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Massachusetts Institute of Technology  /  MIT Museum
Building N51   265 Massachusetts Avenue   Cambridge, MA 02139
Open Daily 10am – 5pm  /  Closed Major Holidays

Friday After Thanksgiving Chain Reaction Event

Students in yellow shirts

What is the Friday After Thanksgiving? A grand event that could only happen at MIT! Participants link their mini chain reactions together forming one mega chain reaction – set off at the end as the event's thrilling culmination.

 

It's like watching a giant domino demonstration. 1,500 people from all over watch and participate in this, fun for all ages "extreme" event.

Making a chain reaction allows people to explore their own creativity, and see how their unique contraptions relate to a larger whole. No matter how different the chain reactions, inevitably, with a little string and duct tape, they all work together beautifully.

How does it work?

The MIT Museum's FAT Chain Reaction event allows people to join the fun as spectators or as participants. Participants can register to bring their own contraptions with MIT students and artist and inventor Arthur Ganson, renowned chain reaction creator, on hand to help with connections and play master of ceremonies for the action.

Can anybody do it?

Of course! Participants range from Girl Scout troops to artists and engineers, from MIT clubs and to schools and family teams. Teams have come from as far away as New York and Rhode Island!

How to get involved

Learn more about the event, and register in the Fall.

MIT MUSEUM   Building N51   265 Massachusetts Avenue   Cambridge, MA 02139
P: 617.253.5927   F: 617.253.8994   museuminfo@mit.edu
Copyright © 2008 Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Marble machine

Self-described as a cross between a mechanical engineer and a choreographer, Arthur Ganson creates contraptions composed of a range of materials from delicate wire to welded steel and concrete. Arthur's much loved sculptures have long been exhibited at the MIT Museum. His newest sculpture Gathering Strength is now on display in the Mark Epstein Innovation Gallery. Arthur always plans a surprise ending for the FAT event – not to be missed!

Watch the video