How it Works

At the heart of every Inspiring Machines experience is the opportunity for children to explore in their own way--they are encouraged to twist, turn, flip, press, rotate any and all parts of the machines and tools. In this way a fundamental dialog begins between child and machine. The child asks, How can this machine be held and positioned? What parts move? In what way? For what reason? Through dialogs like these children are inspired in the art of design and the science of engineering.

 

On the day of our visit, we will bring a Collection of small-hand friendly tools and machines to your classroom-museum-community room-fair.  All are tools and machines were commercially available between the late 1800's and the mid 1900's.  They were sold in stores and purchased by people who wanted to make tasks easier, quicker, and more efficient.  

 

All of the machines have been thoroughly cleaned although all are tarnished with age and worn from use.  In short, they are authentic.

 

Each of our machines has a mechanism that is wholly visible; makes use of gears, springs and simple mechanics; and each relies on human power only (no batteries or electricity.)

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While we supply our Collections, it is for you to decide how you would like to use our Inspiring Machines.  Our Blog records many ways in which our community has used our Collections -- and we are looking forward to discovering lots more ways together with you!

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