Celebrating Father’s Day with Technology and Creativity
Last weekend, the ROB9-16 robotics club opened its doors for an unforgettable family learning and sharing experience. In celebration of Father’s Day, the “Tech Families” event brought fathers and sons together to explore the world of technology, building together a Hexa Light luminaire, a decorative piece with rainbow LEDs. This initiative was promoted as part of the Engineering for All project, a partnership between the Instituto Superior Técnico and the Municipality of Oeiras, with the aim of bringing young people closer to science and engineering in an accessible and entertaining way.
During the activity, participants had the opportunity to learn about electrical circuits, soldering and understanding electronics in a practical way. Mafalda Fernandes, a project grant holder and monitor of the action, said: “We celebrated Father’s Day in an innovative way, allowing fathers and children to work together to build something special. It’s a unique experience to see the creativity and enthusiasm of the participants.”
The testimonies of the participants reinforce the importance of this type of initiative. Guilherme Melo, 16, said: “I learned how to assemble a Nanoleaf and how to solder. This activity helped me realize that I want to study mechatronics in the future.” His father, Hugo Melo, added: “I think this initiative is spectacular, as it helps to awaken skills and interests in young people.” Carolina Duarte, 10, shared her enthusiasm: “I really enjoyed putting the circuit together and soldering the parts. Having her parents around helped a lot.” Her mother, Cláudia Duarte, emphasized: “These initiatives are fundamental for bringing children closer to science from an early age, especially girls, who are so often kept away from this area.”
The Famílias Tech event showed that technology can be a bridge between generations, providing moments of complicity and family learning. The satisfaction of the participants proves the relevance of more initiatives like this, which encourage scientific curiosity and stimulate future vocations. Robotics and electronics have never been so accessible – and learning together makes it all the more special.