Proposals

Making a Group Crankie - let's do it in 2021

Submitted by hharrisonvt on March 8, 2020 - 8:48pm

Crankies are an old storytelling method using a long illustrated scroll wound onto two spools. The spools are loaded into a box which has a viewing window. The scroll is hand-cranked while the story is told or song is sung. (Source: Crankie Factory)In this workshop, we will work together to plan and lay out the crankie, matching the images with the lyrics, themes, or meanings of the song. Then, we will divide the scroll into sections and each person/team can illustrate and paint several feet of the scroll, connecting the art in their portion with the art on either side. If we don't finish during one workshop (they usually take a long time), we can keep the scroll available for people to continue working on in free moments over the weekend. If all goes well, we can perform it before the end of the weekend. 

In this workshop, people will learn how to...: 
Plan the layout and visual structure for a crankie, decorate a crankie using sharpies and watercolor, and hopefully even perform (crank and sing) the crankie.
Workshop Format: 
I'll offer my skill as a group workshop
What age range is your workshop aimed at?: 
Adults
Yes!Maybe...Probably not

Getting Started and then Getting Fancy with Web Forms

Submitted by ctexiera on March 6, 2020 - 10:36am

Let's learn how to make great fillable  forms on the web.  Using standard or free forms like Google Forms, Drupal Webform or Survey Monkey you can make collect information of many types.  We'll go through the basic types of information and then get fancy with conditional questions and custom responses.

In this workshop, people will learn how to...: 
Make great web based forms and surveys.
Workshop Format: 
I'll lead a group workshop AND be available for one-on-ones
What age range is your workshop aimed at?: 
Adults
Yes!Maybe...Probably not

Rocks & Minerals 101

Submitted by maryjpatterson on February 28, 2020 - 10:22pm

Have you ever wondered what was happening beneath your feet? Are you a fan of heat and pressure? Ever been lollygagging along a rock wall? Ever fallen and skinned your knee, but then didn't get up for an hour because you were so enamored with the shiny sharp object that had injured you and wanted to know everything about who it was, where it came from, and why it was so darn hard? Or have you just been curious about the beautiful folding syncline on I-90 west? If any of these things apply to you, check out my workshop where we will learn some of the secrets behind how rocks and minerals are formed, what they can tell us about the conditions under which they were created, you can learn to identify some basic minerals, and possibly do some interpretive dance related to the rock cycle.  There will be specimens to examine and take home.

In this workshop, people will learn how to...: 
identify common rocks and minerals and learn about the process of rock and mineral formation
Workshop Format: 
I'll offer my skill as a group workshop
What age range is your workshop aimed at?: 
All ages
What online tools or platforms, besides basic video conferencing, do you need for your workshop?: 
If you live near Somerville and would like to pick up a geode to smash prior to the event, let me know! (A hammer, protective eyewear, and fabric to wrap around the geode might be helpful/safe.)
What physical materials should participants acquire in advance? : 
Perhaps walk around your neighborhood and photograph a rock that you are curious about. Try to imagine what is down below your feet, the dirt...what's the story of the rock where you live? If there's a place you can see in tact rock near you, perhaps notice what it looks like!
What virtual resources should participants acquire in advance?: 
Essential reading: https://xkcd.com/2187/ Time, in perspective: https://waitbutwhy.com/2013/08/putting-time-in-perspective.html
Yes!Maybe...Probably not

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