Hackathons are a great place to practice and learn about coding, fabrication and engineering—but anyone who enjoys creative thinking and problem-solving will embrace the Hackathon spirit.
No knowledge of coding or engineering is required. Just be willing to have a good time while learning something new.
Open to any student at any school in grades 5-12. You are not required to stay overnight (though most students do). The Hackathon is well supervised by faculty and parent volunteers. Parents may stay over with their children (bring a sleeping bag!).
For more information, please contact designLab Director Michael Mitchell at
mitchellm@stlukesct.org.
What will I make?There are two Hackathon
Make it Better tracks you may choose from:
Track One: Prospector TheaterThese hacks will be judged by how creatively they solve a problem related to the Prospector Theater and its
Prospects (employees). They'll identify challenges and you can help to
make it better. Watch Prospector Challenge #1: Get the Popcorn in the Bag (featured on this page)
.Track Two: Your Own IdeaThese hacks will be judged by how creatively they solve a problem that
makes something better—that's an intentionally vast range that includes big ideas like saving our environment to smaller solutions like how to keep your soda from losing its fizz. It's all good.
For both tracks: If it's creative and you've done your best to turn your concept into some kind of working model—you're a hacker!