Hands-On Learning: MozFest Science Fair

MozFest kicked off Friday night with a Science Fair party. Just as the space wranglers put their final touches on decorations for the weekend’s sessions, we opened our doors to Internet enthusiasts from around the world and all ages. Curious participants eager for hands-on learning milled about the 35 tables around Ravensbourne College as the sun set.

Some tables previewed sessions that would take place Saturday and Sunday while others showcased projects by local technologists. Compiler, a new media art collective, hosted a multi-step “cryptobar” to teach basic cryptology in a new format. Participants filled out a privacy questionnaire with a hole punch, which they then fed through a music box for a personalized song. Their answers also matched with a recommended cocktail — the list of ingredients were security tools to use for better protection instead of actual liquors.

Rachel Wong, a stem cell researcher who began combining electronics into her online fashion accessory store, displayed three of her tech dresses and an assortment of accessories. Rachel, who goes by Konichiwa Kitty, taught herself Raspberry Pi Zero W in March of this year and sewing in September. In discussing her projects, participants offered collaborative ideas and partnerships, such as 3D printed prosthetics for prom and smart textiles, which she might work on for next year’s MozFest.

Even the British Museum stopped by Ravensbourne, with 3D printed cave drawings and VR headsets for participants to look around at different caves across Africa. Jennifer Wexler and Elizabeth Galvin work on the BM’s first digital research project, cataloguing and curating over 24,000 images in a way that’s also interactive and educational for the public.

Did you form a connection with one of the table leaders? Let us know on Mozilla Pulse, our platform for collaborating on MozFest projects or contributing ideas.