This summer, the ORL’s Makerspace team is hitting the road. From 6 July to 19 August, the Maker Tour will travel to every ORL branch, bringing a special Under the Sea adventure packed with hands-on exploration, creativity, and discovery.
Inspired by this year’s Summer Reading Club theme, Under the Sea, the Maker Tour invites children and families to dive beneath the waves and discover how scientists explore one of Earth’s greatest mysteries: the ocean. Through interactive activities and demonstrations, participants will learn how researchers study the deep sea, investigate underwater environments, and uncover remarkable discoveries hidden beneath the waves.
Each Maker Tour event begins with a fun presentation led by ORL Maker Educators. Children and families will learn about ocean exploration, the technology scientists use to study the deep ocean, and some of the fascinating discoveries that have been made far below the surface. After the presentation, it’s time to explore. Guests will rotate through three hands-on activity stations, collecting a stamp at each stop as they complete their underwater mission.
Explore the Ocean Floor with a Coding Robot
Future ocean explorers can guide a KUBO coding robot across the seafloor and learn how autonomous underwater vehicles help scientists map and study underwater environments.
Collect Deep-Sea Samples
Using hydraulic cranes inspired by remotely operated vehicles, young explorers will take on the challenge of collecting samples from the ocean floor. Younger children will use magnets, while older children will put a grabbing device to work as they discover how scientists explore the deep sea.
Create a Glowing Deep-Sea Creature
Discover how deep-ocean creatures, such as the anglerfish, use light as an adaptation in dark underwater environments. Through hands-on activities, younger explorers will create a glow-in-the-dark anglerfish, while older adventurers will build a simple paper circuit that illuminates their creation.
The Maker Tour is designed for beginners and experienced Makers alike. No previous Makerspace experience is required, and ORL Maker Educators will be available throughout the program to guide participants through each activity. Whether your child loves science, technology, crafting, engineering, robots, or simply discovering something new, the Maker Tour offers an exciting opportunity to learn, create, and explore together.
Find a Maker Tour Event Near You
The Maker Tour will visit every ORL branch between 6 July and 19 August 2026, beginning in Vernon. Program length will be between 1 and 1.5 hours. Dates, times, locations, and registration details vary by branch. Visit the ORL’s Online Calendar or speak with staff at your local branch to find out when the Maker Tour will be making waves in your community. We hope to see you out on the waves this summer!
Need More Help?
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