BRICKLab Enthralls Visitors at Prince Albert Science Centre

The Prince Albert Science Centre welcomed back the highly anticipated BRICKLab for two weekends of creativity and fun. The event took place on November 29 and 30, 2023, at the Science Centre located in the Gateway Mall. This year’s BRICKLab attracted a significant crowd, showcasing the enduring popularity of Lego as a tool for imagination and exploration.

Interactive Activities and New Features

According to Sandra Williams, chair of the Science Centre, the BRICKLab has become a staple event since its inception in 2022, when it was first held in collaboration with a Saskatoon-based group of Lego enthusiasts known as SLUG. Although SLUG could not participate this year, the Science Centre decided to continue the tradition independently, offering a variety of engaging activities.

Among the highlights was a Wacky Races ramp, allowing children to design and construct their own Lego cars for racing. This hands-on activity not only entertained but also encouraged creativity and problem-solving skills. Additionally, visitors enjoyed a life-size version of the popular video game Tetris, where participants could experience building with oversized bricks in a manner reminiscent of the classic game.

“Tetris is just another way of building with bricks,” Williams explained. “We have small Lego pieces, Duplo for younger children, and the life-size bricks, offering opportunities for construction that reflect real-life experiences.”

Encouraging Family Participation

The Science Centre implemented a new pricing strategy to promote family participation. Each participant was charged $10, while accompanying adults could enter for free. Williams noted that this approach aims to foster an environment where parents can engage with their children during creative play. “Typically, if adults come alone, they would pay $10. But when they bring a child, we want to encourage that interaction by waiving the fee,” she said. “Parents can often be the best facilitators for kids.”

Furthermore, the event was widely promoted through various channels, including a billboard located at 15th Street and Second Avenue, the Science Centre’s Facebook page, and announcements made in local schools via EDSBY.

On the opening day, the turnout was impressive, with expectations high for continued participation throughout the weekend. Williams encouraged families to visit the Science Centre after the Santa Claus Parade on November 29, inviting them to warm up and enjoy the creative atmosphere at BRICKLab.

For those interested in future events, Williams recommended checking the Science Centre’s Facebook page or website at princealbertsciencecentre.ca for updates and additional activities planned for the community.

The return of BRICKLab illustrates the Science Centre’s commitment to providing engaging educational experiences that not only entertain but also inspire creativity across all ages.