Bristlebot
Problem
How can I teach young student's to make non-objective art?
Materials
- Toothbrush (handle removed)
- Battery (1.5-3v coin, AA, or AAA)
- Vibration Motor
- Glue Dots, Double-Sided Tape, or Adhesive
- Paint
- Canvas/Paper
Outcomes
Students will be expected to...
- listen to and follow classroom instructions
- build their own unique vibration-based robot known as a Bristlebot
- use their robots to make Non-Objective or Non-Represenational images
- take photos of their progress and post them to the school's website
Rationale
It is often difficult to teach students the difference between Objective, Abstract, and Non-Objective/Non-Representational image-making. This project allows students to experience art-making that is not based on the observed, or visual, world.
Safety
Key Questions
- How can students keep their Bristlebot from falling over?
- How does moving the motor and/or the battery effect the robot?
- How does the viscosity of the paper and/or the paint influence the robot?
- How do Bristlebots make marks when joined together?
- Can boundaries or walls be introduced?
Resources
- My NAEA Presentation Files
- Material resources
- Evil Mad Scientist Laboratory
- MAKE Bristlebot Kit
- Three Types of Visual Art
- Art + Education + Technology
Lesson Plan
Instructions
The Circuit
Note: Students are encouraged to 'hack' or 'mod' their robots!