EC.050/EC.090 (G) Recreate Experiments from History: Inform the Future from the Past

Elizabeth Cavicchi Edgerton Center
U (1-3-2) [P/D/F for EC.050, A-F grading for EC.090]
Mon-Wed, Fri, Jan 7-9, 11, 14-16, 18, 22-23, 25, 28, Feb.1, 1:00-05:00pm, 4-410

Students develop perspective for thinking about the future by studying and recreating historically significant experiments. Builds awareness of the unexpected - even in familiar settings - through observing the sky and conducting lab activities with light, electricity, and motion. Working alone and in teams, students hone their skills in observation, exploration, and evaluation. They also read accounts by Galileo and other historical observers. Lab sessions complemented by museum and site visits. Students keep an observing notebook and write a reflective paper on their experience. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

Curiosity moved Galileo to look around, explore what goes on in everyday things, go down dead ends, take risks, and discover new worlds. Develop your curiosity while exploring our everyday surroundings and his historical struggles. We will respond to themes of space in the observing, experimenting and understandings that wove through Galileo's multifaceted research. This seminar is for those who wonder about creativity in history, science, and learning. We will recreate Galileo's experimental and creative process for yourself while you reflect on the times and works of Galileo. Readings and museum visits will expose you to the thinking and apparatus of another era. We will use an historical observation or experiment as a jump-off for developing a personal, creative research project. You can also choose to participate in research that will improve science education. Our study will emphasize the creativity, personal exploration, observation skills, and doubt that led to Galileo's contributions. As you experiment, like Galileo, you will keep a journal of your experiments, observations, and reflections on your project. As a final exercise, you will write a brief reflective paper on your experiments and experiences as a learner.

For more information contact Elizabeth Cavicchi, ecavicch@mit.edu.

Introduction to Machine Tools
Mark Belanger
Class I times: Jan 9, 10, 16, 17 2013 9:30am - 12:30pm, location: 44-023 (side entrance)

Class II times: Jan 23, 24, 30, 31 2013 9:30am - 12:30pm, location: 44-023 (side entrance)

Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 21-Dec-2012
Class limited to 8 participants per class.
Participants required to attend all sessions (non-series)
Prereq: none

This short 12 hour course introduces the milling machine, metal lathe, band saw, drill press, and related processes; participants will learn by constructing two simple projects.

Selection is by lottery. To enter lottery, you must email Mark Belanger before the signup deadline of Dec. 21.

Contact: Mark Belanger, 44-023, x8-7728, mdbelang@mit.edu

Applied Impractical Bicycle Dynamics - Exploring the outer limits of rideability

Jack Whipple, Workshop Manager
Class times: Fridays, Jan 11,18, 25, Feb. 1, 2013 3:00 - 5:00pm, location: N51 3rd Fl Workshop
Class limited to 8 participants per class.
Participants required to attend all sessions
Prereq: none

An introduction to bicycle hacking with an emphasis on dynamics and handling. Participants will design and build bikes in teams using bicycles & steel as materials. MIG welding, basic metal fabrication and bicycle mechanics will be covered. Constructed bikes and their characteristics will be used to inform design of cargo bikes and other pedal powered vehicles. Participants will need to provide a working bike as material for their project, shop supplies and consumables will be provided. Assistance in obtaining a working bike for materials may be available. Participants should budget an additional 8 hours of shop time in addition to the meetings listed.

Contact: Jack Whipple, N51-337, whipple@mit.edu