Galimotos

 One of my favorite Workshops!

See what William is up to now here:  http://www.williamkamkwamba.com/

Recycled knitting looms

 Sliced document tubes and other thick cardboard tubes can be combined with de-laminated corrugation and bamboo skewers to make custom knitting looms.These have been decorated with left over printmaking scraps.

Water wheels and water turbines, Summer 2021

About Dams

 Hydroelectricity is very much in the news and I have been developing some "hands on" projects to illustrate how dams create hydro power.  Hydro power was so important to economic development in Maine but also came at a price for waterways. This project engages students in the creation of a water wheel/water turbine toy that can also generate energy. They can learn the history of  these two forms of energy production --one that powered machinery and another that generated electricity. 

An additional function can illustrate optical science. The property of the "persistence of vision" was used in the 19th century Victorian Toy, the thaumatrope, an early form of animation. Students can create animations to appear when the side wheels spin.

URBAN HEAT ISLAND BOOK

 Another idea, still being tweaked!, is a simple book illustrated with stamps- or drawings by students-- to illustrate FAQ's about Heat Islands and ideas for mitigating the effects.

 How do you make a "hands on project" about Urban Heat Islands" ??   I scoured what is currently being offered and cobbled together two ideas into this Tin Can Green Roof project. Placed in the hot sun, students can measure the difference in temperature between the dark sides of the Tin Can with the coolness of the moss covered green roof.  

Monarch Season

 Magical Monarchs! It's hard not to be in awe of these creatures. Here is a video of one that hatched on our back deck recently:

https://youtu.be/3a-6YCyyG4A

Thanks to Chip Kaufmann for filming.

I fell in love with this children's book  that tells the story of the international collaboration between scientists and citizen scientists that led to the discovery of the winter habitat of Monarchs in central Mexico. 

Projects this Fall included Monarch Butterfly puppets and stamp books and cards.

Biddeford Art Walk

 Pollinators at the Art Walk

Holly Culloton from Biddeford Community Gardens shared a table with me at the Biddeford Art Walk this month and we promoted pollinators with Monarch Butterfly puppets and Mason Bee Hotels made from Japanese Knotweed and recycled coffee tins. 

Wearable Monarch Butterfly wings coming soon!