Events

Facilitator extraordinaire Gabriel Mellan (former creative director of the Washington, DC-area KID Museum and educator at San Francisco’s Exploratorium; read more about him and his approach here) will be leading a four-day workshop on making ElectroTins—turning little mint tins into crazy and creative optical illusions using simple circuitry. 

“Control motor speed and melt minds with wild patterns,” as Gabriel puts it. "This workshop will introduce really basic circuitry concepts to participants, as we design and build small, spinning sculptures. Participants will explore inventive ways of transforming recyclables to house their creations and hide their circuitry. We will experiment with optical illusions and complex patterns attached to the motors in our sculptures."

Dates: Monday, June 29 - Thursday, July 2, 2020

Ages: 9 to 12 (and mature enough to meet the requirements listed below)

Hours: 1:30 – 4pm ET

Cost: This camp is being offered at cost—$145 for the camp program plus $150 for the kit containing materials and tools (many of them reusable for future projects) that will be mailed to you. (Total cost = $295.)

Size: Camp will be limited to eight children

Each morning will open up with a group session, which will include group discovery of components, questions posed to each other, and sharing our discoveries. Gabriel, in his role as the facilitator, will pull together what the participants have discovered into a short introduction of a concept, process, or a way to use a tool. 

After the full group discussion, the online workshop will shift into small breakout rooms within the Zoom platform, to allow for one-on-one coaching in 10-to-15-minute segments. Those not in a one-on-one session will work on their projects, draw ideas out, and connect with others in the workshop. Participants can opt to turn their microphone and camera off, but will stay in the group room so that co-learning and support can occur through Zoom’s chat feature.

The last 40 minutes of the workshop will have everyone together as a full group, and will focus on sharing individual struggles and breakthrough moments. Gabriel will then wrap up the day with a seed to think about for the following day. 

• Thread a needle (fine motor and patience)
• Cut a circle (fine motor)
• Use a kitchen knife (risk assessment and safety)
• Control Zoom settings and use own email for communication
• Taking responsibility for workspace and feeling comfortable with project requirements as explained on this page (including in FAQs)

Required:

• Headphones (Bluetooth recommended)
• Laptop computer
• Zoom software/app installed & updated
• Quiet designated workspace (approximately 2’x3’), out of the common family space
• Material/tool kit (provided) and materials/tools from your home (listed below)
• Power strip within reach
• Ready to start and doodling 10 minutes prior to start

Recommended:

• Moveable light (a desk/work light works well)
• Plywood to protect table or desk
• A window or bright light behind the computer 
• A cool background (appropriate/not too distracting)

Required:

• Hot glue gun with hot glue sticks
• Pliers (needle nose)
• Compass (for making circles)
• Scissors for cutting paper, and sturdy scissors for cutting plastic
• Sharpie-style permanent markers
• Sketch book and printer/copy paper
• Clear tape (e.g. Scotch tape), masking tape, and duct tape

Optional:

• Self-healing cutting mat 
• Flush cutters
• Protractor 
• Superglue 
• Paint markers 
• Double-sided tape

• Hole punch/crop-a-dile punch
• Pin drill & vise
• 3v solar panels 
• Geared hobby motors with pre-soldered wires
• Ratcheting stubby driver 
• AAA 3v battery holder w/ switch
• AAA batteries & charger
• Electrical tape
• PWM controllers
• Self adhesive crafting mirrors
• Mint tins
• Motors and clamps
• Small screwdriver
• Wire stripper/cutters
• Craft sticks and tooth picks
• Tracing paper
• A few extra bits and pieces

Gabriel's answers to some anticipated questions from children (and their parents):

Can I do this?

Because this workshop is focused on building autonomy and agency through hands-on making, it is important that the project is 100% yours. So is the workspace, the mess you make (and we will!), how you clean up, and the mistakes you make. You can ask for help when you need it, but other people can’t do it for you. Parents aren’t allowed to touch your project without asking you either. 

You will also need to know how to connect your headphones with your computer, change the audio and video settings in Zoom, and have a workspace that you can keep set up for the whole workshop. You will need your own email account.

We will be using real tools and manipulating materials in unique ways. You will have to slow down, stay organized, and manage your safety.

Is it difficult?

You will have moments of frustration and failure, as well as times to celebrate the struggle and shout out loud because you figured it out. 

"This is [my daughter's] first online workshop/camp/class. She loves your class! Thank you." -- S.D. (Maryland)

"[My daughter] is loving it! ... Thank you so much for providing this! It's extremely well run and planned and giving her something I cannot!" -- L.D. (California)