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How is something from today connected to what already happens in your educational setting?

I am always looking for a way to connect art and STEM. I really love the automata and can connect it to a project I do with coding LED lights. I think this would work really well in conjuction with that project.

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Misery is Optional
Be Raggedy
Lean in
No one know everything, together we know a lot
Move Up, Move Back

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Definition: Sticking to a task even when it gets difficult. Buckling down and using your problem solving skills.

I had to really work at getting my cam dowel to move correctly. Part of what I decided was my box was a little to wobbly and gave that dowel to much freedom. I did not want to secure my box more, but knew it was the best idea so I used this maker mind set to buckle down and make my box better!

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Tinkering Activity: Dancing Boxes | Exploratorium

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What new ideas have extended your thinking about what could happen in your educational setting?
I love to tinker, but often find it hard to fit into my curriculum. This has given me knew ideas. High school students need to tinker too. .

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Positives-What was effective, helpful, and what should we keep doing? Deltas-What needs to be improved, changed, or added?

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Did your idea change as you worked on this project?

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How did you practice this mindset skill while making today?

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How did you practice this mindset skill while making today?

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What was your inspiration for your dancing box?
What would you add next?

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What challenged you? Finding a topper that was sturdy enough to withhold the motion. The motion is a little jerky and some of my attempts at a topper just fell over.
What surprised you? The fun ways you could enjoy this simple motion.

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What is challenging or confusing? What are you still wondering about?
The mechanical parts are challenging, however this is a challenge I enjoy. Some people won't enjoy that challenge and how do I get them to persevere

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Definition:

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How did you practice this mindset skill while making today?

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How did you practice this mindset skill while making today?

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Whirligigs are kinetic contraptions that can be powered by wind, crank, or motor. These wonderful creations have a long history and range from lawn ornaments to fine art. This activity focuses on wind-powered paper creatures, but similar principles can be applied to all types of whirligigs. Learn more about the history of whirligigs and its deep roots in England, China, Egypt, Iran, Greece, and the Roman Empire.

Parts and Purposes

The big idea with whirligigs is there are two categories of parts: movable and stationary. Take advantage of these ideas as you experiment with materials.

Movable parts

Propeller. This catches the wind and creates the movement of the drive shaft and crank. Consider materials like a paper cup or paper folded to catch wind from outdoors or a fan.

Drive shaft and crank. Freely spinning with the propeller, this can be made from any long and narrow material, such as a dowel, chopstick, or straw. The crank is a bend in the drive shaft and can be made from the same material or another, such as wire or a paperclip.

Stationary parts

Base. Cardboard works wonders here and can produce a strudy structure. The addition of a straw aids in the spinning of the drive shaft.

One way to tinker with whirligigs is to play around with different materials. For the propeller, consider trying a:

Paper cup with slits

Paper pinwheel

Set of playing cards

The d rive shaft can be any long and narrow material, such as a:

The c rank is made from maleable wire, such as:

Consider decorative materials and a variety of adhesives like hot glue and tape as part of your materials pallet.

Artist Spotlight: Noga Elhassid

Noga is an Israeli artist who created a workshop designed to teach kids basic physical phenomena and mechanical principles through play. Check out more of her work at The Moving Toys Workshop.

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Whirligigs are kinetic contraptions that can be powered by wind, crank, or motor. These wonderful creations have a long history and range from lawn ornaments to fine art. This activity focuses on wind-powered paper creatures, but similar principles can be applied to all types of whirligigs.

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Definition:

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Definition:
Pulling back to observe and evaluate your work, your process, your goal.

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How did you practice this mindset skill while making today?

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How did you practice this mindset skill while making today?

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When my cams weren't working well I made myself stop working with my hands. I had been so focused on finishing and not embarrassing myself that my hands were getting carried away in frantic work that could have derailed my progress towards my goal. When I paused to reflect I asked myself what really needed to happen with the cam pieces, and took the time to think the process through before picking up my tools again and making adjustments.

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How did you practice this mindset skill while making today?

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How did you practice this mindset skill while making today?

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cam | Etymology, origin and meaning of cam by etymonline

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CAM Meaning: “a projecting part of a rotating machinery used to impart motion to another part,” from Dutch cam “cog… See definitions of cam.