1. The Electricity Mystery
This 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.
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4. 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.
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6. Bright Idea
Bright 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.
7. Kitchen Science
Kitchen 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.
8. My Electric Valentine
This 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.
9. 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.
10. LED Badge of Courage
This 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.
11. 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.
12. Sweet Sun-Sation
Sweet 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.
13. That Old ‘Trope
In 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.
15. The Vibrobot Invasion
A 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.
