ArtBots

ArtBots are an easy introduction to STEAM. They are very simple to make, and touch on Science: Circuits, Movement, Balance; Engineering: Designing and building the robot; Technology, and Art. ArtBots can be used incorporation with Project-Based Learning.   

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Like many art teachers I try to make some time to look for new ideas for my art program. There are several blogs that I often look at, many which are listed on the left side of my site. I also search the massive collective that Pinterest has to offer. I like to vary what I am looking for from different mediums, cross-curriculum projects, and technology. 

At some point during the past year I stumbled upon ArtBots and BristleBots (that is another post). I don't remember the first time I saw one, but I do remember wanting to try it out. They are a perfect blend of Science, Technology, and Art. And come on we are talking about robots!

#DotDay15 ArtBot Video

ArtBots Supply List

ArtBots are not completely free, but you can make them with little cost. Best of all you can use them again and again.

• Most materials are easy to collect.
• Reuse containers to save on cost.

• Get creative with electronics.

Electronics

• Old motors
• Electric Toothbrush (Dollar Store)
• Personal Fan (Dollar Store)
• Video Game Controls
• Pagers
• Radioshack (Can get pricey)
• Anything that spins or shakes.

Construction

• Batteries
• Tape
• Masking
• Duct
• Pool Noodle or container
• Markers
• Rubber Bands
• Wire

• Aluminum Foil

Decorating

• Pipe Cleaners
• Wiggly Eyes
• Buttons, etc.
• Scrap Paper

VERY IMPORTANT!!

By adding an eccentric or off center weight to the motor you make it shake. That rocking motion allows our bots to draw. 

If you weight is to small, your bot will not dance, if it is to heavy, your motor will not spin.

Here are some images from my latest builds, and from the last workshop I taught.

In this video I am explaining one of my ArtBot creations.

Other Resources

https://cheshirelibraryscience.wordpress.com/2014/05/30/program-34-artbots/

http://handmadekidsart.com/art-bot-art-projects-kids/

OAEA Fall Conference

This year my school is sending me to the Oklahoma Art Education Association (OAEA) Fall conference on Sept. 11th-12th. I am very excited to attend since I have not had an opportunity to go since I started teaching. I have been to other state conferences since I headed down the path of becoming an art teacher, but not OAEA.

This year's conference will be hosted by Cameron University in Lawton, OK. The theme this year is DIY: Designing your life, studio, classroom, curriculum....the possibilities are endless. It looks like it will be a great event, I am already looking forward to several of the classes, and talking to other art educators. 

After teaching my STEAM workshop this past summer I was encouraged to submit my class as a proposal for this year's gathering. I am please to announce that my submission was accepted and I will be leading a workshop called STEAM: ArtBots.

Here is a little preview of what I will be teaching to everyone. 

Thank You Mr. Joslin for letting me attend, and thank you Mayo Foundation for covering the cost of the conference.

Free to Cheap Ideas for STEAM Integration

This past Spring I was asked to teach a workshop for art teachers showing ways to integrate technology. When I was asked I was just finishing up a collaboration project with the School of Art at the University of Tulsa. For that Digital Art/TURC class we were working with a select number of fourth and fifth graders from my school Mayo Demonstration. We had several goals for the group among them were teaching healthy eating habits, portraiture, sculpture, and ultimately showing them how to use Adobe Illustrator.

I say all of that because when I was asked to teach workshop this summer I instantly went to Adobe in my mind, along with other computer/device based applications. I started making a list, and knew I wanted to include some new tech gadgets I have been drooling over the past few years. So my focus of my class became free or inexpensive ways to integrate technology into the art room, besides buying a new device or computer.

I showcased 4 technologies, Squishy Circuits, Makey-Makey, ArtBots, along with Google Cardboard, but I include a ton more in my presentation. Which you can find below

The class was a great success, many of the amazing Art Educators of Tulsa Public Schools were in attendance, along with several tech savvy Librarians, and a few classroom teachers. I have submitted a proposal to teach a similar class at the upcoming OAEA 2015 Fall Conference, I will find out soon if my session has been selected for the catalog.

If you like the theme I used for my Google Slide presentation check out this awesome resource, SlidesCarnival.com.

Technology for the Arts Presentation - Google Slides