Reekmans (EnergyVille/KU Leuven) introduced them to the world of electricity and magnets, revealing the surprising forces behind them.
Going home proud with a diploma
Diplomas in hand, the children headed home, eager for their next discoveries. And that’s exactly why we continue to organize the Children’s University: to spark curiosity and inspire young minds in science and technology – and we’ll keep doing it with full energy.
