The THINQubator at Tech Valley Center of Gravity was one the first dedicated children's makerspaces in the world and is still one of the best outfitted. We empower kids and families to think, tinker, collaborate, skill-build, design and make. Through hands-on activity, kids deeply explore Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math (STEAM).
A Fun Event for the Whole Family!
Join us on Friday, November 8 from 4-7pm for a FREE Family STEAM day event to celebrate National STEAM Day! The event will feature an evening of fun activities and games that will engage young people in STEAM topics. There will also be guest visits from the Be5 STEM Club, Jewels of the Sea, the Hart Cluett Museum, The Red Bookshelf, Tech Valley High School’s FIRST Robotics team: 5881 Dragons, and Tech Valley Game Space.
For the main activities, the THINQubator at will be hosting two of its most popular hands-on educational activities: Mini Zip Lines and Pom Pom Catapults!
The THINQubator will transform its space into a two-story mini zip line course where children will create designs to get miniature dinosaurs from one side to the other.
TVCOG’s large community room will be transformed into a Catapult launch station, where participants can compete for prizes and make their very own pompom catapults.
There will also be facepainting by local artists, as well as popcorn and raffle items available by donation!
Each guest organization will have a unique station for children to explore!
- Stop by the Be5 STEM Club to make paper circuits & try snap circuits
- Check out FIRST Team #5881 Dragon’s interactive robotics display and drive small robots
- Explore an extensive collection of seashells and a hands-on examination station with Jewels of the Sea
- Learn about the history of bridges in Rensselaer County with the Hart Cluett Museum by using Magnatiles to recreate them
- Visit The Red Bookshelf’s superhero-themed station to grab a book and learn about narrative design in video games with Bat Girl, The RED Bookshelf's video game designer
- Learn about video game design with Tech Valley Game Space
Important Event Information:
- Location & Parking: The event is located at Tech Valley Center of Gravity at 30 3rd St, in Troy NY. We do not have designated parking for our facility, but there is plenty of on-street metered parking available on Third Street and surrounding areas, typically costing around $1 per hour. You can find more information about parking in downtown Troy here.
- Registration & Workshop Duration: This is a free, drop-in event; families may stay for the whole time period, or pop in anytime from 4-7pm. We recommend allocating a minimum of 45 minutes to ensure there is time to participate in the bulk of activities. There is no pre-registration required.
- Event Ages: This event is open to all ages! The main workshops are geared towards families with children ages 4-12, but there will be plenty of fun options for the whole family! Parents/guardians are required to stay in the building with their children at all times. This is a family workshop, so everyone who comes should be ready to participate! Collaboration is part of the fun. There is a bathroom with a changing table located in the THINQubator for families with young children. Strollers are allowed inside the event space.
- Safety: Tech Valley Center of Gravity is a Makerspace with a variety of tools and equipment, some of which can be dangerous if improperly handled. Please heed all safety signage and barriers, and make sure not to let children downstairs without an adult, as this is where our Woodshop/Welding Shop/Machine Shops are located.