Thoughts on a design-based activity

Saturday, January 24th, 2009 | Gallery, Workshop | Written by Luigi
Discussing and problem-solving
One of our goals for presenting the automata activity was to encourage the workshop participants to construct their own understanding about mechanisms by first observing motion machine models, then discussing their ideas about the ways they worked, and ultimately, building their own automata in their unique way. Although the group was eager to discuss (and argue) their ideas about the inner workings of the mechanisms, they were a bit tentative when they started to construct. Their ideas and initial thoughts were challenged, and ultimately strengthened as they completed their models.

Karen facilitating Prayer wheel: lashing detail Peacock

Many commented on this activity during the discussion session (roughly translated):

“What I thought of in my mind and in reality were two different things [when making their own mechanisms]. What I imagined worked perfectly, but was harder to build things perfectly.”
        – Ngawang Lobsang

“I was reminded of the inner workings of a water pump from when I was younger in Tibet.”
        – several participants mentioned this

“When we started, the mechanisms looked strange, but opening them up made us focus on how they worked even more.”
        – Kalsang Gyatsen

“One thing influenced another thing’s movement, and so on. I did not realize this fully until I tried it.”
        – Geshe Nyima

“In Buddhism we say that the creativity in each person is different because of the experiences from a previous life.”
        – Geshe Yeshi

“This workshop is very different from the others, because in this one the responsibility [for the learning] is on us. This is very good.”
        – Geshe Nyima

Mike helping construction Geshe Nyima working at his automata Luigi with Geshe Yeshi


Tashi working at his amazing prayer wheel Four cams, two followers

Tags: , , , , , , ,

5 Comments to Thoughts on a design-based activity

Claudia Urrea
January 25, 2009

Karen and Mike,

I enjoyed reading about this workshop… I am sure it has been a very interesting experience. The monks seemed so aware of the purpose of the workshop and their mission.

I want to participate in one of your workshops..

Hugs!

Claudia

David Barker
January 25, 2009

Hey Karen, Mike, Luigi, this blog is incredible beyond words, and the overhead image of the group contemplated an automata has got us all totally blissed out (Quarterly cover shot baby!) Very moving.

Is mike gonna take em skeet shooting? I bet they’d never miss.

Ryan J.
January 25, 2009

I love the pictures and the quotes from the monks. You guys are awesome. All of us Explainers are thinking about you and how you come back to us safe and sound and enlightened.

Elizabeth Perry
January 27, 2009

Thank you for the gift of this blog, these posts.

Marilyn Austin
January 27, 2009

http://www.exploratorium.edu/Is/news.html/

Leave a comment

Search