Violin

Construct a two string instrument and a bow. Devise experiments to modify pitch and tone and volume. Consider the variables of materials, tension, touch and your own dexterity... all experiments measured by ear.

Experiment with water and tuning to "see" the sound.

Designed in consultation with John Miller, Yale School of Music & the New Haven Public Schools. You can see photos and videos of schools where the Yale School of Music has enhanced the EWM violin program at http://musicians.yale.edu/musicinschools/Eli_Whitney_Violin_Program1.

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Sustainable Light

Change is just around the corner. Experiment with Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), the cool light revolution that is changing traffic signals and that will change the future of electricity consumption. Master a simple circuit that controls energy flow.

Development Supported by the UI Foundation.

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Camera Obscura

A complete light laboratory in a box. Construct a box that captures and focuses images. Use it as a camera obscura...an artist's drawing tool. Or make it into a model of the eye. Then rearrange the elements. Direct a light source on an image inside the box to project the image into a darkened room – recreate one of Leonardo da Vinci’s greatest leaps of invention: a projector..
(embedded task materials available.)

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Robot Drum

Construct a music box. Hear the logic of Leonardo's mind at work as he invents the first modern robot, an automatic drummer whose rhythms can be reprogrammed flexibly and whose tempos adjust automatically. Invent your own cadences.

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