February 1, 2025

What characters and stories do we see in the shadows? 

Objectives:

• Explore shadows.

• Make shapes and design with shadows.

• Build a light box and use it to explore the art and science of light.

• Tinker with various light sources, colors of light, combinations of colors, and the shadows that can be produced. 

November 2, 2024

Objectives:

• Exploring electrical circuits basics using copper tape as a conductive wire.  

• Understanding how a LED bulb, battery, and switch work within an electrical circuit. 

• Designing different electrical circuits to light up both 2D and 3D paper craft designs.

October 5, 2024

How can we use simple levers to help tell our stories? 

Objectives:

• Build one-bar, two-bar and three-bar lever devices. 

• Apply artistic design to the devices to create characters and stories.

September 7, 2024

Objectives:

• Explore vehicles that are moved by various means of propulsion.

• Build several types of vehicles.

• Tinker with designs to create vehicles which match a variety of objectives.

April 20, 2024

Come join us for "Robots and Early Coding," an interactive exploration of the world of coding and how learners can explore it from a young age. Even if you have never coded before, this session can empower you to begin your own journey of learning and help you build a foundation for successful early coders in the home and classroom. Because coding can begin at an early age, we will explore ways early educators and caregivers can enhance this skill with or without devices.

REGISTER FOR THIS PLAYSHOP

February 10, 2024

Join us for a captivating hybrid experience that delves into the fascinating world of visual storytelling! In this Playshop inspired by Molly Bang’s book, “Picture This,” participants will embark on a hands-on exploration of the impact of picture structure on our emotional responses.

Throughout the Playshop, participants will be introduced to the nine principles of picture structure commonly employed in story illustrations. Through engaging discussions and insightful examples, we will unravel the secrets behind the visual elements that seamlessly connect a narrative with its imagery.

This interactive session goes beyond theory – participants will have the unique opportunity to apply these principles to their own visual narratives. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply someone who loves picture books, this Playshop is designed for everyone and requires no prior artistic expertise.

Don’t miss this chance to explore how the elements of artwork can evoke emotions and tell compelling stories. Join us in this hybrid Playshop and let your creativity flow!

REGISTER TODAY!

December 2, 2023

Are you ready to discover what makes a game truly enjoyable? Join us in playing some unconventional games full of excitement and engagement.

We'll play together and challenge our strategic thinking as we design and develop our own game concepts.

Participants of all ages are welcome, from seasoned gamers to curious beginners, and we'd love it if you joined with a friend. Don't miss your chance to be a part of "Generating Glorious Games.” Be ready to play and create!

DOWNLOAD THE RECORDING

October 14, 2023

How do musical instruments work? What is the difference between a percussion and wind instrument? Come explore these questions with us as we make a variety of musical instruments out of simple materials.

WATCH THE RECORDING

March 25, 2023

We will use several techniques and tools such as cams, cranks, levers and gears used in automata and explore how to make them with everyday materials. Exploring automata toys is a fun way to discover ideas around engineering and design as well as provide a vehicle for storytelling and problem solving.

January 21, 2022

Explore how weaving is used in different cultures and engage in several weaving activities using different materials and techniques. From simple to complex, weaving is a concept that crosses art, design, mathematics and engineering.

December 3, 2022

Join us as we explore several different techniques for making pop-up illustrations that include understanding of spatial reasoning and geometry. Then we will explore tools and materials that will make our illustrations light up using simple paper circuits.

October 29, 2022

The making of these projects will allow participants to apply and deepen their conception of line symmetry in art while appreciating the cultures in which these types of artistic expressions originated.

REGISTER →

Join us as we explore the wonder of paper folding and construction through this interactive experience. Participants will create various paper projects that allow for the exploration and integration of STEAM-based content.

Specific Ideas We Will Cover:

• Structures with 3x5 cards

• Pull-up polyhedra

• Prisms Buildings

• Origami and Picture books

Location
This will be fully online and a Zoom link will be provided ahead of the scheduled time together.

Dates

May 25 3:30pm - 5:30pm

Fee - Includes session materials indicated below

$30 Earlybird (Ends April 27)

$40 Regular Price (Sales end May 11)

Materials Provided:
AIMS will mail the following materials to each registered participant prior to the PLAYshop.

• Origami Paper

• Cardstock Paper

Tools Needed: (Supplied by the participant )

• Glue or glue stick

• Scissors

• Lid to trace a circle

• Yarn or string

• Single hold punch

REGISTER FOR THIS PLAYSHOP

Join us as we explore the wonder of paper folding and construction through this interactive experience. Participants will create various paper projects that allow for the exploration and integration of STEAM-based content.

Location
This will be fully online and a Zoom link will be provided ahead of the scheduled time together.

Dates

February 27 9:30am - 11:30am

Fee - Includes session materials indicated below

$48.75 Earlybird (Ends Feb 5)

$65 Regular Price (Sales end Feb 12)
Materials Provided: (Provided by AIMS - mailed to each participant ahead of the Playshop)

• Origami Paper

• Folding Bone

• Digital copy of the Flexastar lesson from AIMS (emailed to each participant)

Tools Needed: (Supplied by the participant )

• Scissors

• Additional decorative paper (optional)

• Glue or glue stick

REGISTER FOR THIS PLAYSHOP