{"product_id":"scene-machines","title":"Scene Machines","description":"\u003cp\u003eLearners build an \u003cstrong\u003eautomaton\u003c\/strong\u003e, a hand-cranked machine where turning a handle brings a scene to life. They invent the \u003cstrong\u003echaracters\u003c\/strong\u003e, art, and \u003cstrong\u003estory\u003c\/strong\u003e, inspired by automata in collections like the Exploratorium and Baltimore's American Visionary Art Museum.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLearners fold a cardboard frame, add a guide tube and axles, and install a \u003cstrong\u003ecam\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efollower\u003c\/strong\u003e so turning the axle spins the scene. Then they brainstorm a story, \u003cstrong\u003eprototype\u003c\/strong\u003e a scene with paper and tape, and cover the frame with art. Advanced learners can add up-and-down or side-to-side motion. Plan for 45 to 60 minutes or two sessions. It is not designed for an activity station.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSubject connections\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArt and design.\u003c\/strong\u003e Learners create a scene and characters that tell a story as they move.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish language arts.\u003c\/strong\u003e Learners explain how turning the cam makes the follower move.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScience and engineering.\u003c\/strong\u003e Learners explore rotational motion with cams and followers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne ready-to-build kit for one learner to make and keep. Younger learners benefit from the parallel play of a caregiver or educator with their own pack.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA screen-free activity for grades 2 through 8.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery Spark comes with a free educator guide with a video, slides, and printables (a free educator login unlocks them): \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kidsmakethingsbetter.com\/inst\/scene-machines\"\u003eScene Machines educator guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FutureMakers","offers":[{"title":"Single Learner Pack","offer_id":46417387225326,"sku":"G4 SCMC 001","price":8.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/0830\/9742\/files\/spark-scenemachines-single-example-2603_4e11da37-ae55-4fba-acd1-4bb4cabaef76.png?v=1772491214","url":"https:\/\/shop.kidsmakethingsbetter.com\/products\/scene-machines","provider":"FutureMakers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}