UC KidsFest: Towers, Vehicles and Prosthetics

We welcome guests young and old(er) to the University of Canterbury's Mechanical Engineering facilities for KidsFest 2026! Across three days in July, children aged 9–13 will get hands-on with engineering through activities like building earthquake-resistant towers, designing and wind-tunnel-testing vehicles, and constructing mechanical prosthetic hands — all led by UC engineering clubs. Sessions run 10:00am–12:30pm and 2:00–4:30pm, with drop-off and pick-up at the John Britten reception. Closed footwear required.

Activities schedule:

7 July Shake Table 

Beginning with a presentation on mechanical engineering, students get into groups of 2-3 and construct towers with 3D printed parts and bamboo skewers. At the end of 30 minutes building, the towers are tested on a shake table. Groups win points by making the tallest standing tower and rewarded with candy prizes.

8 July Vehicle Design 

Beginning with a presentation on human powered vehicles and aerodynamics, Students will be split into teams of 3-4 and given a kit to make a low-drag plasticine model of a high-speed vehicle. These will be tested live in the wind tunnel, allowing groups to iterate on their design. 

Throughout the activity, groups will have the chance to sit inside the Mako high speed human powered vehicle and learn about its design and speed capabilities. 

9 July Prosthetic hands 

Beginning with a presentation on Biomedical engineering at university and industry, students will be split into teams of 3-4 to build a fully mechanical, string-controlled prosthetic hand from a provided kit of 3D-printed parts. Groups will have the chance to see real electrical prosthetics designed by the Biomedical club. 

All sessions will include a tour / small activities throughout the mechanical engineering wing.