Friday, June 29

Webcast: Iron Science Teacher

12 noon in the Phyllis C. Wattis Webcast Studio

It is time for another exciting edition of Iron Science Teacher! Watch as the best teachers on the planet battle it out for this coveted title. In this zany competition, teachers will have ten minutes to create a science activity from a special secret ingredient.

Join us in the museum or watch online at: www.exploratorium.edu/iron_science/index.html.

Additional Webcasts will be broadcast at 12 noon on July 6, 13, and 20, and August 3 and 10.

Every Saturday from June 30 through August 4

Webcast: Maker Saturdays

1 p.m. in the Phyllis C. Wattis Webcast Studio

Photos courtesy Make Magazine Join Dale Dougherty, publisher of Make and Craft magazines, as he introduces some of the most inventive makers around —all part of a new do-it-yourself movement.  From knitting to robotics, you'll have a chance to interact with interesting tinkerers and learn something new.  Whether you are a closet crafter, a serious hacker, or an armchair inventor, you'll come away with inspiration, and maybe even a new project.  Guest Makers will demonstrate their creations, tell you how to do it yourself, and hang around afterwards to answer questions.

You can watch online at: www.exploratorium.edu/maker.

 

Friday, July 6

Webcast: Iron Science Teacher

12 noon in the Phyllis C. Wattis Webcast Studio

See June 29 description for details.

 

Saturday, July 7

Meet the Author: Daniel San Souci

11 a.m. in the Skylight area

Inspired by childhood adventures around his north Berkeley neighborhood, children’s author and illustrator Daniel San Souci began the Clubhouse Books series. In the latest installment, The Amazing Ghost Detectives , club members find themselves embroiled in a mystery: someone’s been making a mess of the clubhouse in the dead of night, and the kids are convinced it’s a ghost. With the help of Allison, the neighborhood ghost expert, the hunt is on!
On July 7, Daniel will read from and sign copies of The Amazing Ghost Detectives . He’ll also demonstrate his illustration techniques by sketching for the public. Books will be available for purchase in the Exploratorium Store. For more information about Daniel or the Clubhouse Books, check out www.clubhousebooks.com .

Saturday, July 7

Webcast: Maker Saturdays

1 p.m. in the Phyllis C. Wattis Webcast Studio

See June 30 description for details.

Friday, July 13

Webcast: Iron Science Teacher

12 noon in the Phyllis C. Wattis Webcast Studio

See June 29 description for details.

Saturday, July 14

Webcast: Maker Saturdays

1 p.m. in the Phyllis C. Wattis Webcast Studio

See June 30 description for details.

Saturday, July 14

The Wave Organ with Artist Peter Richards

Outside Tour
2 p.m.

Take in the sounds of the sea with artist Peter Richards on a tour of the Wave Organ , an outdoor installation located on a nearby jetty. Constructed from carved granite and marble salvaged from a demolished cemetery, this breathtaking installation includes 25 organ pipes made of PVC and concrete. The impact of waves against the pipes and the slosh of water within them create a subtle music in tune with its environment.

Limited capacity; first-come, first-served. Meet at the information kiosk near the main entrance to the museum. Warm clothes and comfortable shoes are recommended for the short walk to the Wave Organ .

Sunday, July 15

Marble Machines

11 a.m.–2 p.m. in the Skylight area

Use wooden dowels, pegboard, pieces of pipe, ceiling molding, and other unassuming materials to create a path for a traveling marble. Invent all sorts of obstacles and loops for the ball to traverse as you design, construct, and test your track—then set it up for museum visitors to try! This drop-in workshop has room for 12-15 participants. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

This activity was developed in the Exploratorium's Learning Studio for a program called PIE ( Playful and Inventive Explorations ). PIE activities blur the lines between science, art, and technology by utilizing familiar materials and everyday tools in unexpected ways. Creativity, personal expression, and construction are at the heart of all PIE activities.

Friday, July 20

Webcast: Iron Science Teacher

12 noon in the Phyllis C. Wattis Webcast Studio

See June 29 description for details.

Saturday, July 21

Physics of Toys: Motor Mayhem and Other Magnetic Mishaps

11 a.m.—3 p.m. in the Skylight area

Stuck on magnets? Take charge with Physics of Toys. Pull apart magnetic devices, deconstruct motors, and build magnetic toys of your own. Take home what you make!

Saturday, July 21

Webcast: Maker Saturdays

1 p.m. in the Phyllis C. Wattis Webcast Studio

See June 30 description for details.

Saturday, July 21

On Maker's Culture: A Conversation

3 p.m. in the McBean Theater

Photos courtesy LadyBee (left) and Krystyna Bobrowski (right) From the rise of Burning Man to the recent emergence of Make magazine, maker's culture—the do-it-yourself spirit of making, hacking, crafting, and designing things—has long been part of the Bay Area. What are the ethos, mythology, and practices of maker's culture? Join the conversation with some DIY community vanguards: art curator LadyBee of Burning Man, editor Dale Dougherty of Make magazine, and sound artist/composer Krystyna Bobrowski.

Saturday, July 28

Improvisation from the Inside Out: A Parent-Child Workshop

11 a.m.—2 p.m. in the McBean Theater

Recapture the joy of make-believe with this movement-based workshop celebrating the creative intelligence of body and spirit. Inspire delight and curiosity in children and free yourself from the grip of the critical mind!

Using a hand-picked selection of exercises and games developed by master improvisation teachers, we will move, make sounds, play with language, and experiment with rhythm and momentum. Whatever your previous skills or experience, this workshop invites you to discover a new level of inventive play.

Facilitated by movement theater artist Julie Feinstein Adams and Exploratorium staff.

For ages 5 and up. Class size is limited to 40 participants; no more than two children per adult, please. Call (415) 528-4870 to pre-register.

Saturday, July 28

Webcast: Maker Saturdays

1 p.m. in the Phyllis C. Wattis Webcast Studio

See June 30 description for details.

Sunday, July 29

Squeezable Circuits

1–4 p.m. in the Learning Studio

Make your own electrical creation that lights up, buzzes, or jiggles when you squeeze it! Experiment with a variety of craft and electronic components, then sew your squeezable circuit onto a favorite stuffed animal, hat, or piece of clothing. Show off your squeezable circuit during the workshop, and take it home. For ages 10-adult. Space is limited and reservations are required; please call (415) 528-4870 to reserve your spot.

This activity was developed in the Exploratorium's Learning Studio for the PIE ( Playful and Inventive Explorations ) program.

 

Friday, August 3

Webcast: Iron Science Teacher

12 noon in the Phyllis C. Wattis Webcast Studio

See June 29 description for details.

Saturday, August 4

Webcast: Maker Saturdays

1 p.m. in the Phyllis C. Wattis Webcast Studio

See June 30 description for details.

Sunday, August 5

Car Dissection

11 a.m.—2 p.m. in the Skylight area

Photo courtesy Amy Snyder You may have looked under the hood of your car, but have you ever seen what's  really  inside? Even if you can't tell a gasket from a grill pan, we invite you to roll up your sleeves and help us take apart an old car. We'll provide the tools and mechanical expertise; just bring your curiosity and wear clothes you aren't afraid to get dirty.

Our guide for this creatively controlled chop shop will be Jim Diffily, Vice President of Collections at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. A geologist by training, Jim indulges his lifelong love of all things mechanical by restoring (and occasionally ripping apart) old cars and tractors. 

Friday, August 10

Webcast: Iron Science Teacher

12 noon in the Phyllis C. Wattis Webcast Studio

See June 29 description for details.

Saturday, August 11

Workshop: Build Your Own Bag

11 a.m.—2 p.m. in the IFI Classroom

Design and create your own eco-friendly, playful bag and carry lightweight items in style. Repurpose old newspaper, netting, duct tape, slide protectors, banners, and other unexpected items into your one-of-a-kind bag. All materials provided. Participants are welcome to bring in their own scrap or found materials.

For ages 8 and up. Limited capacity; first-come, first-served.

Sunday, August 12

Kinetic Creations: Wind-Powered Wonders!

11 a.m.–2 p.m. in the Skylight area

Invent and build your own wind-powered wonder to add to a collaborative display at the Exploratorium. Experiment with different materials that move in unusual ways when touched by the wind. This drop-in workshop has room for 12-15 participants. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

This activity was developed in the Exploratorium's Learning Studio for the PIE ( Playful and Inventive Explorations ) program.

Saturday, August 18

Physics of Toys: Building from Failure

11 a.m.—3 p.m. in the Skylight area

Join the Physics of Toys team and find out how collapses and catastrophes influence modern building design. Using everyday objects, create structures to withstand a simulated earthquake. Take home what you make!

Sunday, August 19

Cardboard Automata (Mechanical Toys)

11 a.m.–2 p.m. in the Skylight area

Create working automata out of simple parts and hot glue. Toy automata are delightful wind-up or hand-cranked machines that preceded the age of electronic toys. It's a fun way to learn about simple machines and mechanical models. This drop-in workshop has room for 12-15 participants at a time. It takes about 20-40 minutes to make your own automata to take home. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

This activity was developed in the Exploratorium's Learning Studio for the PIE ( Playful and Inventive Explorations ) program.

Saturday, August 25

(De) Construct & Design: Arts Workshop

11 a.m. —2 p.m. in the IFI Classroom

Come hack and dissect the familiar in order to make something new. In this drop-in, hands-on workshop, we’ll use clay, collage, and found objects to explore and deconstruct everyday shapes—then reconfigure them into personalized works of art. All materials provided. Participants are welcome to bring in their own scrap or found materials. For ages 6 and up. 

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