Harper Experience Day happening virtually throughout October

Harper College is taking its annual Harper Experience Day online, offering fun, virtual experiences for students of all ages throughout the month of October. Students can follow along at home with video tutorials and written instructions for more than 20 activities.

“We’re excited to bring Harper Experience Day online to give students of all ages interactive and fun learning opportunities,” Community Relations Manager Amie Granger said. “Each activity is educational and hands-on so students can explore their interests more.”

New activities will be posted each Wednesday. Activities are designed for third- through eighth-graders, though younger students and high school students are also invited to participate. Many activities can be done independently or with minimal supervision and give students a break from the computer.

Harper faculty and staff created the activities to continue the annual Experience Day event despite the college being open only for students taking lab classes. Students can work with 3D puzzles, go on a nature scavenger hunt, create clouds in a jar, make a spooky votive, and more. Free activity kits will have all the supplies participants need for each activity.

Jeff Moy, manager of the Makerspace and Entrepreneur Center, helped develop some of the activities. Moy and his team made 3D giraffe puzzles for the activity kits using the center’s laser cutter on recycled cardboard. There was plenty of cardboard to work with; Moy and crew have made more than 10,000 face shields, face shield parts and other pieces of personal protective equipment during the past six months that have been donated to area organizations to protect workers on the frontline. The initiative left them with numerous shipping boxes.

“We couldn’t be together on campus this year, but it’s still important to celebrate Harper Experience Day,” Moy said. “Our activities throughout October will be a great way for the community to connect with Harper and the Makerspace at home.”

A limited number of the free activity kits can be picked up at locations throughout the community starting October 1. Registration for a kit is required. Pick-up locations include the Barrington Area Library, Elk Grove Village Public Library, Mount Prospect Public Library, Palatine Public Library, Schaumburg Township District Library and Sunny Hill Elementary School.

To register for the materials kits or to learn more about Harper Experience Day, visit harpercollege.edu/experience.