Tinkering Fundamentals: Circuits

Exploratorium via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/tinkering-circuits

Introduction

### Course Review: Tinkering Fundamentals: Circuits on Coursera As technology and creativity continue to intertwine in education, the **Tinkering Fundamentals: Circuits** course on Coursera offers a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles of tinkering and its relevance to learning and innovation. This course is particularly aimed at educators and amateurs interested in cultivating a hands-on approach to science education through the lens of circuits and making. #### Overview of the Course The Tinkering Fundamentals course is designed with the premise that tinkering is not merely a playful pastime; rather, it serves as a significant platform for interconnecting various disciplines and fostering creativity. This course challenges traditional educational approaches by introducing tinkering as a vehicle for individualized learning while promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction to Tinkering**: The journey begins with an inquiry into what tinkering means to participants and how it differs from engineering and other making forms. Through reflective readings and engaging discussions, learners set the stage for what lies ahead in the course. 2. **Initial Explorations**: Here, the course puts theory into practice. Participants engage in building a basic circuit board, helping them understand electrical components both physically and conceptually. This module effectively grounds learners in hands-on experience, which is vital for comprehension. 3. **Learning Dimensions**: This module delves into the intersection of art and science as students create “Scribbling Machines”. It emphasizes mapping the tinkering experience onto various learning indicators, allowing educators to envision how these concepts can apply within their own teaching contexts. 4. **Tinkering Tenets and Personal Expression**: Exploring the aesthetic aspects of tinkering, this module involves creative activities such as Paper Circuits and Sewn Circuits. Participants not only explore design elements but also learn valuable principles of personal expression in their projects. 5. **Coding, Computation and Facilitation Strategies**: As technology plays a pivotal role in contemporary education, this module introduces the high-tech side of tinkering. It focuses on coding and computational tools, along with facilitation strategies to maximize engagement during tinkering sessions. 6. **Putting It All Together**: The final module is a culmination of all prior learnings. Participants apply their knowledge to create personalized action plans, project designs, and provide feedback through peer assessments. This reflective phase encourages personal growth and deeper understanding. #### Course Experience Throughout the course, the structure encourages collaboration and feedback among participants. The interactive forums allow for sharing insights and experiences, fostering a sense of community. The combination of hands-on projects, artistic expression, and theoretical grounding makes this course unique and enriching. #### Recommendation I highly recommend the **Tinkering Fundamentals: Circuits** course for anyone passionate about education, creativity, and innovative teaching methods. Whether you are an educator looking to incorporate more hands-on activities into your lessons, a maker interested in exploring circuits, or simply someone who wants to engage with the practices of tinkering, this course offers a rich tapestry of knowledge and practical skills. By enrolling in this course, you will not only enhance your own understanding of circuitry and making, but you will also gain the tools necessary to inspire the next generation of innovators. The blend of theory and practice makes it a highly applicable experience, equipping you with the confidence to lead your own tinkering sessions in the classroom or in community workshops. Join the Tinkering Fundamentals community today and discover the excitement that comes from powering up your creativity with circuits!

Syllabus

Introduction to Tinkering

What is tinkering? What does it mean to you? Is it different from engineering or other forms of making? We'll explore these questions in the readings and forums while getting a sneak preview of the activities we'll be sharing over the following modules.

Initial Explorations

Tinkering is all about making, so let's get started. In this module we begin with a basic circuit board activity, which helps learners make physical and conceptual connections between electrical components. You will learn how to build your own set to play with and why we designed it this way.

Learning Dimensions

In this module, we'll explore erratic motion and art-making with an activity called Scribbling Machines. We'll also investigate how tinkering maps on to different indicators of learning.

Tinkering Tenets and Personal Expression

We'll explore the aesthetic dimensions of tinkering with a full rundown of our Paper Circuits and Sewn Circuits activities, including key design elements and important principles.

Coding, Computation and Facilitation Strategies

A look at the high-tech side of tinkering. In this module, we'll also explore strategies for facilitation and deep engagement.

Putting It All Together

It's your turn! How will you take what you've learned in this class and apply it to your own life and practice? We'll help you come up with a detailed action plan and get feedback from other students in the class. By the end of this module you'll complete your project, your peer assessments and review other people's work.