Day 8 - Little Makers

Hi everyone, this is Val here! After Chern's wonderful narration it's time to change things up a bit.

With the workshop scheduled early at 9am, we headed out to Butterworth again for the last school in Penang mainland. Learning through experience, we were very careful not to head out to the wrong school this time. After some driving we arrived at an interesting school with an adorable collection of bunnies and birds in their backyard.



I almost forgot how tiny primary students are. Facing a class of much younger kids, I can't help but to wonder how are they going to handle the workshops that we run for secondary schools as well. Within minutes it was clear that I had underestimated them. The children were given their mBots and ample time to explore the module on their own, and explore they did with an unprecedented vigor. You should see the delight on their faces when they realise that these robots could move! As with all children, with the introduction of any kind of toy that moves comes distraction, but eventually we were able to bring them to complete their projects with the prospect of  *gasp* a competition.

Note to self: Don't underestimate the load a small primary student can carry.


On our way back we had the choice between taking the Penang bridge or the ferry. "Ferry!" Chern immediately shouted so ferry it was. Once we were offshore, each team member found their favourite spot on the deck. I observed them welcoming the sea breeze. You could tell from their faces that they were enjoying it.

We had an eveing to spare, so we looked for the famous Penang Teochew Chendul and Laksa on Penang Road. Hafiz even managed to finish Chern's bowl of Chendul before Chern arrived. I would say that's proof of how delicious it was. Even I was surprised at how fast food was served despite the long queue and big crowd. That's Penang pride right there - food. Later, being a science and engineering team, I brought the team to Tech Dome in Komtar, a science exhibition built under a gigantic dome, where they had fun like kids in a toy shop. Another proof that science can be fun.

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