Welcome to the Build Lab!

Build Lab is a free, hands-on STEM program for Indigenous youth ages 13-19. This summer, you’ll work alongside the Ulnooweg Education Centre’s engineering team on real projects using tools like 3D printers and basic electronics, no experience required. If you’re curious about engineering or just love figuring out how things work, come join us.

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What You'll Build

youth generates power using the build lab's crank generator

Crank Power Generator

Help us create a tool to teach about how power works. Using a solid frame, a gear/belt system, and a handle/pedals, we will create a tool that makes a small amount of power when the turned. Students will learn about basic electronics, power generation, and forces.

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Example of wave tank, which students will build during build lab session

Wave Tank

Using thick, clear acrylic, and some simple 3D printed parts, we will make a wave simulator that works on crank power. By rotating a handle, you can create a wave, watch it travel, and see how it interacts with objects. Students will learn about waterproofing, wave mechanics, CAD, and simulations.

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example of homemade spinning wheel, which students will learn to make during Build Lab sessions

Spinning Wheel

We will be making a basic spin the wheel tool for games and for winning prizes (think the wheel of fortune)! Students will learn about CAD, basic tool use, and 3D printing.

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Group of students gathered around a Grobot, at a workshop table with a monitor in the background.

GroBot Accessories

The GroBot is our plant growing robot that uses a microcontroller, a pump, grow lights, and a watering system. Help us think of new ways to use it and new add-ons we could use. Students will learn about basic electronics, CAD, and plant botany.

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Registration Form

Sessions are between 9 am-12 pm (noon) and 12 (noon)-2 pm at Curious Goose in Dartmouth, NS (see more location details below). Youth can attend one or all of the sessions and each session will be capped at a maximum of 10 youth per session. The program is free, with all materials provided.

Participant Name
Which Indigenous community are you affiliated with? Please note that this program is for youth from First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities in Canada.
Which sessions would you like to register for?
Youth can attend one or all of the sessions and will work on a project together while learning how to use makerspace tools and resources. The program is free, with all materials provided. Each session will be capped at a maximum of 10 youth per session.
Do you need any support with getting to the session(s)?
Please note that this support is available for participants with the Halifax Regional Municipality. However, participants from any part of Atlantic Canada can register.

Waivers & Consent

Release & Indemnity Waiver

By signing this waiver, you acknowledge that participating in activities with Ulnooweg Education Centre comes with risks, including potential injury or property damage. You agree to take full responsibility for these risks and will not hold Ulnooweg or its representatives liable for any harm or loss that may occur.

This waiver must be signed in order to participate in this program. If the participant is under 18 years old, the waiver must be signed by their parent/guardian.

Please read the full waiver before signing:
Release & Indemnity Waiver (full text)

Clear Signature
By signing the waiver, the participant acknowledges that he/she/they has carefully read and understood this waiver prior to signing it, and that he/she/they is aware that by signing this waiver he/she/they is waiving certain legal rights which he/she/they has or, as applicable, the persons referred to in paragraph 5 may have, against the releasees.

Media Consent

This Media Release gives Ulnooweg Education Centre and its program partners permission to record and use a participant's image, voice, or likeness for educational and promotional purposes. For this workshop, our program partner is Curious Goose Community Workshop.

Read the full text here.

I give my permission for the terms referenced and agree to be bound by this Media Release.

Where are Build Lab Sessions Happening?

Build Lab Sessions are taking place at Curious Goose, a community workshop in Downtown Dartmouth, offering woodworking and design classes, as well as other fun experiences for youth and adults.

Address: 85B Portland St. Dartmouth, NS. B2Y 1H5. Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Reach out to our team by emailing us at education@ulnooweg.ca.

If a session is full, we’ll add your name to a waitlist and reach out if a spot opens up. You’re also welcome to register for a different session date.

You can attend one session or all four, whichever works best for your schedule.

Youth can attend one or both of Parts 1 and 2. Both sessions give youth opportunities to learn about how the generator’s electrical components work as well as building and testing.

Yes, our team will be with youth throughout each session.

Indigenous youth outside this age range with a project idea are welcome to reach out. We may be able to accommodate based on demand. Email us at education@ulnooweg.ca to inquire.

A Bit More About Build Lab

Build Lab is supported through the Indigenous Pathways to Engineering Program, which helps connect Indigenous youth with opportunities in engineering and related fields. Build Lab is one way we hope to spark that interest in STEM through hands-on, low-pressure projects.