The Programming Art exhibit is teaching kids to program a computer without any knowledge of reading, writing, or math! It uses large pictorial blocks with simple dials as input for a spirograph-like drawing program. The blocks are the programming "function" and the knob position is the programming "parameter". All the electronics are housed safely inside the case, and the blocks are made of wood with a steel ball bearing shaft for durability. The blocks contain no potentiometers, no batteries, and nothing to break! View the video for more a complete demonstration and feel free to contact us for more information.

The Programming Art Exhibit is designed to introduce people to a few of the basic principles of computer programming. Computers can loop or repeat any set of instructions forever, and this exhibit introduces patrons to that concept. The repeat block is the only fixed block on the table, so you can select how many times you would like to execute the rest of the instructions. In the example at right, you can see that there are 24 individual lines because it was instructed to repeat 24 times. How would it look different if repeated 100 times?

After playing with the exhibit for a while users will also understand the frame of reference being used. All instructions are being executed from the turtle's perspective, so when you give the command to turn right, the turtle moves to it's right, not the users right. Reference frames are not formally introduced to most people until high school Physics, but now kids as young as elementary school will understand the concept.

Another concept introduced here is how simple actions repeated, can produce complex and interesting effects. To discover the difference between a pattern that turns 90 degrees and another that turns 91 degrees is an amazing thing for most people. One creates a square and just retraces over it's own path over and over again. The other can create a doughnut if repeated enough times!

The programming blocks in this exhibit are physical blocks with simple dials and images. The images are self explanatory so young kids can interact and learn. They are placed on the exhibits main table and when the GO! button is pressed, the exhibit scans in the blocks on it's top. It then creates the virtual programming blocks on the screen and begins to execute them. It highlights each block as it runs through them, so the visitor can understand what their instructions are doing.

The exhibit comes with 2 Forward blocks, 2 Turn blocks, 1 Color block, and 1 Width block. Each block is constructed from plywood, polycarbonate, and steel with a steel ball bearing to provide knob a long, durable and smooth lifetime. There are even some recipes along the side to help people get started using the exhibit. It doesn't take long and people understand the science behind it.

At Mike's Interactives we understand that the biggest challenge in an exhibit is not acquisition and design, but simply keeping it functional once the learners get a hold of it! All the artwork except the banner is protected by polycarbonate which keeps the artwork in good condition and aids in cleaning. The blocks have a single moving part made completely of steel with no batteries or electronics to protect. The casework is all protected with laminates, and the monitor also has a protective piece of plastic to keep it safe.

The Programming Art exhibit is designed to be customized. Mike's Interactives will provide all the original artwork and any other information necessary to modify language or graphics to suit your needs. If you want more customization than changing the artwork, we can accommodate you. If you would like to integrate this into a larger exhibit hall, we have complete user friendly build instructions and materials lists for this exhibit. You can follow our instructions to build the insides, and then design your own casework. Contact us for more information.