Researchers at the Media Laboratory are developing a computerized construction kit that brings together art, science and technology, enabling children to create interactive sculptures, musical instruments and other artistic inventions. Above, Professor Mitchel Resnick shows TV star Bill Cosby a musical instrument similar to the ones the children created. Cosby completed a circuit by dipping a spoon into chocolate pudding. As he moved the spoon, it changed the resistance in the circuit, modifying the music. The instrument uses Cricket technology developed through grants from LEGO and the National Science Foundation, in collaboration with the Playful Invention and Exploration (PIE) Network of museums. Cosby visited MIT on Nov. 25 for a discussion with faculty on early math education for disadvantaged youth.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on December 3, 2003.
