ModVic developing programs that brings creative Steampunk art and design to students of all ages and abilities
Art has the potential to inspire us, excite us and challenge our views of the world. But does it have the potential to teach us on how to become better creative problem solvers, collaborators and be more resilient?
This is the idea under which ModVic launches our latest endeavor – a Steampunk functional art program, designed to incorporate elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art , Mathematics and History (S.T.E.A.Mpunk).
The official title of our program, Steampunkinetics, is meant to evoke a combination of all these disciplines, along with the whimsical notion of the Steampunk aesthetic of fusing the old and new and the concept of “motion” or moving, kinetic sculpture.
“There’s a lot going on in Steampunkinetics,” said Bruce Rosenbaum, Steampunk artist, ReImagineer and owner of ModVic, LLC. “At the core, it’s a collaborative process that gets students to work as a team to coordinate the right technical and art skill sets, solve problems creatively, design and build a kinetic sculpture – all within the context of history, the Industrial Revolution, and science fiction literature.”
It’s an art & science program Rosenbaum would have liked to participate in back when he was a student.
One of the strengths of Steampunkinetics is that it can be scaled to serve a wide range of age groups; from grade and middle school students up through high school, vocational and collegiate levels. By adjusting the complexity of the assignment and the level of tools, materials, electronics and engineering required, it can be made to fit a number of workshops and curriculums.
As an example, one such program being considered by Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, MA would reinforce critical reading and writing skills as well as problem solving and collaboration skills, requiring participants to take a series of cross-curricular courses including: English, History, Technology & Engineering and Art. The final project would be to design and build a Steampunk kinetic sculpture/invention embodying the creative work of a group of student’s own science fiction writing andwork.
Throughout the project, Bruce would offer inspiration, guidance and mentorship.
Beyond the educational experience that can be offered to neurotypical students, Steampunkinetics is a concept that has also shown promise with reaching and empowering students on the Autism Spectrum.
In partnership with UMASS Lowell’s Professor Ashleigh Hillier — ModVic developed a 9-week Steampunk ‘Rube Goldberg’ House Educational Program named Steampunkinetics. Fifteen students on the Autism spectrum, boys and girls aged from 13 to 23 participated in the program where they worked in small groups to design and build their own Steampunk House ‘room’ Rube Goldberg contraption — then had to work with the other groups to tie all the rooms together so a ball would follow along a track from the attic to the basement.
In ModVic’s travels and interactions with students of all levels, onething is apparent – Steampunk art and design has the ability to inspire children and excite their imaginations. The positive response was overwhelming on a recent trip to the Northwest where Bruce spoke to more than 700 students in Idaho with ages ranging from kindergarten through high school.
On a trip to Idaho in September 2018, Bruce spoke to students of all grade levels from Alturas, Longfellow, Temple View, and the Technical Careers High School.
The presentations were arranged by the Museum of Idaho staff in support of the Humachines exhibit the museum hosted for much of 2018 (through Imagine Exhibitions), and as part of their community outreach.
“It was amazing to talk with so many enthusiastic kids. They clapped and cheered for each Steampunk invention I had worked with others to create,” Rosenbaum recalled. “Afterwards I heard comments like “I want to be an artist!” and “I’m going home to invent something right now!” – it really made an impact on the students.”
“We were so pleased to offer Bruce’s sculptures to our patrons,” said Rob Hansen, Museum of Idaho Director of Exhibitions. “They accomplished what we attempt with every exhibit: They activate one’scuriosity, please the eye, and evoke an emotional connection and desire to explore deeper. In other words, they teach!”
ModVic is currently in talks with theBoston Children’sMuseum to present a version of Steampunkinetics as part of their 2019“mini-maker fair”.This would be yet another new spin on our educational art program.
If you are affiliated with a museum, school, organization or institute that would like to learn more about Steampunkinetics please contact Bruce Rosenbaum by email: bruce@modvic.com