The Idea Hub is open on weekends from 12 - 4 p.m. 

Explore topics in design and engineering with artistic circuits, 3D printing, chain reactions, and a variety of other hands-on making and tinkering topics. Drop in each week and try out one of our many activities, including:

3D Printing and Design

Learn how to design in three dimensions using Tinkercad and explore how 3D printers can turn digital models into reality.

App Inventor

Explore MIT’s App Inventor program and develop your own app for a smartphone or tablet.

Chain Reaction

Discover the potential of engineering improvisation as we tinker and create chain reaction contraptions.

Data Sculptures

Build unique physical representations as you explore interesting ways to visualize and tell stories with data.

Float Your Boat

Learn how to create an efficient boat design by building and testing your own boat hull.

Kinetic Sculptures

Create a unique moving art piece engineered to move with gears, cams, linkages, and pulleys.

Paper Circuits

Use copper tape and LEDs to create your own artistic light-up cards, paper models, and more.

Programming with Scratch

Design your own simple video game or animation using the block-based programming language Scratch.

Visualizing the Brain

Compare imaging through light microscopes with the power of expansion microscopy. Create your own drawing of a brain cell and be a citizen scientist to help neuroscientists map the human brain.

Sewn Circuits

Construct a working and wearable circuit using LEDs, batteries, and conductive thread.

Upcoming sessions:

Dec. 8 Scratch / AppInventor (part of Computer Science Education Week)
Dec. 9 Scratch / AppInventor (part of Computer Science Education Week)

Dec. 15 Float Your Boat
Dec. 16 Float Your Boat

Dec. 22 Paper Circuits
Dec. 23 Paper Circuits

Dec. 29 Visualizing the Brain
Dec. 30 Visualizing the Brain

Free with museum admission and appropriate for ages 12+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Activities are determined based on staff availability and are subject to change.