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Maker Class: Inventors Lab

Kids · Learning
Take a trip back in time to explore a world without technology. How different was life without the simple machines we take for granted like the wheel-and-axel and the screw? In Inventor's Lab I: Simple Machines, kids learn the history and mechanics of the six simple machines (inclined plane, wedge, lever, wheel-and-axle, screw, pulley). Through tinkering and material exploration, kids will learn the creative and real-life application of the simple machines, opening up endless opportunities for inventive thinking and building. The idea of the class is for kids to invent their own machines, for that reason there won't be exact instructions, but rather encouraging ideas and suggestions.

Supplies: String, Tape, Scissors, Recyclables (Cardboard, plastic containers, plastic bottles, paper rolls, string…. anything clean you can find in the recycle bin!) Not necessary, but optional: hot glue gun and glue sticks, popsicle sticks, chopsticks.

Check out: The KoKo Podcast

Slides for May 14th: Download

Slides for May 21st: Download

Slides for May 28th: Download

Slides for June 4th: Download

Slides for June 18th: Download

Slides for June 25th: Download

Slides for July 2nd: Download

Slides for July 16th: Download

Slides for July 23th: Download

Slides for July 30th: Download

Slides for September: Pirates and Castles

Slides for October: Scary Spiders

Slides for Halloween: Wearable Scary Machines

Adding functional parts to our body: Download

December: Pecker - robots Download
Audience: Ages 9+

Upcoming Session

May 14, 4 PM EDT
For Kids · 30 mins


418 of 600 spots reserved

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Meet Our Instructor

Monika Wuhrer
Monika Wuhrer is the founder and executive director of Open Source Gallery and KoKo NYC. Originally from Austria, she received her MFA in sculpture from the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. Monika founded Open Source Gallery and its education wing in 2007. She is the mother of 3 boys and realized that education in New York City is missing programs that encourage kids to play, explore and build without the standard supervision parents and other programs provide, but by letting kids assess their own risk, while still being supervised and kept safe. Monika has exhibited in the US, Norway, Austria, Italy, Thailand, Finland, France, Switzerland, and Japan.