Program / Event Details

Design and build a kinetic sculpture using a system of simple machines. Bring a creature or contraption with moving parts—a mouth that opens and closes, hands that clap, wings that flap—to life!

This workshop is based on the Art Machines Snack from Arts for Learning and FutureMakers, a hands-on playful engineering project for classrooms. Each student receives a personal package of unique cardboard components to engineer a unique kinetic creature that belongs to them.

STEAM concepts included:

Engineering design process
Prototyping and inventing
Simple vs. compound machines using levers and fulcra
Forces and interactions: push and pull motions
ELA connections:

Character traits
Story development
Simple dialogue
Core Arts Skills Built:

Self-motivation: persevere when trying new skills and taking risks
Develop Craft: practice combining materials to make new objects
Student Materials Kits include:

Die-cut cardboard levers
Colorful fasteners
Adhesive foam and tag board components