This document describes a workshop where children ages 6-12 are guided through an inquiry process to explore museum objects, capture their ideas and inspiration using technology, and collaboratively design and create a 3D printed object. The goal is to help children learn through exploration of objects, self-directed investigation, and connecting their ideas to a shared blog and physical objects. Key aspects include using iPads and apps to document their process, the democratic selection of a design to print, and creating an ongoing community through social media. Lessons learned include the benefits of inquiry-based learning and collaboration over traditional transmission-based models.

1. We’re Talking Objects
I was inspired by a toy aeroplane
I was inspired by a
Medieval Key
I was inspired by
a Roman vase

2. Who is it for?
Everyone and Anyone
….but works really well with children.
These are the five children that piloted
The sessions aged from 6 to 12.

3. What is it?
An enquiry and self organising workshop for people to…..
Investigate objects and what they mean.
Capture information and inspiration
from objects in the galleries.
Curate the experience onto a blog.
Design an object and 3D print
it or physically make it.
Connect the blog to the object using QR and or other methods.

4. How does it work?
Using an enquiry session the participants inspired by an object, idea or question
generate and investigate thoughts, ideas, opinions, questions and answers.
Fun Helpful Useful
Pretty
Works
Does things Doesn’t break
Design
What makes a good object?
Why are objects important?
We love them They’re valuable
We enjoy them
Can’t live without them
Need them Tell us things
They do things for us Learn from them

5. How does it work?
To the galleries
Using an ipod Touch they take photos and video of
the objects and use text as well as paper and writing
to capture ideas, thoughts and information. All of this
content can be uploaded to the blog.

6. How does it work?
Back in the Clore Learning Centre
Using drawings and an app called Popplet
participants continue to produce, collect and
curate their assets and ideas. Their drawings
begin the design process.

7. How does it work?
Designing an object
Using an app called itracer HD participants designed
3D objects which could be emailed direct to a 3D printing
service or indeed a printer. Alternatively they could other
materials including traditional materials like clay as well
as new ones like thermosetting plastics etc

8. How does it work?
The Democratic Process
The participants then presented their objects
to each other and they voted on the one they
wanted to get printed. They liked the idea of a
key with a key on it that unlocks their blog!

9. What happens next?
f t
f t
f t
f t
Each object that is made not only has it’s
own blog but through RSS, Twitter,
Facebook and other social apps will be
able to create a community and
communicate with each other and well as
collecting information to share.

10. What do you need?
We used
•A facilitator to ask questions
•Objects to stimulate, challenge and inspire
•A blog to collect all the data
•iPod Touch to collect and communicate data
•Paper and pencils to collect and design
•IPad to curate, communicate and design
•A printer for the QR codes
•A 3D printer or service or art/craft materials
But most of all the participants
•Energy
•Imagination
•Curiosity

11. Learning Framework?
This was a Blending Learning session using these methodologies
•Enquiry
•Self organisation
•Transmission
•Challenge and problem solving
And using traditional and non-traditional tools and services.
Running time. 3 Hours

12. Useful Lessons?
•3D Printing is expensive and takes a long time.
We will buy our own.
•Participants are not used to enquiry and self organisation.
We need this in formal learning.
•Participants are not used to collaboration.
We need this in formal learning.
•Participants need guidance through the enquiry stage.
We need more skilled practitioners.
•Museums can often not see the objects from the history.
We need to move from transmission to participation,
interaction and creation and diversify our learning programmes.
For more info contact pclifford@museumoflondon.org.uk