Tinkering Fundamentals: Motion and Mechanisms

Karen Wilkinson has established herself as a transformative figure in museum education through her role as Director of The Tinkering Studio at San Francisco's Exploratorium. Her innovative approach to learning combines playful experimentation with hands-on discovery, fundamentally shaped by constructionist principles and studio thinking methodology. With over two decades of experience in museum education, Wilkinson's expertise spans both education and technology sectors. Her most significant contribution to the field is co-authoring "The Art of Tinkering" with Mike Petrich, a comprehensive work that showcases the creative endeavors of makers and tinkerers who work at the intersection of art, science, and technology within the museum's walls. The book, which emerged from her practical experience at the Tinkering Studio, serves as a foundation for educational courses and demonstrates her commitment to fostering an environment where learning occurs through active engagement and creative exploration. Her leadership has helped establish the Tinkering Studio as a premier space for experimental learning, where visitors can engage with scientific phenomena through hands-on experiences and collaborative projects

Luigi Anzivino serves as the Professional Development Lead at the Exploratorium, where he is dedicated to fostering a culture of learning through hands-on, experiential activities. With a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience and 24 years of formal education, Luigi transitioned from academia to informal education, discovering his passion for constructionism and tinkering as a Field Trip Explainer at the Exploratorium. In his role at the Tinkering Studio, he designs and facilitates innovative making activities that encourage participants to explore and experiment without the fear of failure. His focus is on creating an inclusive environment that promotes curiosity, problem posing, and creative thinking, allowing learners to engage in rich educational experiences. Luigi believes in the power of messy and inventive learning processes and is committed to developing spaces where individuals can freely explore tentative ideas. Known for his engaging personality, he often delights audiences with magic tricks, reflecting his belief in the joy of discovery and playfulness in learning.

Mike Petrich has dedicated two decades to revolutionizing experiential learning as a leader within the Tinkering Studio, bringing a unique perspective shaped by his diverse background in fine arts, filmmaking, and photography. His educational philosophy, grounded in a graduate degree in education design and technology, focuses on creating environments that foster self-directed learning and deep thinking. His approach combines careful observation skills from his artistic background with facilitation techniques that allow learners to develop their own unique understandings of the world. Over his 20-year career, he has worked with an remarkably diverse range of audiences, from museum visitors and primary school students to Tibetan monks and prison inmates, demonstrating the universal applicability of his learning methodology. His co-authorship of "The Art of Tinkering" reflects his commitment to creating spaces where people can explore, experiment, and develop their own understanding through hands-on experiences. Through his leadership role at the Tinkering Studio, he continues to design and implement innovative learning environments that encourage creative exploration and personal discovery