Cardboard lends itself to different mechanisms compared to wood and acrylic. This mechanism combines aspects of the parallel linkage and eccentric cam. It also uses the springiness of cardboard as the returning force to bring the flag back down.

Learning Goals: 

1. Understand the basics of the cam and linkage mechanism. 
2. Apply your understanding of the mechanism to create a unique prototype. 

Part I: Template model

Using the template file provided, you will follow step-by-step video instructions on how to recreate the cam and linkage cardboard model. To complete the activity, you will need cardboard, scissors or exacto, a dowel or a pencil. 

Part II: Build your own version

Once you’ve completed the model, prototype at least 2 different ways to modify the pre existing elements to -

a) change the movement of the mechanism, 

b) customize components, 

c) introduce a new add-on feature, 

d) posit a novel application.

Part III: Document

Take photos of all your work. In the caption, make sure to describe the prototypes and explain your work process. Post your answers to the following reflection questions:

1. Did you find having a demo template useful? 
2. If you were to repeat this exercise, what would you do differently v. same?
3. Describe the parts you've modified from the original template. 
4. Are there other mechanisms you'd like to learn how to make?

Paper Toys

For this activity, you will print, assemble, and customize your own paper toy! Attached to this post are two styles of paper toys to choose from. There are two (2) parts to this activity.

Part 1: Print and Assemble

For this section you will need access to a printer, as well as these materials from your kit:

1. Cardstock
2. Scissors
3. Double Sided Tape or Sobo glue

Once you have your materials, you can begin:

1. Download one of the PDFs from this post, there is a bunny that blinks and a bird that flaps its wings!
2. Print the PDF you have selected on the cardstock (white, 8.5x11") from your kit
3. Cut along the solid lines
4. Fold along the dotted lines
5. Tape or Glue the pieces together as shown in the images in this post (above), being sure to connect parts 'A' to 'A' and 'B' to 'B'
6. Play with your toy, figuring out how it moves and how you might change it
7. Share with your friends, and take pictures or videos of your paper toy!

Part 2: Customize

To make it truly your own, replace part of the paper toy (the face of the bunny, or the body and wings of the bird) with something you design yourself. What can you turn it into? Maybe you have a favorite animal or character that you can draw or print out!

1. Repeat steps 2 - 4 from Part 1
2. Draw and Cut your own design for the face or body of your toy
3. Assemble your new custom toy
4. Document and Share photos of your creation!

If you have used the NuVu Platform before AND you remember your password, then skip to STEP 4 and 5. If this is your first time using the Platform or if you have forgotten your password, then follow all of the steps below. 

STEP 1: In the top-right corner, click the word "login." 

STEP 2: When the black menu appears, click "reset password," and enter your school email address, and then click "Send Password Reset Link."

STEP 3: Check your school email account for an email from NuVu. Be sure to check your junk email folder as well if you don't see the email in your inbox. Follow the instructions in the email to reset your password.

STEP 4: You should now see your name in the top right corner. Success! (your screen will look slightly different than mine). Under "Studios" click on our current studio, "Cyborg Enhancements". You can also find this studio by clicking on your name in the top right corner.

STEP 5: You are now on the landing page for our studio for the rest of the term! To let me know that you have succeeded in making it this far, make a celebratory comment under the post "comment here!" This post will only appear if you have logged in successfully. 

Paper Toys

For this activity, you will print, assemble, and customize your own paper toy! Attached to this post are two styles of paper toys to choose from. There are two (2) parts to this activity.

Part 1: Print and Assemble

1. Cardstock
2. Scissors
3. Double Sided Tape or Sobo glue

Once you have your materials, you can begin:

1. Download one of the PDFs from this post, there is a bunny that blinks and a bird that flaps its wings!
2. Print the PDF you have selected on the cardstock (white, 8.5x11") from your kit
3. Cut along the solid lines
4. Fold along the dotted lines
5. Tape or Glue the pieces together as shown in the images in this post (above), being sure to connect parts 'A' to 'A' and 'B' to 'B'
6. Play with your toy, figuring out how it moves and how you might change it
7. Share with your friends, and take pictures or videos of your paper toy!

Part 2: Customize

To make it truly your own, replace part of the paper toy (the face of the bunny, or the body and wings of the bird) with something you design yourself. What can you turn it into? Maybe you have a favorite animal or character that you can draw or print out!

1. Repeat steps 2 - 4 from Part 1
2. Draw and Cut your own design for the face or body of your toy
3. Assemble your new custom toy
4. Document and Share photos of your creation!

Creating Your Studio Setup

For this activity, you will be creating a space where you can work on your robot over the next two weeks. There are two parts to this activity:

Part 1: Space 

1. To start off, you will need to find a space where you will be able to work, and to clear it off completely. Perhaps you have a desk or table that you can use, or maybe prefer to work on the floor. 
2. Once you have staked your claim and cleared it off, you may want to clean it as well (either wipe it down, brush it off, etc.)
3. Take a picture of your work surface to share with the studio 

Part 2: Materials

1. In addition to the materials we have sent you, collect any other tools you may have or think that you might need.
2. Organize those materials in your space, for how to organize, you can check out this video on Knolling
3. Photograph the materials you have knolled to share with the studio

Deliverable

Once you complete this activity, be sure to take at least  (2) photos of your work surface and knolled materials. We will go over how to post documentations into the Response tab when we meet as a studio.

Creators: Sofia Carlson, Haley Roach

Exquisite Cadavers is a collaborative art project of fantastical creatures. Each creature consists of body parts made by different people that are all put together. 

In the Art for Radical Freedom studio we made several collaborative art projects that all culminated in a permeant art exhibit at the Nuvu Underground space. One of the final projects displayed at the underground was Exquisite Cadavers. Exquisite Cadavers also known as Exquisite Corpses is a style of art where a collection of words or images is collectively assembled. Each collaborator adds to a composition in sequence. Our Exquisite Cadavers was a way to make characters that personified objects and surprised the viewer. The main theme of our cadavers was comic pathos, art that  blends tragic and comic elements. We tried the keep the art style somewhat consistent throughout the Cadavers and all learned how to use this cartoon style in Photoshop. 

Through the creation of the Cadavers we explored the creative process and collaboration, we used these skill when making other aspects of our exhibit including our mural. We used the chaos of art on purpose when making the Cadavers to add fantastical elements, personality and unique aesthetic to the characters. We also used this chaos in our mural and throughout our studio.