9-11

Greece is a mountainous land with coast on three sides and many nearby islands. Greece’s  soil produced grapes and olives, but not much wheat, so trade was historically essential. Early Greek city states connected and competed by sea. Greek merchants carried wine, olive oil and beautiful pottery to exchange for wheat, spices, papyrus and shipbuilding materials. As the Greeks traveled they built trade colonies and temples and their myths absorbed new ideas and chapters of epic adventures..
Construct a Greek Trade ship along with crew and cargo. Learn the basics of trade from the land that gave us the word for economics which explains the necessity of trade.
 

The concept of a chain reaction is a way to conceptualize how a machine works. As in a chain reaction - one action sets off another action setting off another action so on and so forth - a machine is only as successful as the quality and reliability of its working parts and pieces. As one part turns, moves, and influences other components, one missing or broken piece can stop the entire system from working. Join us in building a mechanical Jacobs Ladder. Using motor and mechanics we will automate a classic folk toy that will elegantly demonstrate the chain reaction and optical illusion behind this classic folk toy. 
 

For generations, artisans in Chimbarongo, Chile, have transformed mimbre, a flexible wicker made from willow, into baskets, furniture, and objects for everyday life. More recently, artists have reimagined this traditional craft as sculptural lighting, creating woven forms that cast beautiful patterns of light and shadow.

Inspired by this tradition, campers will weave their own mimbre style light, exploring pattern, form, and structure along the way. LED, circuitry, and battery pack will illuminate their creation, bringing together traditional craft, contemporary design, and engineering.

While we are in the mood to weave  campers will also  also use their new basketry skill and make  a smaller basket. Two heirloom pieces to be treasured at home. 
 

The United States Coast Guard was born in 1790 by the urging of the Secretary of Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. Over its 236 years of service the Coast Guard has proved invaluable in enforcing laws, saving lives, and protecting the coastal waterways of the United States. Connecticut itself is home to the USCG Academy and New Haven is the port of command for Sector Long Island Sound - an important and strategic body of water for the United States. Join us and build a Coast Guard Cutter - a small fast boat used for rescue, intercept, patrolling, and in the unique conditions of CT: breaking ice on the Connecticut River - with electric motor power. Build, wire, and connect your cutter to power through the water in our outside water tables in one day of history and fun.

Welcome back to school season with a hands-on day exploring basic tools and woodworking! Campers will focus on tool safety, how to use different tools confidently, and, just as importantly, which tool to reach for and why.

Throughout the day, campers will sand, hammer, saw, drill, use screwdrivers, and more. They’ll explore different types of wood and their characteristics, learning what to look for and how the material can help determine the right tool for the job. We’ll also examine tree cross-sections and discover what their rings can tell us about a tree’s life and the wood we use for building.

Campers will put their new skills to work by building something of their own by hand such as a hinged box, a small stool, or another project that can be completed in a day.

This will be a great way to kick off the school year and set the tone for a year of making, building, and learning at the Museum.
 

Solar power has benefited humans through time and today campers will bring solar power into focus in a new light, powering up a car! We will be constructing cars with solar powered motors that campers will wire and connect. Test your car's power and alter components to get the best results. If the weather allows, race outside and see how much solar power you need to get from point A to point B. 

Fantasy Game Night

Fantasy Game Night

Fantasy Game Night

Fantasy Game Night