Unleash Their Inner Engineer: Build, Squish, Smell, Solve! A Hands-On STEAM+E Adventure in West Columbia

Is your child a tinkerer? A budding scientist? A creative problem-solver who loves getting their hands messy? In today's rapidly evolving world, nurturing curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking is more important than ever. That's why Kituuma & Co. | SYM Workshops is thrilled to invite young innovators aged 8 and up to a unique, hands-on experience right here in West Columbia: Build, Squish, Smell, Solve!​

This isn't just another craft session. It's a deep dive into the exciting world of STEAM+E (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math + Entrepreneurship), cleverly disguised as pure fun. Forget passive learning; we're rolling up our sleeves and transforming everyday materials into extraordinary sensory toys!

Join us on Tuesday, April 15th, or Thursday, April 17th, 2025, at the fun and friendly IceCream Taco (2708 Emmanuel Church Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170) for a workshop designed to ignite imagination and build real-world skills.

Why Sensory Toys? The Power of Multi-Sensory Exploration

Before we dive into the engineering, let's talk about why sensory toys. Sensory play is fundamental to child development. It involves activities that stimulate a child's senses: touch, sight, sound, smell, taste (though we'll focus less on taste in this workshop!), balance, and body awareness.

• Brain Development: Engaging multiple senses helps build nerve connections in the brain's pathways, leading to enhanced learning and cognitive growth.
• Motor Skills: Manipulating materials like dough, slime (hello cornstarch!), beads, or textured objects refines fine motor skills crucial for writing and other tasks. Gross motor skills can be engaged through toys involving motion.
• Problem-Solving & Cognitive Growth: Sensory exploration encourages children to investigate, discover, and make sense of the world around them. How does this feel? What happens if I mix these? Why does it smell like that?
• Emotional Regulation: Sensory input can be incredibly calming and organizing for many children, especially sensory seekers or those who feel overwhelmed easily. A squishy toy or a visually engaging object can provide focus and reduce anxiety.
• Language Development: Children learn descriptive words (squishy, smooth, bumpy, bright, loud, sweet-smelling) as they articulate their sensory experiences.

At "Build, Squish, Smell, Solve!", we're taking sensory exploration to the next level by empowering kids to become the inventors of their own sensory experiences.

The Challenge: Engineering Meets Imagination

The core of our workshop lies in a captivating challenge: Using the Engineering Design Process (EDP), students will invent a sensory toy that stimulates at least two different senses.

Will they create a squishy, scented stress ball? A visually mesmerizing glitter jar that makes a gentle sound? A textured maze that challenges the sense of touch? The possibilities are as limitless as their imagination!

What is the Engineering Design Process (EDP)?

The EDP is a series of steps engineers use to find practical solutions to problems. It’s not always linear, often involving looping back and refining, but it provides a fantastic framework for structured problem-solving – a skill valuable far beyond engineering! For kids, we break it down into manageable, engaging steps:

1. Ask: What's the problem? (We need a toy that stimulates two senses). What are the constraints? (Materials available, time limit).
2. Imagine: Brainstorm ideas! Let creativity run wild. Sketch designs, discuss possibilities. No idea is too silly at this stage.
3. Plan: Choose the most promising idea. Draw a detailed diagram. List the materials needed. Think through the steps to build it.
4. Create: Build the prototype! This is where hands get busy mixing, assembling, and constructing using materials like water, cornstarch, craft supplies, and more.
5. Test: Does the toy work as planned? Does it stimulate two senses? Is it durable? Fun?
6. Improve: What could be better? Based on testing, redesign parts of the toy. Maybe it needs to be squishier, smell stronger, or look more visually appealing. This iterative process is key!
7. Share: Present the invention! Explain how it works, which senses it engages, and the design choices made.

Learning the EDP teaches kids resilience (it’s okay if the first try doesn’t work!), critical thinking, collaboration, and the confidence to tackle challenges head-on.

More Than Just a Workshop: What Your Child Gets

"Build, Squish, Smell, Solve!" is designed to provide lasting value:

• Guided 2-Hour Hands-On Session: Our experienced educators guide participants through the EDP, offering support and encouragement while fostering independence. We ensure a safe, engaging, and productive environment.
• Take-Home Toy + Design Journal: Kids don't just make something; they take their unique, self-engineered sensory toy home! Plus, they receive a design journal to document their process, sketch ideas, and reflect on their learning – reinforcing the concepts.
• Real-World STEAM+E Skills: Beyond the fun, participants gain practical experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, design thinking, material science basics, and creative expression – all pillars of STEAM+E.
• Mentorship from Educators: Our team is passionate about empowering young minds. They provide not just instruction but mentorship, celebrating effort and innovation.
• Access to Follow-Up Resources: We provide links or suggestions for further exploration, encouraging continued learning and experimentation at home.
• Collaboration & Communication: Kids work alongside peers, sharing ideas, offering feedback (constructively!), and learning to communicate their design process.
• A Guaranteed Confidence Boost: Successfully tackling an engineering challenge and creating a tangible product builds immense self-esteem. We guarantee your child will leave feeling proud of their invention!

Who is This Workshop For?

This workshop is perfect for children aged 8 and up who are:

• Young Makers: Kids who love to build, tinker, deconstruct, and create with their hands.
• Sensory Seekers: Children who are naturally drawn to exploring textures, sounds, sights, and smells.
• Curious Problem-Solvers: Kids who ask "why?" and enjoy figuring things out.
• Future Innovators: Any child who could benefit from a fun introduction to engineering principles and creative design.

Meet the Hosts: Kituuma & Co. | SYM Workshops

Kituuma & Co., through its SYM Workshops initiative, is dedicated to empowering young minds right here in the West Columbia community and surrounding areas. We believe that learning should be engaging, relevant, and fun. Our mission is to equip the next generation with the skills, mindset, and confidence they need to thrive – focusing on STEAM, innovation, and the foundations of entrepreneurship. We create hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and make complex concepts accessible and exciting for children.

The Sweet Spot: Our Venue - IceCream Taco!

What's better than engineering cool toys? Engineering cool toys at a place called IceCream Taco! Located conveniently at 2708 Emmanuel Church Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170, IceCream Taco provides a fun, friendly, and inspiring backdrop for our workshop. It’s a place where creativity flows as freely as… well, maybe the ice cream later!

Workshop Details & Pricing

Choose the day and time that works best for your family:

• Date: Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 OR Thursday, April 17th, 2025
• Time Slots (Both Days):
  • Session A: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Session B: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Location: IceCream Taco, 2708 Emmanuel Church Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170
• Pricing:
  • $50 per student: Includes the 2-hour workshop, take-home toy, design journal, all materials, AND lunch! (Perfect for the midday session or if you want a hassle-free transition).
  • $40 per student: Includes the 2-hour workshop, take-home toy, design journal, and all materials (lunch not included).

Ready to Spark Their Inner Engineer? Register Today!

Spaces for this popular workshop are limited to ensure a high-quality, personalized experience for every child. Don't miss this opportunity for your child to build, squish, smell, solve, and most importantly, shine!

​Click Here to Secure Your Spot!​

Why Wait? Give the Gift of Innovation!

Investing in experiences like "Build, Squish, Smell, Solve!" provides benefits far beyond a single afternoon. You're giving your child:

• A positive association with learning and problem-solving.
• Tangible skills applicable in school and life.
• A creative outlet for self-expression.
• The pride of accomplishment.
• A really cool, unique sensory toy they made themselves!

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the world of sensory engineering. Let's empower the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and creators, one squishy, smelly, fascinating toy at a time!

​Register Online Now!​

Questions? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at: info@kituuma.org​

We can't wait to see what amazing inventions your young engineers create!