Cyclic Machines
Essential Task: Create a machine or kinetic art piece that operates cyclically. Consider using a motor or human power to drive the mechanism(s). BENCHMARK ASSIGNMENTS:
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PROJECT PROPOSAL
Submit a document that contains the following information before beginning a cardboard prototype. You may submit a hard copy or email/share an electronic copy.
LOW-RESOLUTION PROTOTYPE
Create a first version of your machine, using disposable materials that are easy to manipulate.
Based on the Ideas in your project proposal, create a prototype ("first version") of your cyclic machine. Use basic materials to build a 3D model of how your cyclic machine will appear and/or operate.
C Level: Your prototype is built to "low-resolution" specifications, using cardboard, tape, glue, etc.
B Level: Meets C Level and... your prototype directly shows ideas from your 2D project proposal diagrams in a 3D model.
A Level: Meets B Level and... your presentation of your prototype clarifies the distinction between appearance ("looks like") and functionality ("works like")
WORKING ON YOUR CYCLIC MACHINE
You will have ample opportunity to use the resources in the 16th St. Makerspace.
We will pause our work every few class meetings so you can receive feedback in critique sessions.
Submit a document that contains the following information before beginning a cardboard prototype. You may submit a hard copy or email/share an electronic copy.
- Group Members
- Describe 2-3 pieces of art, machines, or other creations that are influencing or inspiring your work on this project. Provide a link whenever possible. For each item, write 3+ sentences to describe it and explain what about it inspires you.
- Define your goals for your cyclic machine. Write 3-5 sentences to describe what you hope to make and how it will operate.
- Draw (or generate digitally) a stylish illustration to convey your idea.
- Draw 3 detailed inset diagrams to show other views of the machine, highlighting mechanisms, connections, or other components.
- Write a list of the components of the machine – what functional parts it will have (for example: a boxed enclosure, central shaft mounted to rotate, handle to turn shaft, N number of gears).
- Write a list of the materials needed to fabricate those components – what the parts will be made of (for example: thin plywood for box, metal rod for shaft, wood dowel for handle, more plywood for gears)
LOW-RESOLUTION PROTOTYPE
Create a first version of your machine, using disposable materials that are easy to manipulate.
Based on the Ideas in your project proposal, create a prototype ("first version") of your cyclic machine. Use basic materials to build a 3D model of how your cyclic machine will appear and/or operate.
C Level: Your prototype is built to "low-resolution" specifications, using cardboard, tape, glue, etc.
B Level: Meets C Level and... your prototype directly shows ideas from your 2D project proposal diagrams in a 3D model.
A Level: Meets B Level and... your presentation of your prototype clarifies the distinction between appearance ("looks like") and functionality ("works like")
WORKING ON YOUR CYCLIC MACHINE
You will have ample opportunity to use the resources in the 16th St. Makerspace.
We will pause our work every few class meetings so you can receive feedback in critique sessions.