Playing With the Sun - Pattern Machines

Here is an example of how exploratory questions arise from the participants themselves. The boy became incredibly fascinated with the question of whether adding more batteries would provide more energy to his drawing machine.

Materials The activity presumes that you have access to the Playing with the Sun construction kit (see picture). In addition, we have used: - Marker holders (see pictures) - Markers - Paper for drawing - Sand

Introduction In this activity, participants build pattern machines that either draw on paper or create patterns in sand. The machines are powered by energy from solar panels or a hand generator.

Here is an early base model that has undergone a small hack: Adding a branch with leaves completely changes the machine's pattern. Small additions of materials can have a significant impact on the output - so feel free to experiment! The red sand, for example, has inspired us to work on a Mars expedition. But what would you find inspiring in your own context?

Target Group 10 years or older. If there is a parent present, the child can be younger. Pattern machines in sand work well with younger children. The drawing machines using markers require slightly better motor skills and concentration. Time Frame We have conducted pattern machines as an open activity where participants can spend as much time as they want. Typically, children and adults spend between 10 and 60 minutes.

Facilitation In this workshop, we have built base models from which participants begin their exploration. A good base model is simple yet functional, making it easy for participants to envision new or different possibilities. During the activity, we will often encounter similar types of exploratory questions arising from participants. As a facilitator, you can reuse some of these kinds of questions to support participants' creative learning process: - How can the machine's movement be changed? - How can the machine create a different pattern? - What impact does the position of the marker have on the patterns drawn? - What are the respective effects of hand power and solar power on the machine's movement? - How can the machine be optimized?

<a href="bookcreator://page/XlBHKnw3RH2ucOAZ9M3KTg">Introduction</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/b5_0VCV3Sc2loXDQaAAYBg">Target Group</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/b5_0VCV3Sc2loXDQaAAYBg">Time Frame</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/RoGTumSmQPqW0dFBxy3EJA">Materials</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/yiUxYFJCQzegG2ZuYB-m4w">Preparation</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/tuj3Cnr_S5u1aj6SQjO3Bg">Base Models</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/e8jB9O0OSBmnqoXeNq1-gg">Facilitation</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/w_tA9E-MQyaIWNag1JNl2g">License to hack</a>

Base Models On the left are two basic drawing machine models that participants are invited to build upon. On the right is a base model that can draw in sand.

“We have designed these activities as starting points for children to playfully follow their curiosity. We also invite you, the educator, to follow yours. The activities here are for you to reimagine to inspire your learners, and invite the kind of playful creativity you value the most.” Amos Blanton

License to hack When having to facilitate pattern machine workshops, it is highly beneficial to play through the activity yourself beforehand. This way, you can explore what a good base model would be for your participants.

Another approach could be to use sample projects instead. Sample projects are examples of machines that participants can draw inspiration from in their own exploration. Sample projects can be slightly more advanced, quirky, or fun compared to a base model, allowing for more creativity and experimentation.

Preparation Before the activity, set out materials from the construction kit and gather markers and marker holders. The materials can be distributed across multiple tables or placed at a single materials station. Additionally, prepare a table with either sand for the machines to create patterns in or paper for the machines to draw on.

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