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:
Feb. 2 & 3 - Scratch / App Inventor
Feb. 9 & 10 - Float Your Boat
Feb. 16 & 17 - 3D Printing
Feb. 24 - Kinetic Sculptures
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.
Supported by the generous donors to the 2018 McDermott Award Gala, hosted by the Council for the Arts at MIT.