We are thrilled to kick off this year’s Arts and Cultural Spotlight series with updates from Baltimore-based FutureMakers! Their Sparks engineering kits for students in grades PreK-8 provide hands-on design challenges that engage students in intentional learning around a variety of youth development standards (NGSS, Common Core, CASEL, and YPQA). Educators can find several exciting Sparks options from FutureMakers on their page in our Arts Directory; today we’ll take a closer look at an AED staff favorite, Art Machines!
What can educators expect from Art Machines?
Bring a creature or contraption with moving parts—a mouth that opens and closes, hands that clap, wings that flap—to life! Design and build a kinetic sculpture using a system of simple machines.
This workshop is a hands-on, playful engineering project for elementary and special education classrooms.
Student Materials include die-cut cardboard levers, colorful fasteners, adhesive foam, and tagboard components for building faces, claws, wings, and more!
How is this program an arts integration lesson?
Educators can reinforce the following STEAM concepts through building Art Machines:
- Use the engineering design process to prototype, test and improve their projects.
- Create simple vs. compound machines using levers and fulcra.
- Apply forces and interactions: push and pull motions.
Educators can reinforce the following studio and SEL habits:
- Self-motivation: persevere when trying new skills and taking risks
- Develop Craft: practice combining materials to make new objects
- Communication and collaboration: peer support over educator as the solver
- Ownership: pride in one’s work and sharing with others.
Why should teachers and students be excited about Art Machines?
Each student receives their own reclosable component kit, and the unique kinetic creature they create belongs to them! When learners know that they’ll own what they make – and that it will go home – they’re far more engaged, and their understanding is more evident, they’re more excited to share what they’ve made with caregivers and peers.
Anything else teachers should know about Art Machines?
There’s two program formats:
- Live 45-minute virtual visit facilitated by FutureMakers coach, with materials delivered to your school in advance and a virtual planning session for participating staff. Cost is $59.50 per ten learners, plus $260 virtual visit fee.
- DIY project that you learn and lead at your convenience includes an orientation video, access to slides for the program, and individually packaged materials for each learner. Cost is $59.50 per ten learners, no additional fees.
This is also an excellent Family Engagement project for STEAM or Art Night!
Learn more about FutureMakers’ programs on their Arts Directory page and website!
Don’t forget–for SY24/25, all Baltimore City Schools are able to apply for up to $2,500 in funding support for school-day arts experiences booked through AED’s Arts Directory, including Art Machines!