Summer Maker Days: Build Your Own Automata

11:00 AM -12:30 PM: Drop-in Maker Workshop: Make Your Own Automata Toy

Calling all youth inventors, tinkerers, makers, and big thinkers! Join us as we explore simple  mechanisms and the power of circular motion as you design and build your very own Automata—a whimsical mechanical toy you can take home!  Learn to use everyday materials in new, unexpected ways in this hands-on tinkering and making activity led by a visiting maker and STEM educator Mike Fenzel.  This activity is designed for families with children ages 9+ and curious adults.

12:45 PM -1:15 PM: Special Exhibit Spotlight 

The American Precision Museum is filled with amazing machines of all types with gears, shafts, cams and other mechanisms designed to convert simple rotational motion into other motions.  During this short exhibit spotlight tour, APM museum experts will explore a few of the museum’s complex and unique machines that function using the very same mechanisms used to make automata. 

1:30 PM -2:30 PM:  Visiting Maker Demonstration

Join APM’s Visiting Maker Mike Fenzel as he shares examples of his work and  demonstrates his own unique maker approach including tips, techniques, and favorite tools for turning everyday cardboard into a variety of magical mechanisms.

ADMISSION: FREE for youth inventors 18 and under. $10.00 for adults.

Visiting Maker Bio: Mike Fenzel, Maker & STEM Educator

Mike Fenzel is a creative science educator and STEM curriculum developer with over 22 years experience developing and leading programs for schools and the general public.  An avid tinkerer and maker, Mike specializes in developing innovative engineering projects and makerspace activities for the whole family.