Senior STEAM Workshop: Engineering with Clixo

Senior STEAM Workshop: Engineering with Clixo

By: Janice Beard, STEAM STARZ

Clixo Ambassador 2025 – 2026

As a Clixo Ambassador, I (Janice Beard, STEAM STARZ) recently had the opportunity to bring STEAM learning to seniors. Learning doesn’t stop at any age, and partnering with Clixo made this event especially impactful.

Introducing Engineering Through Hands-On Discovery

I kicked off the workshop by talking about engineering in a very approachable way. Instead of technical definitions, we asked simple, meaningful questions:

• What career did you have?
• What do you think engineering is?
• Where do you see engineering in everyday life?

This created conversation and reflection for the residents. 

Honoring Lifelong Careers & Experiences

One of the most meaningful moments of the event came from listening to the seniors share about their careers and life experiences. Stories from years spent in manufacturing, construction, education, healthcare, farming, homemaking, and many other fields. One resident even reflected on working with early computing systems, long before computers were what we know them to be today.

As they reminisced, memories resurfaced, and conversations naturally unfolded among the group. These shared stories not only honored their experiences but also sparked connection, laughter, and meaningful dialogue, reminding us that learning and storytelling are just as impactful as building and creating.

As we talked, it became clear that:

• Problem-solving
• Designing solutions
• Improving systems
• Working with constraints

…are skills they used throughout their lives; these are the very foundations of engineering thinking. 

Their experiences reminded us that engineering isn’t just a subject, it’s a way of thinking across generations.

Hands-On Engineering with Clixo

After our discussion, it was time to explore and build. Seniors were introduced to Clixo. Together, we reviewed how to use the magnetic pieces and talked through how magnets work.

We explored the idea that opposite poles attract—north and south connect—while like poles repel, such as north pushing away from north. The color-coding on the Clixo pieces helped participants easily identify which sides would connect or repel, making the building process more enjoyable.

I began the lesson by giving participants a variety of Clixo pieces and inviting them to build and design anything they wished. Our goal was to encourage open-ended creativity and exploration. However, I quickly realized that without specific guidance, this approach felt challenging and frustrating for some participants.

Recognizing this, I pivoted and introduced structured kits with clear instructions. This adjustment provided helpful boundaries while still allowing room for creativity and personal design choices. With this support in place, participants were able to confidently engage with Clixo, experiment, and create, turning potential frustration into a positive and successful building experience.

Seniors had the opportunity to explore several Clixo kits: Tropical Birds, Classroom, Mars Station, Ocean Creators, and Jewelry Set Packs.

Participants worked both independently and collaboratively, testing ideas, redesigning structures, and sharing their creations with one another. There was a genuine sense of excitement as they proudly showed off what they built, with many even taking photos to share with family and friends. Several seniors asked where they could purchase Clixo sets themselves, a true testament to how much they enjoyed the experience and connected with the hands-on learning.

Engineering Skills in Action

Throughout the event, we saw seniors actively using skills, including:

• Critical thinking
• Spatial awareness
• Trial and error
• Collaboration
• Fine motor skills
• Social & emotional skills
• Memory recall
• Creative problem-solving
• And… lifelong skills

Why Senior STEAM Matters

This event highlighted just how meaningful STEAM experiences can be for seniors. Hands-on activities stimulate cognitive engagement, encourage memory and conversation, strengthen fine motor skills, foster connections with others, and emphasize the importance of lifelong learning.

During the workshop, I discovered that, no matter our age or ability, we all crave connection, the chance to learn something new, and the simple joy of having fun. Engineering isn’t confined to classrooms or childhood, it’s part of a lifetime of discovery. By exploring and partnering with Clixo, the senior event was a success.

I’m grateful to everyone who joined us and shared their time and stories. I can’t wait to continue creating meaningful, hands-on STEAM experiences for learners of all ages!

For more information, reach out to: shinebright@steamstarz.com  or  hello@clixo.com