workshop proposal
as part of an evil plan to develop my community down here, i am proposing a workshop to introduce basic electronics as an aesthetics of citizen science, participatory culture, sharing, and play. my proposal is to use the awesome Darwdio circuit as an example an instrument that crosses the disciplines of drawing and electronics. additional coolness is the fact that Jay Silver's Drawdio project was designed as a open source and re-mixable project :D
if you haven't seen Drawdio please
look here; essentially it is a pencil turned into a Theremin (you might know i have a love of
drawings that are literally functional circuits). another paragon of the participatory culture
Lady Ada has made a Drawdio kit in collaboration with Silver. this is awesome because i can order kits ready to build from the
Adafruit website
the evil part of the idea is to make me very conspicuous in the community and perhaps find some local maker culture people. a local art organization known as Artel(those of you in the 'Ho think of Works) has shown interest. so i only need to get the approval of the Board to get this going. i modeled the proposal using a form from another community arts application. i have attached the proposal and will gladly take advice from any colleagues who may read this.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>proposal starts here>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
PROPOSAL TITLE:
DRAW A JOYFUL NOISE:
a course in basic electronics
INSTRUCTOR: Thomas Asmuth
ADDRESS, PHONE, FAX, EMAIL:
edited out for webWORKSHOP SYNOPSIS: The world of citizen scientist and tinkerer appears to be enjoying a renaissance. Evidence includes social networks such as Instructables, publications like Make, and community oriented workshops/play spaces called Hackerspaces. These resources provide a low-risk entree for the novice who would like to expand their technological creative skills regardless of profession. Contemporary artist around the globe employ the creative methodologies of the tinkerer as a tool for production of artistic expression.
Participants in this workshop will be taught the basics of electronics circuit building using the DrawDio Kit, an instrument that straddles the worlds of electronic music/sound and drawing. Also students will get an introduction to Do-It-Yourself(DIY), electronics resources on the web, tools of the field, and practice in electronics fabrication. This workshop is a fun way for the absolute novice to get their feet wet in the field of electronics, but would also appeal to those who have experience in electronics and technology.
TIME FRAME FOR WORKSHOP: This is a 1-day, approximately 6-hour workshop. There is a 1-hour break for lunch. Saturdays or Sundays are best for instructor.
MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 8-12 participants
SKILL LEVEL REQUIREMENT OF PARTICIPANTS: Although this workshop is designed for novices (to teach the basics of soldering and electronics), it would be useful and/or enjoyable to students at all skill levels.
AGE REQUIREMENT: 14yrs to 114yrs.
TASKS TO BE COVERED:Students will participate in a series of exercises, including the following:
short intro to basic electrical theory
introduction to though hole electronic components
intro to web resources
intro to basic tools to do DIY electronics
soldering like a pimp
assembly of project kit
************
MATERIALS NEEDED (SUPPLY LIST) OR PRE-WORKSHOP REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPANTS: • notebook, pencil/pen Optional: laptop computer or mobile device with internet access
• Students may use their own tools (tools will also be provided by instructor). A list is below in the recommended readings/materials section.
• $20 per kit, funds required at beginning of workshop. Instructor can only take cash, please bring correct change (do not assume instructor will have change).
MATERIALS TO BE PROVIDED TO PARTICIPANTS AT WORKSHOP:Instructor will bring toolkits that can be used by participants. Students may use their own tools (see note in last section).
TERMS:Applicable Reimbursements:The financial structure of this proposal is negotiable, the following reflects a structure from another arts organization. In this plan, Artel will reimburse me for buying the materials.
Workshop Fee, Honorarium:
Total Amount: Gratis
Materials(list with amount to be reimbursed): TOTAL: up to $300 (see details)
Drawdio Kit from Adafruit Industries $20.00 per kit, up to: $240
Two Drawdio kits for instructor prep and practice: $40
Printed materials (handouts for class): $20
Artel expected to provide:
- Equipment, Special Display Aids: A board to make notes on: an easel and pad, a chalk board, or dry eraser board to write on. Also chalk/dry marker pens and erasers to use. Projection screen or clear wall.
- Handouts, Supplies, Materials: none if instructor is purchasing materials (see section above)
- Room Set-Up preferences: Ideally, I like to work in the round or in a U-shape, but I can adapt to the limitations of the room. I will need a 4-foot table behind me to lay my props and supplies on.
- Electrical: room/space needs electrical sockets. Extension cords and powerstrips will be required. Ideally the cords will be taped down for safety during the extent of the workshop day.
- Seating/spatial requirements for participants: Participants will need slightly more than an average amount of space. They will need to work at a table or desk.
- Other:
- Access to sink to dampen sponges.
- Insurance
References:
ZOT!! i had an epiphany while listening to a quiz show about quirky current events. the report is that the cap that has finally worked on the Macondo Well was inspired/designed by an 'anonymous plumber'. for those of us that believe, it is an obvious sign that Archibald "Harry" Tuttle, plumbing outlaw (and dare say Ninja) lives! 
