Scour fleamarkets, thrift stores, yard sales, etc. for junk toys, motors, and switches. You’ll need at least one sound-making electronic toy (battery or AC adapter powered) to hack. Older toys generally work better. Also, cheap keyboards and other instruments are good for hacking. Bring as many as you can find.

Research an artist that uses electronics, robotics, sound or light in their work. Discuss their overall art practice. Pick a specific artwork and discuss how the electronics operates conceptually/metaphorically in the piece. Submit in one of two forms:

• Typed, five pages double-spaced (not including images), 12pt Times or Arial type, 1 inch margins, plus bibliography.

Or…

• 10 minute oral presentation to class using projector with a custom web site, Powerpoint or Keynote. You will be timed, so keep it close to 10 minutes! Practice with a timer.

Using two screwdrivers or equivalent probing devices with a wire attached between them and touch parts of the toy’s circuit to see what kind of sounds you can make. Solder wire to the circuit and add a potentiometer or switch.

Build an LED sequencing circuit with a controlling sensor on a breadboard and test it. When complete, create a sculptural piece with the LED’s and circuit.

Build a servo motor circuit. Program the piece with both chaotic movement and rhythmic movement. Use switches or sensors to control the servos. Incorporate the circuit into a sculptural object.

Select two of your previously built circuits and combine them in a creative way or build a completely new circuit. Take the object and create an installation or performance with it for Open Studios.