Science Lab Linkki organises both single-session workshops and workshop series, also called miniclubs, which include three sessions. Workshops will be organized both at the University of Helsinki's Kumpula Campus (Exactum, Pietari Kalmin katu 5) and online. During autumn we organize one Let's make a game with Scratch workshops and one logic game miniclub in English. In other workshops the language of instruction is Finnish. Registration will be open until the Wednesday before the workshop.
This workshop is organized at the Kumpula Campus or remotely. It is also held in English once. There is a different game in every workshop held during the autumn. That’s why you can sign up to all of them if you wish.
Pong goalkeeper
Dino game
Labyrinth (remote group)
Treasure-collecting game (English group)
The workshop is aimed at 2nd to 5th graders who are enthusiastic about programming a small-scale game in the Scratch programming language. However, no previous experience is required, only an interest in programming is necessary! Scratch is a coding language for children and young people with an emphasis on problem-solving skills and creativity.
At the Kumpula Campus the club uses the university's equipment, so personal computers are not needed. However, participants are welcome to bring their own laptops if they wish. Participant's need their own computer to participate in the remotely organized workshop.
The workshop is aimed at 7th to 9th graders who are interested to try out text programming or have some prior familiarity with programming. No previous experience with programming is needed. The workshop will teach text-based Python programming in a guided manner and implement a small project.The workshop provides a foundation for starting and continuing a programming hobby.
The content of the group is the same as in the previous workshops.
The material used in the workshop can be found
The club uses the university's equipment, so personal computers are not needed. However, participants are welcome to bring their own laptops if they wish.
Programming group Peipot
In this miniclub, children get a fun introduction to programming using ScratchJr, a programming language designed specifically for approximately 5–7‑year‑olds. The commands are presented as easy‑to‑understand icons, so fluent reading skills are not required. During the sessions, children create small games and stories that are sure to inspire them! Parents are very welcome to join.
You may bring your own tablet with ScratchJr installed, but we also have loan tablets available.
The content of the group is the same as in the previous miniclubs.
Logic game miniclub Kestrels
Logic game miniclub Haukat
Logic game miniclub Huuhkajat
In this miniclub, participants explore a variety of logic games and other activities which train logical thinking skills. After learning the rules, children get to solve games and tasks which interest them the most. Participants can follow their progress by filling in a game pass. Most of the games are designed for independent play, but they can also be played together!
Solving logic games requires different strategies, especially as the tasks become more challenging. These strategies are introduced naturally through gameplay. Participants learn to recognize patterns and paths made from different types of pieces through logic games. The task could be for example to put penguins and movable ice floe boundaries to specific places on a board. Logic games are available, including ones from SmartGames.
The minclub includes encryption tasks where participants figure out which symbol corresponds to which letter, along with other logic tasks. These tasks may include, for example, figuring out where a robot will end up on a grid.
The miniclub also offers other logic‑based tasks, such as sudokus, nonograms and programming robots designed for children. In addition, the programme features some optional interactive activities. Among these, the data communication magic trick helps participants practice recognizing patterns on a grid. At the end of the trick, they receive a brief explanation of how similar patterns are used in real data communication. Another optional activity can be the team-based marshmallow challenge.