Exploratorium
Tinkering Fundamentals: Motion and Mechanisms
Exploratorium

Tinkering Fundamentals: Motion and Mechanisms

Taught in English

Some content may not be translated

6,426 already enrolled

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

Mike Petrich
Karen Wilkinson
Luigi Anzivino

Instructors: Mike Petrich

4.8

(27 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
5 hours to complete
3 weeks at 1 hour a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Details to know

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There are 5 modules in this course

What is tinkering? What does it mean to you? Is it different from engineering or other forms of making? We'll explore these questions in the readings and forums while getting a sneak preview of the activities we'll be sharing over the following modules.

What's included

3 videos5 readings

Let's get started with our first activity! Marble Machines are creative ball-run contraptions made from familiar materials. This week we will show you the activity in action, talk about its design, then discuss in detail how to build your own Marble Machines set. We also hear from the artist who inspired the activity, and Eleanor Duckworth will share her pedagogical perspective.

What's included

5 videos2 readings

This week, we turn our attention to Cardboard Automata: inspired by crank-operated mechanical devices that tell miniature stories with movement and narrative, these simple but engaging contraptions are often a vehicle for personal expression and humor.

What's included

15 videos2 readings

A Chain Reaction machine is a deceptively simple concept, but one that allows for an incredibly complex and deep investigation into something we experience every day: the relationship between cause and effect. It brings all of a tinkerer’s skills to bear to improvise, build, troubleshoot, and imagine a problem and its solution!

What's included

7 videos2 readings

This week is dedicated to exploring the relationship between practice and research about learning through tinkering.

What's included

5 videos2 readings1 peer review

Instructors

Mike Petrich
Exploratorium
2 Courses13,944 learners
Karen Wilkinson
Exploratorium
2 Courses13,944 learners

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4.8

27 reviews

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Reviewed on Aug 4, 2017

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Reviewed on Feb 10, 2020

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Reviewed on Nov 9, 2019

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