Education – Ethos of workshops

A week before the workshops I ask the class to bring in junk domestic appliances from home; video, microwave cookers, computers etc. On the first day in the classroom we dismantle them and identify components and mechanisms such as motors and linkages. One of the most interesting parts is for the children and teachers to have the opportunity to see what's inside their familiar everyday domestic objects. We then use the attractive and interesting components to make automata and kinetic sculpture. Often motors and lamps can be powered as in the robot for Bury St Edmunds, which used the small gear motors from a VCR to spin its CD eyes.

Seeing the transformation of an everyday and mundane thing, like a fizzy drinks bottle becoming a wind sculpture and a thing of great beauty is very stimulating and exciting for kids to experience.