Kinetic Sculptures: Working with Homopolar Motors

This week at University Settlement we challenged the group to create homopolar motors. Created in 1821, a homopolar motor is the simplest type of motor powered by electricity from a battery. The components of a homopolar motor are a AA battery…

Adults Explore the Design Process at CCPL Branches

Do-it-Yourself 3D Printing

On the last day of our 2D/3D camp we introduce our glue gun activity, which is an interpretation of manual 3D printing. Earlier in the week the students learned how to create shapes and objects using Tinkercad. We brought in our Makerbot 3D printer to show the class how the objects…

Prepping Supplies for Fractal Bleach Activity

This week Frances and I have been prepping supplies and creating a lesson plan for a design challenge at University Settlement. The challenge is to use patterns and fractions to create art. Since this design challenge will be the last one for the…

MOCA Camp Remix: Part I

At the end of June, a group of eager kids ages 11–17 leapt into Progressive Arts Alliance’s immersive two-day hip-hop camp at the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA). Centering on the elements of hip-hop, the campers learned the basics of DJing, MCing, breakdancing, and…

Why We Use the Makerbot and How It Works

For our week long 2D/3D camp this summer, in the Cuyahoga County Libraries, we wrap up the week by showing the campers how to use Tinkercad. Tinkercad is a free online program where students can learn 3D modeling and build designs for 3D printing. During this…