Science Alive is without a doubt, the biggest science show of the year in South Australia. This massive show brings in all kinds of cool and expensive tech, natural sciences, defence forces of all kinds and everything in between. It truly has something for all ages with entertaining science shows and opportunities to learn more about our ever changing fast-paced world. Whether you are a technology boffin or a parent trying to understand how to navigate this high-tech modern world, every visitor tends to find something to gravitate to.
Techspace Learning evolved from a father and small group of teens who created a Robotics Club, so they had an excuse to get together and build cool stuff. Fast forward 10 years and Techspace is now a leader in high quality, fun and engaging robotics workshops, plus a very popular robotics club and a safe and secure Discord server, where participants of workshops can join if they want to continue engaging in robotics and electronics.
The professional and consistent nature of Techspace Learning has commanded respect from all other vendors who present in this science space. With Don Eickhoff as the commander and chief, the father who started it all, what could possibly go wrong? His son Heath, a “mini-me” of Don, keeping the consistency and order alive, both within the club and at science events. The feeling of “everything is under control” strong within everyone involved in Techspace.
Imagine the shockwaves when less than two weeks prior to the big event, Don was suddenly thrust out of the state and unlikely to return in time to setup, organise and run the event that is one of the most important for Techspace, as it is the biggest opportunity to showcase workshops and the fun that can be had with Arduino microprocessors. But of course, “mini-me” Heath was still able to take over, so all would be well. Or would it?
Three days prior to setup day and Heath was now extremely sick with the flu and suddenly, there was no commander in chief or back-up. It was too late to pull the exhibit and concurrently run introductory workshops had been introduced for the first time at this event, with bookings already launched. Staff, equipment and setup still needed to be organised, but how could this happen without any leadership?
> Enter stage left, a member of staff and long-term member of the robotics club, Lance.
This young man immediately jumped in and began organising, directing and managing all aspects of this huge event. He delegated tasks, rang past members and facilitators and had everything in hand, without seemingly breaking a sweat. Everything was done calmly and everyone felt safe and secure, eager to support, and be involved with what Lance was creating. Older members reinvigorated and re-energised in what could potentially be achieved.
With no Techspace van to fill, staff volunteered their time and their cars to support Lance in setting up the space at the huge venue in the Adelaide showgrounds. The allocated space was so huge and so isolated, that the usually compacted display was likely to look awkward and out of place in this massive area. Tables were moved around and around and around, until finally a layout that looked organised, symmetrical and inviting was created and unanimously agreed upon.
Everyone went home that night nervous, excited, but most importantly, uplifted thanks to Lance’s calm and collected leadership. The following day being the school event, “STEM Day Out”, where students from all over the state would come to the event to experience and engage in science in ways they may never have been exposed to before. The stand was mostly run by Techspace student volunteers, with Lance standing back, allowing them to shine. While he supervised the stand, he did it in a way that was non-obtrusive, and the day went smoothly without incident. The student volunteers, many introverted, shy or uncomfortable when thrust in the spot-light, went home feeling empowered and confident in what they had achieved that day.
That evening, exhibitors were invited to a one hour networking event to allow everyone a much needed relax and opportunity to chat, in the knowledge that the next two days would be so busy and so full, that the likelihood of any kind of “getting to know you” or “how are things in your world” would be virtually impossible.
Lance and Irene (a Mum of one of the introverted student volunteers) attended this event to further showcase Techspace’s professionalism and to search for potential sponsorship opportunities. In just one hour, incredible conversations happened and potential opportunities began, with the day ending on an incredible high.
The gates opened Saturday morning and the general public flooded in. Volunteers arrived to run the Techspace stand, while facilitators and assistants ran the now sold-out Introductory Workshops upstairs in one of the mezzanine meeting rooms. Lance was unable to attend this grand opening, as he had been allocated a workshop series in Mount Barker along with one of the more experienced volunteers. But there was no need to worry, as everyone pulled their weight and had the stand humming. Bottles flew from the rocket launcher, the sea perch dived and surfaced, splashing the excited on-lookers, and people came into the display and asked questions about all that was on show. By the time Lance arrived in the afternoon, there was little for him to do but to admire what he had inspired and created.
Sunday morning started again the same as the day before, with more sell-out workshops and excited children ready to poke and prod everything they could reach. Staff and volunteers again worked tirelessly, and even the youngest crew member, Edmund, at the tender age of 11, was interacting and explaining why Arduino is so cool. This usually shy young boy worked as hard as anyone else on the stand and was admired by all. His mother close by, prompting him when needed, but really, he totally shone on his own.
While Sunday was somewhat a quieter day, it wasn’t without incident. The train was deliberately derailed and smashed to the floor, with onlookers horrified at the sight-a train-wreck indeed! But it was quickly collected from the floor, put back together and back on the track within minutes, despite the extremity of the breakage. The bottle rocket launcher overheating many times and failing to hold the compressed air, but always fixed with minimal downtime. George the Cyclops worked so hard and was poked and prodded so much, his eye was popped right out of his head! Again, this was repaired within minutes and he continued wowing the crowds til the very end.
This event and everyone involved truly was “All kinds of Awesome”. Lance’s leadership with calm and direct manner had everyone stepping up and taking responsibility for their part, no matter how large or small. The teamwork, comradery and non-judgemental nature of this amazing group of individuals is what makes Techspace Learning such a unique yet powerful force. Their professionalism from the youngest to the oldest, yet fun and easy-going nature is a natural attractant to many. This not-for-profit organisation has had many ups and downs and often struggles financially to keep going. With no government funding and few ways to bring in enough income at times, this huge event could have been the breaking point, and yet it was anything but that. Every single person involved not only gave up their time and worked tirelessly, but actually had fun in the process. More people than ever before had the opportunity to learn a little bit more about Arduino, whether that be at the display stand or by attending one of the sell-out introductory workshops. From what could have been devastation, came leadership, teamwork and the potential for Techspace to have an even greater future.