Schedule

Open Saturday and Sunday, 12 - 4 p.m., and special hours during the month of December. 

View the upcoming weekend Idea Hub activity schedule

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.

Dream, Design, Build

Learn about the tools and techniques that architects use to dream and design new spaces, while applying your vision to the new MIT Museum location, opening in 2021.

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.

Polarization Exploration

Did you know Polaroid’s first invention was the polarizer? Discover how polarization works by exploring how polarizing filters can be used to reduce glare, stress test, and more. Create your own polarized art piece. This activity is offered in conjunction with ThePolaroidProject.

Polaroid Petting Zoo

Learn about the technology behind Polaroid photography by exploring the Museum’s Polaroid camera collection, then test out your non-instant photography skills. This activity is offered in conjunction with ThePolaroidProject

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 weekend sessions

Dec.14 & 15: Polaroid Petting Zoo
Dec. 21 & 22: Paper Circuits
Dec. 26 & 27 (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.): Chain Reaction
Dec. 28 & 29 (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.): Scratch
Dec. 30 & 31 (11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.): 3D Printing

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.