Explore how to both create and teach with Crickets in a five-day workshop at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Using the theme of Creatures & Their Habitats as a starting point, make a creature of your own with craft materials, a Cricket, motors, sensors, sound and lights. Then work with other participants to develop your own activity, planning the materials, the process, and the examples. Try it out with real kids and plan for how to get started at your museum or organization.

This Atelier is for museum and out-of-school educators looking to combine art, science and technology in their classes or camps.

Overview of the Week

First Phase: In a learner frame of mind

• Monday: Get acquainted with each other and with Crickets. Explore the technology and other materials by making a Covert Creature.

• Tuesday: Meet Minneapolis artist Asia Ward, and continue exploring Crickets by adding onto your creatures.
• Wednesday morning: Incorporate ideas of habitats into your project, and get inspiration from the work of artist Diane Willow.

Second Phase: In an educator frame of mind

• Wednesday afternoon: Brainstorm activities, classes, workshops... that tie into the theme of Creatures and their Habitats. Meet Karen Thimmesch, who works with the Independent Museum Learners at Museum Magnet School (MMS).

• Thursday: Plan an activity to share with Karen's 3rd - 5th graders on Friday. Think about materials, examples, and flow.
• Friday: Visit MMS to share activities, and debrief on the morning and the week.

A Few Notes
During the week, we'll be visiting AxMan Surplus Store, so leave room in your suitcase. Body Worlds will be open at SMM, if you want to visit. We'll have dinner together at a great Kurdish restaurant on Tuesday night. Field trips to the Walker Art Center and Bell Museum of Natural History can also be arranged.