Flying Machines Land in the Creativity Studio!

Leonardo da Vinci—Model Flying Machines

To kick off August’s theme of Inventions and Innovations, we explored the ideas of one of history’s most influential artists and scientists… Leonardo da Vinci.  Many children in the Studio recognized Leonardo’s name and his famous Mona Lisa; however, very few knew about his scientific experiments and inventions.  Leonardo was obsessed with the idea of flight and designed numerous flying machines and even invented the parachute!  After a brief overview of Leonardo’s machines the children were asked to create their own flying machine.  Some children created models of “real flying machines” such as airplanes and helicopters; others created new designs and models, and one boy even built a model of one of Leonardo’s designs!  Many considered aerodynamics and experimented with their flying machines using the fan in the Studio as well as DCM’s Wind Tunnel.  This activity united art, math, science, and history as children designed, built, and experimented with their unique inventions. 

The Creativity Studio re-opens on September 15 with Shaving Cream Creations! Explore ideas of line, shape, and pattern through the sensory experience of drawing with shaving cream directly on the Studio's tables! The Creativity Studio will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. every day.

Blogger Katie Fodor is a Program Developer at DuPage Children's Museum. Katie has an MA in Art History and Museum Studies from Case Western Reserve University. Katie joined DCM’s team in the summer of 2013.