Engage with real-world challenges as you design and code your own smart city in this exciting STEM hackathon!
Program Full
This program is currently full.
You can still join the waitlist to be notified if spots become available.
When
Friday, November 14, 2025
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM*
*Optional before-care from 8:00-9:00 AM and optional after-care from 4:15-5:00 pm included at no extra fee.
Where
U of T St George Campus
Who
Grades 5-7
Program Fee
$150
Program Highlights
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Hands-On Learning: Engage in experiential learning as you design and build a smart city, from automated crossings to emergency alert systems, all through Arduino.
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Collaboration and Teamwork: Work alongside fellow students, fostering teamwork and communication skills while tackling challenges together.
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Innovation and Creativity: Explore creative problem-solving techniques as you develop unique solutions and optimize user experience.
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Mentorship and Guidance: Benefit from expert mentorship throughout the program, receiving support and insights from experienced instructors and industry professionals.
Full Description
PA Day: TechTown is a one-day, hands-on workshop for students in grades 5-7 that brings the concept of a “smart city” to life.
Through engaging coding activities and engineering themed workshops, participants will have the chance to design and program different city systems - from smart traffic lights to emergency alerts - building their own vision of an automated city.
This workshop empowers young learners with essential coding skills in a creative, collaborative, and supportive environment. Join us to spark the next generation of innovators shaping the cities of the future!
This program does not require previous experience with coding.
Program Details
Dates
Friday, November 14, 2025
Schedule
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Arrival
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Welcome
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Introduction to circuits
10:30 AM - 12:15 PM: Introduction to Arduino
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM: Lunch*
*students will need to bring their own lunch
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM: The Problem Statement
1:45 PM - 3:30 PM: Hackathon
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Presentations
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM: Closing ceremony
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM: Pick-up/dismissal
Grades
This program is offered to students in Grades 5, 6, or 7 (in the 2025/2026 academic year).
Creating an Active Account
If this is your first time registering for one of our programs, you will be prompted to create an Active account as you register. If you are successful in adding the course to your cart, your spot will be held for you as you complete the registration form, so no need to rush.
Please note that it is not possible to create an account before the registration date.
Registration Steps
Here are the steps to registering:
- Wait for registration to open.
- Click on the "Register" button on the top or bottom of this page.
- When registration is open, all the available courses will appear on the registration page.
- Add courses to your cart by clicking "ADD TO CART" after each course you are interested in.
- If a course is full, it will be listed as "WAITING LIST ONLY." Add it to your cart to add yourself to the waitlist.
- Hit "CONTINUE" at the top of the page when you have added all the courses you are interested in to your cart.
- On the next page, enter your email address to sign in or create an account.
- Indicate which child should be registered for each session you have added to your cart.
- Answer the registration questions.
- Read and scroll through the waivers.
- Complete your online signature and click "CONTINUE TO CART."
- Double check all course information is correct.
- Enter in payment information and click "Pay now."
- After registering, be sure you receive a confirmation email after your submission- if you do not, please reach out to us.
Waitlist
If you see that a course is waitlisted on the registration page, that means there are no available spaces. If a space opens up in the course, those on the waitlist will be notified immediately in the order that they registered.
Cost
$150
Cancellation Policy
A refund or a credit, less a $30.00 administration fee, is available for cancellation requests received on or before 11:59 PM the following cancellation dates:
- November 14 session: cancel by Sunday, November 9, 2025
Any cancellations made after this day are not eligible for a refund.
Cancellations can be done through your online account, or by emailing us at outreach@engineering.utoronto.ca.
Bursaries and Financial Aid
Our bursary program is currently on hold. If you are interested in hearing if bursaries become available in the future, please add your email to our Bursary Mailing List here.
Do you have questions about PA Day - TechTown?
Contact us at outreach@engineering.utoronto.ca
Program Full
This program is currently full.
You can still join the waitlist to be notified if spots become available.
