Tinkering Fundamentals: Motion and Mechanisms

Exploratorium via Coursera

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

Introduction

**Course Review: Tinkering Fundamentals: Motion and Mechanisms on Coursera** In an educational landscape that increasingly values creativity and interdisciplinary approaches, the "Tinkering Fundamentals: Motion and Mechanisms" course available on Coursera stands out as an engaging and innovative offering for educators, makers, and anyone eager to deepen their understanding of the art and science of tinkering. As we dive into this comprehensive review, I will discuss the course's strengths, content, and overall effectiveness while sharing why it comes highly recommended for those looking to enhance their teaching practice or simply engage in some hands-on learning. ### Course Overview Created with educators and enthusiastic learners in mind, the Tinkering Fundamentals course aims to nurture a practice of tinkering and making that can transcend disciplinary boundaries. It introduces tinkering as not merely a recreational activity but an educational philosophy that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaborative learning. The course design emphasizes hands-on projects and encourages learners to express themselves inventively while exploring fundamental scientific concepts. ### Syllabus Highlights The course unfolds over multiple modules, each designed to engage participants with practical activities and reflective discussions: 1. **Introduction to Tinkering**: The course kicks off with an exploration of what tinkering means, distinguishing it from engineering and other forms of making. This foundational module frames the context for the subsequent activities and discussions, encouraging participants to think about their own interpretations of tinkering. 2. **Marble Machines**: Participants dive directly into hands-on learning with Marble Machines, where they can construct creative ball-run contraptions. This module not only teaches design principles but also includes valuable insights from artists and educators like Eleanor Duckworth, showcasing the pedagogical underpinnings of the activity. 3. **Cardboard Automata**: The second project invites participants to create Cardboard Automata, crank-operated devices that tell stories through movement. This module is particularly fun and engaging, emphasizing personal expression and humor—vital elements of creative design. 4. **Chain Reaction**: This compelling module focuses on the principles of cause and effect through building Chain Reaction machines. Participants will find themselves applying problem-solving skills as they design intricate systems, highlighting the complexity that can emerge from seemingly simple ideas. 5. **Research + Practice**: The course concludes by linking theory to practice. This is a vital opportunity for participants to reflect on what they’ve learned and consider how tinkering practices can be integrated into educational contexts to enhance student learning. ### Effectiveness and Applicability This course excels in its hands-on approach that emphasizes the process of making as fundamental to learning. Each module is rich with opportunity for participants to engage not only with the activities but also with the principles behind them. The practical nature of the assignments allows for a deep engagement with topics that can often seem abstract when taught in a traditional manner. Moreover, one of the most valuable aspects of the course is its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. Tinkering blends art, engineering, and storytelling, thereby appealing to a wide spectrum of learners and educators. Participants can easily integrate lessons learned into their classrooms or personal projects, making the knowledge gained applicable in varied contexts. ### Final Recommendation If you are an educator looking to invigorate your teaching methods, or simply a curious individual eager to explore the world of making and tinkering, "Tinkering Fundamentals: Motion and Mechanisms" is an excellent choice. The course’s design fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking while also providing a solid foundation in the principles of motion and mechanisms. The course not only inspires a passion for tinkering but equips you with practical skills that can transform how you approach problem-solving and creativity in education and beyond. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone eager to embark on a journey of hands-on exploration and interdisciplinary learning!

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.

Marble Machines

Let's get started with our first activity! Marble Machines are creative ball-run contraptions made from familiar materials. This week we will show you the activity in action, talk about its design, then discuss in detail how to build your own Marble Machines set. We also hear from the artist who inspired the activity, and Eleanor Duckworth will share her pedagogical perspective.

CARDBOARD AUTOMATA

This week, we turn our attention to Cardboard Automata: inspired by crank-operated mechanical devices that tell miniature stories with movement and narrative, these simple but engaging contraptions are often a vehicle for personal expression and humor.

Chain Reaction

A Chain Reaction machine is a deceptively simple concept, but one that allows for an incredibly complex and deep investigation into something we experience every day: the relationship between cause and effect. It brings all of a tinkerer’s skills to bear to improvise, build, troubleshoot, and imagine a problem and its solution!

Research + Practice

This week is dedicated to exploring the relationship between practice and research about learning through tinkering.