SIBF 2025 inspires kids to build recycling robots with LEGO

Led by trainers Ameera Abu Sharkh and Zahra Afash, the session introduced young participants to the idea of giving everyday objects a new purpose using the Lego Education WeDo 2.0 programme. The hands-on activity guided students in building a motorised recycling truck fitted with wheels, sensors, and a SmartHub connected via Bluetooth, demonstrating how movement and automation work through mechanical energy.

“The motor connects to the iPad, which provides instructions to the motor through mechanical energy,” explained one of the trainers. “Children learn teamwork, computational thinking, and how to apply engineering concepts in fun and interactive ways.”

Building creativity through sustainability and innovation

Using the LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 kit, participants explored how technology supports recycling processes. The system includes a SmartHub with Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity, a medium motor with adjustable power levels, and motion and tilt sensors. Through guided play, children learnt how these tools help sort recyclable materials based on their properties—mirroring real-world recycling systems.

“The kids learn how recycling vehicles and facilities separate materials for reuse,” said the trainers. “It’s about showing how creativity and technology can come together to protect our planet.”

The exercise promoted teamwork, problem-solving, and awareness of sustainability — aiding young learners in recognising that even small actions can have a long-lasting environmental effect.

Fostering curiosity through play and engineering

Through play-based learning and teamwork, participants not only built machines but also explored STEM principles such as automation, design, and mechanical energy. Trainers emphasised that the session’s goal was to make engineering approachable while connecting it to real-world sustainability challenges.

“The motor powers the wheels, helping children understand how movement and automation work,” the trainers noted. “It’s a collaborative project where students work in pairs, introducing them to computational thinking and innovation in a way that feels exciting and accessible.”

SIBF 2025: Inspiring future innovators

The “A Second Life” workshop reflects SIBF 2025’s dedication to advancing education, sustainability, and creativity among young audiences. By combining science with imagination, the event emphasised the power of knowledge and play in cultivating environmental responsibility.

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the theme ‘Between You and a Book’, the 12-day SIBF 2025 features over 300 cultural events, 750 workshops, and 85 stage performances led by 158 Arab and international guests from 12 countries.