Kids at re:publica? Of course!
re:publica is fun for young and old and last year our conference included the kids ball pit, the re:play play area and the re:lax space to hangout in. re:publica TEN will again offer fun things to do for kids, teenagers and parents alike! As usual, kids up to 15 years of age can attend re:publica for free. We look forward to presenting a number of diverse kids spaces to explore, experiment and play in:
re:play
The re:play space provides everything a kid could want: toys, a reading corner, colouring books and pens, as well as the popular ball pit.
re:play will also feature Klexikon.de, the first real Wikipedia alternative for kids. The idea was even born at re:publica and by now, Klexikon.de already contains over 1000 articles written by over 100 volunteer authors. At re:publica TEN, we're also offering a hands-on Klexikon.de workshop, which allows for kids and parents to explore Klexikon, ask questions and find out how to write and edit articles on the platform. Come on by to the re:play area on Tuesday (Day 2), from 16:00 – 17:00, if you'd like to take part.
GIG Makerspace
Kids are welcome to take part in exciting DIY workshops at the GIG Makerspace. We offer several workshops especially for kids – and grown-ups are welcome too! From 8 year and up:
-- Code Week Award 2016 – Informatik Enlightened (workshop held in German)
Under last year's motto “Every week is code week”, thousands of kids and teenagers across Germany became involved with the EU Code Week and the Code Week Award. In 2016 we are again supporting Code Week Award through creative workshops on the topic of coding. The winning project “Explore the Digital World from 110 to 1100011 Years in Five Family Days”, by Infosphere Aachen, will be presenting a workshop at re:publica TEN
-- come_IN Workshop (workshop held in German)
The aim of the “come_IN” computer clubs is to foster creative engagement with computer technology and modern media in a multicultural and non-age restrictive way. Kids and adults develop project ideas together, which combine fantasy and play with very real experiences from multicultural neighbourhoods.
-- Code Real Stuff – Kinderleicht Programmieren Lernen mit Open Roberta (workshop held in German)
The cloud-based graphic developer environment “Open Roberta Lab” enables kids and teenagers to easily program a robot – from initial programming basics to programming robots with multiple sensors and abilities. Users can also develop programs together with others and exchange information on their experiences and know-how. As a cloud-based program, the platform can be opened from any browser, without installing any software, on a PC, Mac or tablet.
Please note: The GIG Makerspace is suitable for children of 8 years and older and does not offer any form of childcare. Parents and guardians are responsible for their children. Maker machines can be dangerous, so please don't watch your hands and fingers at all times in the makerspace.
"What if?" Q&A with Randall Munroe
The thing explainer of our choice enters Stage T on Monday (2 May) at 5:15 pm for a Q&A especially for kids. Ask him in English! More info over here.
More Fun for Kids in Our All-round Programme:
Intrepid teenage reporters from Germany, France and Poland will be doing empirical field work in form of short videos with re:publica attendees – be they visitors or speakers. They are looking at questions on how kids and teenagers on the web deal with social engagement. The results of this ad-hoc study at re:publica will be the foundation of the “Furchtlose Kinderreporter für mehr Sozial-Engagement in Europa” project. The Wölfe can be found in the Networking Area. In addition, there is also a meetup at the Newtorking Area YELLOW on Monday (2 May) at 1 pm.
DATA RUN
Take part in the alternate reality game on the topic of surveillance (3 and 4 May)! Bugging scandal, secure chat settings, data leaks – DATA RUN, held in the Deutsche Technikmuseum (in walking distance to STATION Berlin) provides an entertaining and educational access to surveillance and data protection. The game will be conducted on two days: On Tuesday (3 May) it is intended for kids and teenagers 12 – 16 years of age in school classes 8 – 10. On Wednesday (4 May) there will be a version for teaching staff, those interested in the education sector, and also members of the press.
DATA RUN lasts for around 1.5 hours and another 30 minutes for debriefing. The game takes place in the Technikmuseum and participants will be escorted from the STATION Berlin to the museum and back. The game takes place in German and prior registration is needed. Details will be available on our online programme.
Blended Learning Workshop
Back to nature – on location! Students of Humboldt University Berlin host an all-day workshop at the IGA OASE installation in our outdoor area re:lax on Day 2 (3 May). Use smart boards and microscopes to make microorganism visible through digital technology. Aimed at youth from ages 15 to 25 the workshop lets teens explore the installation's flora first-hand and wants to bring across environmental issues in a contemporary setup.
re:publica DOME
Another fun installation at our outdoor area re:lax is the re:publica DOME. In this tent we show Virtual Reality content especially for kids. In cooperation with EDFVR 360-degree projections display familiy entertainment on all three days of the conference. The programme for kids:
11:00-11:30 KALUOKA’HINA – The Magic Ship by Softmachine
A coral reef is endangered and two fish are on a rescue mission. This fantastical underwater adventure with a relevance is intended for families and kids. Language: German, 33 minutes.
12:00-13:00 AMIGOS – Inside the Human Body by 3Duno
An animation about three friends on an adventurous trip through the human body, intended for families and kids. Language: German, 28 minutes.
14:00-14:30 LIFE OF TREES – The Secret of the Trees by Softmachine
Awarded animation about the plant kingdom and how everything takes place. It is a spectacular and educational fulldome experience for families and kids. Language: German, 32 minutes.
15:00-15:30 REALM OF LIGHT – A Short History of Life by Softmachine
Time travel through space and time starting from the Big Bang until human existence; a poetic animation with score. Language: German, 24 minutes.
Last But Not Least:
Teenage gamers (12 years +) can check out the gaming station at the TINCON booth. TINCON is the new youth conference initiated by re:publica co-founders Tanja and Johnny.
Photo credit: re:publica/Jan Zappner & re:publica/Gregor Fischer (cover image) (CC BY 2.0)