Get MOAH Class

The Museum of American Heritage (MOAH) offers many educational programs for adults and children. Read on for descriptions about our current and upcoming programs:

Some MOAH classes and programs are repeated at intervals throughout the year.

2007 MOAH Class calendar

October
October 6, 13, 20, 27
Magnetism & Electromagnetism
October 6
Internet Search Game
October 20, 27
Simple Machines
November

No classes scheduled in Holiday period
December

No classes scheduled in Holiday period

2008 MOAH Class calendar

January
Jan 12, 19, 26
Electrostatics
Jan. 12, 19
Designing for Superheros
February
Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23
Magnetism & Electromagnetism
Feb. 3, 10
Introduction to 3D Modeling for Games
March
March 8, 15, 22, 29
Basic Electric Circuits
April
April 5, 12, 19, 26
Transistors & Vacuum Tubes
May
May 10, 17
Introduction to 3D Modeling for Games
May 24
Alternate Energy: Electricity from Bugs
June
June 1, 8, 15
Build a Crystal Radio
June 7, 14, 21, 28
Integrated Circuits
June 7
Heritage Arts: I Can Sew!

Special

MOAH Science Samplers for school groups: Ideal for field trips and class enrichment, Science Samplers are presentation/workshop sessions abstracted from the Museum of American Heritage workshop series. They are designed age-appropriate for elementary and middle students. A Science Sampler session is typically 45 - 60 minutes in duration and can be scheduled conveniently on most days. Conducted tours of the Museum before or after the Science Sampler session are available by advance arrangement. Coordinating the tour with the Sampler Session reinforces the learning experience.

For information and scheduling contact:
Director of Education, Museum of American Heritage
351 Homer Avenue P.O. Box 1731 Palo Alto 94302-1731
650-321-1004

Ongoing classes and tours

Our programs for adults and children include docent-led group tours, workshops and the "Traveling Trunk" show. All programs are led by a group of dedicated and qualified volunteers.

The Museum offers many workshops in electronics during the year (see descriptions in the Children's program section). See the listings of classes and schedules below.

Contact the museum's Education Director, 650-321-1004 for further information on any of MOAH's programs.

Our Programs for Adults and Children Include:


Docent-Led Group Tours:
Visit the Museum in the company of one of our trained docent staff. They will lead you through a detailed explanation of our rotating exhibits, permanent exhibits and our historic house and gardens in a relaxed, informal environment. Special tours can be arranged for groups with an interest in specific subjects. Groups of all ages, from school children to seniors, enjoy viewing and interacting with the many MOAH exhibits.
Suggested donation: $20 per group.

Workshops and Classes:

  • Electrostatics: The Science of Benjamin Franklin, Faraday, and King George, III
      (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Basic Electric Circuits (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Magnetism and Electromagnetism (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Crystal Radio Building (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Build a Short Wave Radio (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Transistors and Vacuum Tubes (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Integrated Circuits (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Hardware Made Easy (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Basic Web Page Design (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Be an Internet Super-searcher (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Simple Machines (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Machine Anatomy: What's Inside? (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Designing for Superheros (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Introduction to 3D Modeling for Games (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Build a Model House (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Alternate Energy: Electricity from Bugs (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Heritage Arts: I Can Sew! (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Paper Making (see description in Programs for Children section)
  • Print Shop Classes in our vintage print shop (see description in Programs for Adults section)

  • "Traveling Trunk" Show:
    Bring the Museum of American Heritage to your organization! Museum volunteers will visit your group to share some of our collection of fascinating historical artifacts and discuss their role in the history and evolution of American invention. Call the Executive Director at 650-321-1004 to schedule a "Traveling Trunk" visit.

    Programs for Adults

    Be an Internet Super-searcher Catalog
    Students discover how to use internet search and internet resources for schoolwork and home use. Lecture and practice sessions develop techniques for effective search query formation and evaluation of the trustworthiness of visited web sites.

    Students should be familiar with the operation of a web browser. Students having their own laptop computers with wireless capability and running Windows XP or Apple OS X are invited to bring them to the class session.
    Instructor: Dan Russell, Senior Research Scientist, Google
    For adults: Fee: $25 members/$30 non-members
    Saturdays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 1 session
    Date: to be advised

    Paper Making: Catalog
    Come and find out what you can do with pressed flowers and paper! In this new MOAH workshop, you will learn about making paper incorporating pressed flowers and creating your own cards.
    Instructors: Patti Anderson and Ealish Wilson
    Ages 7 and up, parents welcome; $35 members/$45 non-members
    Sundays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 sessions
    Dates: to be advised
    Print Shop
    Conducted by the Museum's expert on printing, John Grant, this excellent program encourages people to use the Museum's collection of vintage printing presses (vintage Kelsey, Chandler & Price, Little Giant equipment) to complete their choice of projects. The printing presses use hand-set type and type generated by a Linotype machine to enable students to create personal print work. This program is ongoing, with open enrollment. No previous experience is required.
    Instructor: John Grant
    Fee: $10 for members/$25 for non-members, 4 Sessions; Call John Grant for registration at (650) 494-0433.
    Paper Making and Greeting Card Printing in Our Vintage Print Shop
    Work in our historic print shop and learn to make paper and to print your custom greeting cards. The MOAH Print Shop is offering a class on paper making, Letterpress typesetting and printing of your own holiday greeting cards. This is a series of two classes where each student will cover all phases of greeting card making and will end up with 20 cards.
    Instructor: John Grant.
    $15 members/$30 non-members
    Call John Grant for registration at (650) 494-0433.

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    Programs for Children

    The museum offers a variety of fun and informative programs for children and their parents, including special family activity days, school tours and workshops.


    Workshops Offered: 2007 - 2008
    The aim of our workshops for children is to teach science in a friendly manner. Students learn the basics, accomplish tasks successfully and discover that science is fun. By avoiding "technophobia," students are encouraged to pursue future careers in science and technology. We provide a safe, supportive and supervised opportunity to work with hand tools and basic materials. Workshops are suited for children 10 years and older.

    Electrostatics: The Science of Benjamin Franklin, Michael Faraday, and King George, III Catalog
    The students learn about static electricity, going back to the days of the Greek scientists and tribo-electricity (creating electricity by rubbing, e.g., cat's fur on amber), and progressing to Michael Faraday's monumental discoveries. Each student builds an electroscope (thin metal plates that move apart to detect charge); a Leyden jar (the predecessor of the modern capacitor, which stores charge), and an electrophorus, to generate charge by tribo-electric action. The student will take home each experiment that is built.
    Instructor: Jim Wall & Dor Hesselgrave
    Ages 10 and up; Fee: $45 members/$55 non-members.
    Dates: January 12, 19, 26: Saturdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, 3 sessions,
    Registration must be completed by January 2

    Magnetism and Electromagnetism Catalog
    Have fun while learning about magnetism! Students discover magnetism and induction, gaining an understanding of magnetic effects and principles. Content includes the history of magnetism and explores modern theories and applications that underlie electric power generation and magnetic material physics. Class projects include the construction of an electromagnetically charged flashlight.
    Instructor: Larry Pizzella or Jim Wall
    Ages 10 and up; Fee: $55 members/$65 non-members.
    Dates: February 2, 9, 16, 23: Saturdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, 4 Sessions,
    Registration must be completed by January 22

    Basic Electric Circuits: Catalog
    This is a good, simple introduction to electricity. The student learns about: current (electron) flow; potential (voltage) that produces the current flow; charge (coulombs); conductors to carry the current flow; and simple switches and lamps (including LEDs). In the hands-on sessions, the student builds a battery-operated system including two switches, two lamps, an audio sounder, and a pair of batteries.
    Instructor: Dor Hesselgrave, Jim Wall
    Ages 10 and up; Fee: $55 members/$65 non-members.
    Dates: March 8, 15, 22, 29: Saturdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, 4 sessions
    Registration must be completed by February 25

    How To Build a Crystal Radio: Catalog
    The students build their own crystal radio sets, winding coils, drilling a mounting board and placing all components on it, and then wiring the set according to a schematic. In this course, the students learn radio history dating back to Marconi and Tesla, basic radio theory, modulation, how headphones work, and how to read schematics.
    Instructor: Larry Pizzella: His custom radio design recently made him the first-prize winner in a national contest for crystal radio set distance reception
    Ages 10 and up; Fee: $55 members/$65 non-members.
    Dates: June 1, 8, 15; Sundays, 1:00 pm to 4:20 pm: 3 sessions
    Registration must be completed by May 22.

    Build a Short Wave Radio: Catalog
    In this class, students learn about the basic physics of radio wave generation, propagation, and reception; what a radio wave is; and about some of the scientists and engineers who made it all happen. As a class project, students make their own short wave radio receiver, learning how it works and how to tune in radio stations from all over the world.
    Instructor: Larry Pizzella
    Ages 10 and up; Fee: $55 members/$65 non-members
    Saturdays, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm: 4 sessions
    Dates: To be determined

    Transistors and Vacuum Tubes: An Electronic Playground Catalog
    Introductory course covering the basics of transistor and vacuum tube circuits. Students learn about the invention and development of tubes and transistors, then perform simple experiments to learn how basic transistors are used to control the flow of electric current. The Electronics Lab students use in the workshop is theirs to keep, so that they can perform additional experiments at home.
    Instructor: Larry Pizzella
    Ages 10 and up; Fee: $55 members/$65 non-members
    Saturdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, 4 sessions
    Dates: April 5, 12, 19, 26
    Registration must be completed by March 22.

    Integrated Circuits: Catalog
    Introductory course covering the history, development, and uses of integrated circuits. The course content includes the scientific developments that lead to the IC. Students will discover what ICs are made of, how they work, and how they are designed and manufactured right here in Silicon Valley. Students will also learn how to read simple schematic diagrams. Portable radios that use 2 ICs will be built in the workshop by the students to take home. Transistors and Vacuum Tubes is recommended prior to taking this course
    Instructor: Larry Pizzella
    Ages 10 and up; Fee: $55 members/$65 non-members
    Saturdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, 4 sessions
    Dates: June 7, 14, 21, 28
    Registration must be completed by May 28.

    Hardware Made Easy Catalog
    Ever wondered what is inside that mysterious box called a computer? Join us at MOAH for an exciting journey exploring the interior of the PC. Discover the joys of replacing video cards, expanding memory, adding a new hard disk, and more.
    Students learn the history of the computer, from the abacus to the present day, what the major components of the computer are (such as motherboards, video cards, CD-ROM drives, network cards and other peripherals), how to identify the hardware in a PC or Mac without opening the computer, and how to upgrade the system. Hands-on exercises are included.
    Instructor: Lauren Katzive
    Ages 11 and up: Fee: $35 members/$45 non-members
    Sundays, 1 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 sessions
    Dates: To be advised

    Basic Web Page Design Catalog
    Designing your own web site isn't hard. Armed with a simple text editor, you can build attractive and effective web sites once you understand the basic principles involved.
    Students receive instruction in how to create and view web pages using software that comes with any personal computer. The course covers placement and formatting of text, images, lists, tables, links, design tips and basic web page structures. Options for setting up your own web site are discussed. A brief history of the World Wide Web is also provided. Hands-on exercises are included.

    Students should be familiar with the operation of a web browser and text editor. Students having their own laptop computers are invited to bring them to the class sessions.
    Instructor: Lauren Katzive
    Ages 10 and up: Fee: $55 members/$65 non-members
    Sundays, 1 pm to 3:00 pm, 4 sessions
    Dates: To be advised

    Introduction to 3-D Modeling for Games Catalog
    This class is the only one of its kind in Silicon Valley! After learning an easy-to-use 3-D modeling program, students will create 3-D Models with lighting effects. We will discuss how scenes and characters are created for computer games. Then you will design a game using an industry-leading gaming engine and incorporate your models. Then play it!

    No prior 3-D modeling experience is required, but students should be familiar with drawing programs such as Visio, Illustrator, Photoshop, or PowerPoint.

    Instructors: Jeff Risberg, VP of Engineering & Information Technology, CAE Online, and Brandon Risberg, graduate of idTech's Gaming Academy.
    Ages 10 and up: Fee: $35 members/$45 non-members
    Saturdays, 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm, two sessions.
    Dates: May 10, 17
    Registration must be completed by May 1.

    Become a Super Internet Searcher: Play the Internet Search Game and Learn to Find it Fast! Catalog
    Want to be a Super Internet Searcher? Come learn the fastest and most effective ways to find what you're searching for on the net. In this special Internet Hunt game, you'll learn 10 amazingly good ways to get to what you're looking for on the internet and have a blast playing the Search Game. It's the easiest way to learn how to find what you really need for school or home. Never be stumped again!

    Students should be familiar with the operation of a web browser. Students having their own laptop computers with wireless capability and running Windows XP or Apple OS X are invited to bring them to the class session.
    Instructor: Dan Russell, Senior Research Scientist, Google
    Grades 6 and up: Fee: $25 members/$30 non-members
    Saturdays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 1 session
    Date: To be advised

    Fun With Simple Machines: Catalog
    Students investigate simple machines and their usefulness in everyday life. Three simple machines are covered: the lever, the pulley, and the inclined plane. The wheel, the wedge, and the screw are derived applications of the basic machines. Using these simple machines, students construct their own model trebuchet, a type of medieval siege engine.
    Instructor: Michael Glenn
    Ages 9 and up; $35 members/$45 non-members
    Saturdays, 1 pm - 3 pm, 2 sessions
    Dates: to be advised
    Machine Anatomy: What's Inside? Catalog
    A look at modern industrial design from the inside out. Students disassemble complicated electro-mechanical devices such as printers, disk drives, VCRs and such to explore what goes into them, how they are designed and how they work. More everyday devices, such as electric toothbrushes, will also be examined.
    Instructor: Steve Jasik
    Ages 10 and up; $35 members/$45 non-members
    Saturdays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 sessions
    Dates: To be advised
    Design for Superheros: Catalog
    This class is about "why do things look the way they do". Beginning with some of the first industrial designs, such as for cars and trains from nearly 100 years ago, students discover the continuing influences of design in today's world. We will find that many of today's videogame designs and superhero characters were created some 70 years ago. Class projects are design challenges for objects such as banks, lunchboxes, bridges, and secret enemy bases. One of our most popular courses!
    Instructor: Jeff Risberg, VP of Engineering & Information Technology, CAE Online
    Ages 10 and up; $35 members/$45 non-members
    Saturday, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 sessions
    Dates: to be advised:
    Build a Model House: Catalog
    The students learn about basic drafting techniques and proportions of homes: height of ceiling, partition walls, size of doors and garage door. During the hands-on session, they build a pre-cut home of foam core board and trim materials, and mount it on a corrugated cardboard platform complete with "grass, driveway, and plants."
    Instructors: Chris Kummerer and Emilie Blase, Architectural Designers
    Ages 10 and up; $45 members/$55 non-members
    Saturdays, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, 3 sessions
    Dates: To be advised:
    Registration
    must be completed by April 5.

    Alternate Energy: Electricity from Bugs Catalog
    In Electricity from Bugs, students learn about and observe how the energy-generating systems of common, garden variety bacteria can be harnessed to produce electricity in microbial fuel cells.
    Students construct and use a small microbial fuel cell to measure electricity generated by bacteria that occur naturally in garden soil, mulch, compost, and manure, and by using Ohm’s Law determine the amount of power produced under different conditions.
    Instructor: Paul Levine
    Ages 16 and up, previous class experience with chemistry or physics recommended
    $35 members/$45 non-members
    Saturdays, 10 am, 1 session
    Dates: to be advised
    Heritage Arts: I Can Sew! Catalog
    I Can Sew! Launches the Museum of American Heritage's newest educational program, Heritage Arts, which focuses on teaching traditional handicrafts using early technologies. I Can Sew! introduces students to the basics of sewing with a focus on hand sewing. Designed for students with no prior experience, it aims to instill confidence and enthusiasm and will enable students to learn basic skills required for more advanced classes. The class provides hands on-training and one-on-one instruction, as well as a brief history of sewing and its importance in early America. Skills acquired include: threading, stitching, button and trim application. Students will create a take home project and receive a small sewing kit.
    Instructor: Bev Nelson
    Ages 8 and up; Fee: $35 members/$40 non-members
    Saturdays, 1:30 pm - 4 pm, 1 session
    Dates: to be advised

     

    Paper Making: Catalog
    Come and find out what you can do with pressed flowers and paper! In this new MOAH workshop, you will learn about making paper incorporating pressed flowers and creating your own cards.
    Instructors: Patti Berryhill and Ealish Wilson
    Ages 7 and up, parents welcome; $35 members/$45 non-members
    Sundays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 sessions
    Dates: To be advised

    Print Shop:
    Catalog
    Conducted by the museum's expert on printing, John Grant, this excellent program encourages people to use the Museum's collection of vintage printing presses (vintage Kelsey, Chandler & Price, Little Giant equipment) to complete their choice of projects. The printing presses use hand-set type and linotype to create personal print work. This program is ongoing, with open enrollment.
    Instructor: John Grant
    Fee: $20 for members/$35 for non-members, 4 Sessions.
    Call John Grant for registration at (650) 494-0433.

    Registration Information

    Call the museum for schedule information, and to register for classes. 650-321-1004, unless otherwise indicated in the class description. Or complete the online class registration form and return it to MOAH.

    Registration must be received 2 weeks before the first class session.

    MOAH is located at 351 Homer Avenue in Palo Alto between Bryant and Waverley Streets.

    Back To Top Call us at 650 321 1004 This page last updated: June 9, 2008.
    Original content: Copyright © 2000, - 2008 Museum of American Heritage.