The Drawing Machine (Beta Test* 7)

Eli Whitney Museum

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Ages 9 – 12

Thumbnail of The Drawing Machine (Beta Test* 7) project

Vacation Program

  • Thursday, December 29, 2016
  • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Designed for ages 9 to 13
  • By Andrew Sargent, Site Historian & Lead Educator

Design. Test. ReDesign. Test. Redesign...all of our projects grow that way. The Drawing Machine is a great project to learn that process. First, because we have added important new features. But also, because each drawing you make is an experiment that will change the way you improve the next drawing.

The Drawing Machine is simple to build and operate. Crank one pulley. Two other wheels will turn generating beautiful geometric patterns. Every adjustment you make will change the patterns, often in unpredictable ways. And that doesn't count changing pens, or the type of paper. Also, draw on wood to decorate coasters or refrigerator magnets. Create a special base that holds paper and pens to continue your experiments at home.

*In software development, a Beta Test is the second phase of software testing in which a sampling of the intended audience tries the product out.


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