SciFest 2025 program

Workshops

You can reserve the workshop places in advance in the SciFest reservation system!

Saturday Non-stop

Thursday Requires registration

Kitsat satellite research

Thursday Friday Saturday Non-stop

Kitsat is a fully operational Cubesat. Kitsat is designed specifically for educational use and includes a small single-unit Cubesat satellite and ground station. With Kitsat, you can learn what a satellite is, how it is made, what parts it consists of and how it works. In a non-stop workshop, you will assemble Kitsat from prefabricated pieces and learn about the satellite's sensors.

The birth of the Earth and the wonders of the starry sky – Observatorium Väisälä mobile planetarium

Thursday Friday Saturday Requires registration

This year, SciFest will also offer you the chance to delve into the mysteries of the universe when the mobile planetarium from the Väisälä observatorium in Tuorla arrives at the event! This year, there will be a new film about the birth of the Earth. Planetarium visits will begin on the hour during the event on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Each show can accommodate around 30 enthusiastic space explorers of all ages – reserve your spot in the schedule!

The Monty Hall problem

Thursday Friday Non-stop

Are you willing to take the risk? Choose one of three doors – you could win a sweet prize! Come and test your luck and discover how mathematics and probability are linked to the game. Will luck be on your side, or will a smart choice help you win? At the same time, you will get to know the Department of Physics and Mathematics at the University of Eastern Finland.

Teachable machine 2.0

Thursday Friday Saturday Requires registration

The workshop introduces artificial intelligence through machine learning and classification. The highly popular Generation AI project's Teachable Machine has gained new features that open up the workings of artificial intelligence in a whole new way. The workshop is suitable for people of all ages, and teachers will also find inspiration for discussing artificial intelligence in their own teaching. The Generation AI project has produced a wealth of high-quality learning materials and lesson plans for using the Teachable Machine in different grade levels. Come and find out more!

Play and relax with the Itävä network

Thursday Friday Saturday Non-stop

At the Itävät - North Karelia Environmental Education Network stand, you can learn about the network's activities and get more information about what it does. The Itävät point also offers activities. You can play the Finnish version of the newly released Ilmastotietäjä game. The physical card game allows you to compete with your friends or play against the computer. The game teaches you about the impact of your consumption choices on the climate. The game is designed for educational use, but it is also entertaining and guaranteed to provide eye-opening experiences. Teachers and educators can also take games with them.

Bicycle repair workshop

Thursday Friday Saturday Non-stop

Come and give your bike a spring service. The workshop has bike cleaning and maintenance supplies, as well as guidance on how to maintain your bike yourself. At the workshop, you can write down your cycling goals, which will give you another chance to spin the wheel of fortune.

Robotics workshop

Thursday Non-stop

International data management students at Kitee Folk High School will present the robots they have built during the winter. Visitors will have the opportunity to test the robots!

Adventure on social media

Thursday Friday Saturday Requires registration

In a workshop organized by the Generation AI project at the University of Eastern Finland, you can learn about Somekone. Somekone is an easy and fun Instagram-style educational app that allows you to safely explore how social media algorithms monitor us, what kind of data they collect, and why the content they offer is so addictive. The project researchers will guide you through the Somekone app, and the experience is sure to spark discussion among students. After this workshop, you will see social media in a whole new light! We recommend bringing your own phone or tablet.

Sm4rt LOC escape room game

Thursday Friday Saturday Requires registration

Can you solve all the puzzles and escape from the locked room in half an hour? The Sm4rt LOC escape room game lets you test your problem-solving skills and challenge yourself! The workshop is for groups of 4-6 people. The group is let into a room where they find various puzzles. Once they solve a puzzle, the participants receive a code that they enter into a lock. Then they move on to the next puzzle and lock. The participants must work together to solve all the puzzles and finally escape the room by opening the last lock on the door.

Sphero robots, get moving!

Thursday Friday Saturday Non-stop

Are you a programming master, a beginner, or somewhere in between? Sphero robots offer a rewarding experience for beginners and a challenge for more experienced programmers. The goal is to program the Sphero robot balls to navigate through different tracks using either block programming or drawing programming. This is suitable for all ages and skill levels. There are 15 robots, so even larger groups can practice at once. The workshop is open non-stop for almost the entire duration of Scifest.

How to be an engineer?

Thursday Friday Non-stop

At the University of Eastern Finland, you can study to become an engineering professional, i.e. a Master of Science (Technology). But what exactly is engineering? At the Joensuu campus, it is particularly focused on photonics, i.e. the science of light, and sustainable technologies, such as materials technology. In the “How to be an engineer?” workshop, you can explore the passage of light using lasers, lenses, and mirrors, and examine different materials with a digital microscope. Can you figure out the right lenses and mirrors and combine the materials? At the same time, you will learn more about the engineering degree programs offered by the University of Eastern Finland. The workshop is open non-stop on Thursday and Friday and is suitable for all ages.

Technology supporting exercise and well-being

Thursday Non-stop

Come and try out our amazing eye-tracking glasses and challenge yourself to see how high you can jump! In the workshop, you will also have the opportunity to learn about the possibilities of technology in sports and wellness under the guidance of experts and come up with new ways to utilize these innovations. Come join us to try, learn, and get inspired!

Tietomaa on the road 2.0

Thursday Friday Saturday Requires registration

In this fun and interactive workshops students get to approach mechanics and energy by trying things out for themselves, solving challenges, and working in groups. Tietomaa staff guide students to the favorite destinations of the Tietomaa on the Road school tour. The workshop follows the STEAM principles of creative experimentation and the joy of discovery without fear of mistakes. After the workshop, students can delve deeper into the topics at school or at home with follow-up assignments. The workshop is aimed at students in grades 3–6.

Robots for the future

Thursday Friday Saturday Non-stop

What will robots be able to do in the future? How can robots be controlled using hand movements, for example? Computer science science students at the University of Eastern Finland will present their robotics projects, which combine practical needs and creativity with the latest innovations in artificial intelligence and robotics.