Berkeley

TechHive Comes Alive at Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science

Published

11 years ago

January 14, 2014

Ski Ball and PacMan machines made from cardboard – those were some of the popular arcade games people came across as they attended the Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science TechHive showcase.

Founded in January 2013, TechHive is a pre-college engineering design program that focuses on supporting creativity and authentic engineering design experiences for high school students ages 14 to 18. The program hopes to inspire and prepare students for careers in science and technology.

Once accepted into the program, the interns receive formal training every second Saturday of the month, as well as “techtorials” that teach how the techniques of video conferencing and digital drafting.

“It gives them hands-on experiences that they don’t otherwise get a chance to do. and they get a chance to practice communicating their skills in science,

Each intern must commit to commit to work three days per month during the school year and 15-20 hours per week during the summer. Summer interns receive a stipend for their participation.

“It’s so different from every other program. You’re exposed to STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math,” said Kona Yee-Wong, a 12^th grade student at Oakland Technical High School.

She says she likes environmental studies, but given her participation in TechHive since the 11^th grade, she says she “definitely” wants to continue down the technology path she is now on.

Tech Hive Intern uses Pac-Man Arcade made mostly out of cardboard materials. Photo by Spencer Whitney.

Most of the designs use the Makey Makey system, an innovative kit that can turn everyday objects into touchpads. Objects are connected using alligator clips to the Makey Makey keyboard, which is attached to a computer so that when someone touches the object, it sends a signal to the computer.

Interns then use that technology to create everything from a piano keyboard to video control board controlled by a roll of tape, cardboard, and a joystick made from cardboard.

Alex Smirnov, a student at De La Salle High School in Concord, has been a part of TechHive since it began. He says most of the inventions are inspired from what they see online and coming to TechHive allows him to explore the ideas of science while also providing opportunity to teach it to Lawrence Hall of Science visitors.

Nikita Gupta,15, didn’t use the “Makey Makey” system but applied the same principles to design her own light-up shoe. Using an LED light strip, a 9 volt battery, a pen cap, wiring, and small metal balls commonly on dog chain necklaces, she was able to bring her idea to life.

“I just used stuff I found at home,” she said, explaining the steps it took for her to make it work. “I haven’t worn them yet, but I am planning to.”

For more information about TechHive, visit www.lawrencehallofscience.org

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

Kate Sears Elected President of Board of Supervisors

Don't Miss

Oakland Students Meet Classical Pianist Terrance Wilson

Oakland Post

Click to comment

Bay Area

Progressive Missionary Baptist Church of Berkeley Celebrates 90th Anniversary

Dr. Earl C. Stuckey, Sr., who has served as Progressive Missionary’s pastor since September 1977, said the church also delights in the fact that it has hosted only five pastors in its 90-year history, including Pastors James E. Moore, H. A. Green, F. Douglas Farrell, and Edward Stovall, who served for 37 years.

Published

7 days ago

May 16, 2025

Oakland Post

Progressive Missionary Baptist Poster. Dr. Earl C. Stuckey, Sr., Pastor of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Berkeley with his wife, Kay Frances Stuckey.

By Oakland Post Staff

The Progressive Missionary Baptist Church of Berkeley is celebrating its 90th church anniversary on Sunday, May 18 at 10 a.m. at 3301 King Street in Berkeley.

The celebration will feature Pastor Darnell Manuel of the Union Baptist Church in Vallejo as guest speaker, along with many other special presentations.

Those who wish to share in Progressive’s history can purchase a 100-page full-colored souvenir book for $25.

The church boasts a number of notable people who either regularly attended or became members of the church since its inception, including former Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Oakland mayoral candidate Loren Taylor, and one of the organizers of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Helen J. H. Stephens.

Pastor Stuckey often remarks how longevity flourishes at the church — it boasts 13 centenarians (people who have reached 100 years or more). Currently, it has one centenarian who is still surviving, Mrs. Dorothy Chambers, and 14 members who have reached 90 years or more.

Recently, on Feb.17, the pastor and his wife Kay Frances, celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

Faces Around the Bay: Author Karen Lewis Took the ‘Detour to Straight Street’

“My life has been a roller-coaster with an unlimited ride wristband! I was raised in Berkeley during the time of Ron Dellums, the Black Panthers, and People’s Park. I was a Hippie kid, my Auntie cut off all our hair so we could wear the natural styles like her and Angela Davis.

Published

4 weeks ago

April 28, 2025

Oakland Post

Karen Lewis. Courtesy photo.

By Barbara Fluhrer

I met Karen Lewis on a park bench in Berkeley. She wrote her story on the spot.

I got married young, then ended up getting divorced, raising two boys into men. After my divorce, I had a stroke that left me blind and paralyzed. I was homeless, lost in a fog with blurred vision.

Jesus healed me! I now have two beautiful grandkids. At 61, this age and this stage, I am finally free indeed. Our Lord Jesus Christ saved my soul. I now know how to be still. I lay at his feet. I surrender and just rest. My life and every step on my path have already been ordered. So, I have learned in this life…it’s nice to be nice. No stressing, just blessings. Pray for the best and deal with the rest.

Nobody is perfect, so forgive quickly and love easily!”

Lewis’ book “Detour to Straight Street” is available on Amazon.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

Golden State Warriors Program Is Inspiring Next Generation of Female Engineers

Breaking down barriers and biases that deter young girls from pursuing STEAM subjects is essential for creating a level playing field and ensuring equal opportunities for all. By challenging stereotypes and promoting a culture of inclusivity and diversity in STEAM fields, experts believe young girls can be empowered to pursue their interests and aspirations without limitations confidently. Encouraging mentorship, providing access to resources, and celebrating girls’ achievements in STEAM are all crucial steps in creating a supportive environment that fosters success.

Published

2 months ago

March 23, 2025

Oakland Post

Front Row: UC Berkeley Steel Bridge Team Back Row: Girls, Inc. Participants. Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

The Golden State Warriors and e-commerce giant Rakuten are joining forces to inspire the next generation of female engineers through Building STEAM Futures, part of The City Calls campaign.

Organizers say the initiative is founded on the idea that science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) are crucial fields for innovation and progress, and empowering young girls to pursue careers in these areas is more important than ever. Studies consistently show that girls are underrepresented in STEAM fields, resulting in a gender disparity that limits potential and hinders diversity.

On Saturday, March 8, International Women’s Day, the Warriors and Rakuten hosted 20 middle school girls from Girls Inc. of Alameda County at Chase Center’s Above the Rim for a hands-on bridge-building experience. The young girls from Girls, Inc. of Alameda County had an opportunity to design, build and test their own bridge prototypes and learn the fundamentals of bridge construction from the Engineering Alliance and the UC Berkeley Steel Bridge Team.

This STEAM experience for the girls followed the first session in January, where they took a behind-the-scenes tour of the Golden Gate Bridge, learning about its design and construction from industry experts. The City Calls campaign, tipped off with the unveiling the Warriors’ new bridge-themed City Edition jerseys and court design earlier this year.