The Electricity MysteryThis class served as an introduction to electronics for ages 3-11. The children made a continuity detector, tested conductivity of different materials, and reused their gadget for “light painting.” In the process, they learned about electrons, voltage, circuits, and conductivity.

Simplexity/Automoto, Automata

Simplexity and Automato, Automata were two classes which introduced children ages 3-11 to the concepts of simple machines (levers, wheels, inclined planes) and automata (mechanical toys), which they then built. Other concepts introduced in these lessons included friction and gravity.

Bright IdeaBright Idea, again for ages 3-11, built on the concepts taught in The Electricity Mystery. Children made papercraft flashlights with batteries, an LED, wire, a paperclip, brads, and a cup. Children were able to describe how the circuit worked and how to fix “miswiring” problems.

Kitchen ScienceKitchen Science demonstrated four safe, easy experiments children ages 3-11 and their parents or caregivers could perform at home: capillary action with celery and coffee filters; chemoetiolation (bleaching); condensation and precipitation; and tornado formation.

My Electric ValentineThis was a one-off class that served as a basic introduction to electronics for ages 3-11, and as a craft activity for Valentine’s Day. By making a greeting card that lit up when “hugged,” children learned about circuits and electronic components.

Marble Madness!Marble Madness! introduced children ages 3-5 to the concepts of gravity, gravitational potential energy, and kinetic energy. Students designed and built vertical marble mazes from cardboard, tubes, and bells, which “ran” without intervention from start to finish.

LED Badge of CourageThis class demonstrated that physical movement and electronics can work hand-in-hand. By creating a light-up “badge” that turned on when rotated one way and turned off when rotated another way, children ages 3-5 learned simple circuit and electronics concepts.

Static SHOCK!Static SHOCK!, a perennial favorite for children ages 3-11, was designed to teach even the earliest learners about electrons, voltage, and current, as well as static electricity. Children built working electroscopes and “activated” them with statically-charged balloons.

Sweet Sun-SationSweet Sun-Sation introduced children ages 3-5 to the concepts of visible and invisible solar radiation, including infrared and ultraviolet; the importance of sunscreen; and the use of “sun power” to generate electricity through UV and the Peltier Effect.

That Old ‘TropeIn this class, children ages 3-11 learned about the art and science of optical illusions, including the Phi Effect responsible for perception of motion pictures and animations. The class culminated in the creation of individual zoetropes.

Up, Periscope

The Vibrobot InvasionA perennial favorite, Vibrobots taught children 3-11 about circuits, motors, and balance. Each child was able to create a “robot” from a cell phone vibration motor, cardstock, beads, and eye stickers.

Misc. Tinkering Toys

Phototheremin

Dancing Electromagnet

RGB Toy

Miscellaneous: Other

Luau Tiki

NanoDays NanoDays