A hands-on STEM workshop for children aged 5-12 to build a simple metal detector and explore engineering. Free after-school event at St Peters/Sydenham Library on 2026-03-12.
Thursday 12 March 2026
4:00pm - 5:30pm
St Peters Town Hall, Unwins Bridge Rd, Sydenham NSW 2044, Australia
Free
Unleash your child's inner explorer with Beep and Seek, an engaging after school activity designed for curious minds. This children's library workshop blends playful discovery with practical STEM learning, letting kids build and take home a simple metal detector while learning the science behind how it works. It's a perfect mix of fun and education for school-aged children and a welcome relief for parents seeking meaningful after-school activities and STEM enrichment.
Children will dive into a hands-on, supervised project that introduces basic engineering and physics concepts in a friendly library setting. The session is paced for ages 5-12 so younger makers will be supported and older children can explore more complex ideas.
Participants will construct a simple custom-built metal detector and test it during the workshop. Practical takeaways include:
- Building a working detector to take home
- Learning the science of electromagnetism in a child-friendly way
- Guided testing, troubleshooting and creative play
Parents can expect a safe, encouraging environment with trained facilitators and clear instructions. Photography may occur for library promotion; staff will note consent details at booking. The session also includes quiet time and demonstration moments to reinforce learning and keep the activity calm and focused.
This 1 hour 30 minute program is tailored for ages 5-12 and aims to ignite interest in engineering, DIY electronics and science. The format is practical and project-based, ideal for after school enrichment and STEM-focused learning outside the classroom.
Key details include:
- Age range: 5-12 years
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (hands-on building and testing)
- Capacity: limited places; bookings required
Materials and tools are provided by the library and the project is suitable for beginners. Facilitators will guide children through safe use of simple components, fostering problem-solving, fine motor skills and teamwork in a fun, educational setting.
The workshop is held at St Peters/Sydenham Library, 39 Unwins Bridge Road, Sydenham, NSW 2044. The venue is familiar to local families and well placed for public transport and short drives, making it an easy after-school stop.
The library is accessible from street level with lift access to the main hall and facilities for people using wheelchairs or mobility aids. If you have specific access needs, the booking form allows you to request reasonable adjustments so your child can participate fully.
If you need directions or transport options, the library staff can advise on nearby parking and public transport routes. For quick queries call the library on 02 9392 5588 or check local transport apps for trip planning to Sydenham.
Places are limited and bookings that do not meet the stated age requirements may be cancelled so another child can attend. Parents and carers of children under 11 are asked to remain in the vicinity for the duration of the program in case of emergency and to collect the child at the end of the session.
The library may take photographs of facilitators and participants; consent details will be handled at booking. If your child has additional support needs or access requirements, please indicate these in the booking order form so staff can arrange reasonable adjustments.
If you cannot attend, please cancel your booking promptly to allow another child to join. Repeated no-shows without notification may affect future bookings for library programs.
This is a free event, but places must be reserved in advance due to limited capacity. Reserve your spot via the Eventbrite listing for the workshop — bookings help the library plan materials and ensure a quality experience for all participants.
Bookings are essential and may be cancelled if age requirements are not met. The library recommends booking early to secure a place and to include any access or support needs in the order form.
If you have questions about booking or need assistance, contact St Peters/Sydenham Library directly on 02 9392 5588 during business hours. The session is a cost-free way to introduce children to STEM, engineering and creative problem-solving.
