Program

Jay Mankita presents a multi-generational, hands-on event at your library in which participants will have a chance to design, build, test, and play with Rube Goldberg “Machines,” and other chain reactions. There'll be a number of activities to choose from, and plenty of opportunities for making connections between art and design, goofy play, and serious science.

Participants will have an opportunity to work with Jay Mankita, a multi-faceted teaching and performing artist, and learn through demonstration and play, exploring the basic materials and techniques for building track switchers and feeders, spiralators, rolling cones, tinkertoy carousels, pingpong ball catapults, domino runs and rallies, string pulls, and pulley lifters!

Jay Mankita has presented programs and workshops in over 2500 schools, libraries, recreation centers, and other venues for children and adults throughout the Northeast for 30 years. He has spent the last 4 years developing and presenting workshops based on his passionate interest in mechanical engineering and experiential science, putting his well-honed presentation skills, and humorous approach to work in the cause of STEM/STEAM education. He has presented 12 extended school residencies through the STARS residency grants, and hundreds of other school, library, and community programs throughout Massachusetts, New York, and New England.