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: $55 members/$65 non-members.
Dates: to be advised: Saturdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, 3 sessions,

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: $65 members/$75 non-members.
Dates: to be advised: Saturdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, 4 Sessions,

Electrostatics and Electromagnetism 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. Demos include electroscopes (thin metal plates that move apart to detect charge); Leyden jars (the predecessor of the modern capacitor, which stores charge), and Van der Graaf Generator, to generate charge by tribo-electric action. Then, 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 (no battery required) flashlight.
Instructor: Jim Wall
Ages 10 and up; Fee: $65 members/$75 non-members.
Dates: November 14, 21, 28: Sundays, 1 - 3 pm, 3 sessions,
Registration must be completed by November 5

Basic Electric Circuits and Transistors: 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: Jim Wall
Ages 10 and up; Fee: $65 members/$75 non-members.
Dates: March 1, 8, 15, 22: Sundays, 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: $65 members/$75 non-members.
Dates: January 23, 30, February 6, 13; Sundays, 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm: 4 sessions
Registration must be completed by January 19.

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: $65 members/$75 non-members
Saturdays, 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm: 4 sessions
Dates: tba
must be completed by February 17.

Solid State Electronics and Integrated Circuits Catalog

The first part of this course covers 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.

Next, students learn about 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 and build portable radios that use 2 ICs as take-home projects.
Instructor: Larry Pizzella
Ages 10 and up; Fee: $75 members/$85 non-members
Sundays, 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm, 4 sessions
Dates: February 27, March 6, 13, 20
Registration must be completed by February 17.

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: $65 members/$75 non-members
Saturdays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 4 sessions
Dates: To be advised

Digital Logic Catalog

An introduction to digital integrated circuit operation. Students learn about Binary mathematics, Boolean logic, and a variety of discrete digital logic circuits including: AND gates, OR gates, flip flops, counters, and timers. Students assemble and solder a human reaction timer built from discrete digital logic devices.
Basic electrical knowledge of voltage, current, and circuits is strongly suggested.
Instructor: Jim Wall
Ages 10 and up: Fee: $55 members/$65 non-members
Saturdays, 1 pm to 3:00 pm, 3 sessions
Dates: April 3, 17, 24
Registration must be completed by March 24.

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: $65 members/$75 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
Sundays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, two sessions.
Dates: May 10, 17, 2009
Registration must be completed by May 1.

How to be a great internet searcher: Google Search Tips Catalog

Want to be a Super Internet Searcher? Come and discover the secrets of an expert from Google. Explore the fastest and most effective ways to locate what you're searching for on the net by playing the Internet Hunt game. Learn 10 amazingly good ways to get to what you're looking for on the Internet while you have a blast playing the Hunt 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
Saturday, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 1 session
Date: October 17
Registration must be completed by October 2.

Patently Simple Machines: How to get rich and a patent for throwing rocks Catalog

Students investigate mechanics and their applications to everyday life. Three simple machines are covered (the lever, the pulley, and the inclined plane). The wheel, the wedge, and the screw are developed as applications of the three basic machines. By applying these mechanical principles, you will construct their own model trebuchet, (a type of medieval siege engine) based on the patented design of our instructor. And then you will explore how the patent process works, using the machine you have built as an example.
Instructor: Michael Glenn, Glenn Patent Group
Ages 9 to 99+; $45 members/$55 non-members
Saturdays, 1 pm - 3 pm, 2 sessions
Dates: October 24, 31
Registration must be completed by September 23.

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; $45 members/$55 non-members
Sunday, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 sessions
Dates: Sept 12, 19, 2010:
Registration must be completed by September 4.

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; $55 members/$65 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
Sunday, Noon - 4 pm, 1 session
Dates: September 7
Registration must be completed by September 1.

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

Heritage Arts: Lavender Gifts! Catalog

Lavender Gifts! continues the Museum of American Heritage's newest educational program, Heritage Arts, which focuses on teaching traditional handicrafts using early technologies. Lavender Gifts! teaches students to create Valentine gifts with a focus on card making and soap making using lavender (grown in the MOAH gardens) as an element. 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 soap making and craft creation and its importance in early America. Skills acquired include: Soap making, creation of gifts or cards using felt, paper and other craft materials. Students will create a take home project.
Instructors: Bev Nelson and Lauren Katzive
Ages 8 and up; Fee: $30 members/$35 non-members
Saturdays, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, 1 session: Class is limited to 8 students, early signup advised
Date: to be advised

Heritage Arts: I Can Knit! Catalog

The Knack of Knitting expands the Museum of American Heritage's newest educational program, Heritage Arts, which focuses on teaching traditional handicrafts using early technologies. "I Can Knit!" teaches students the basics of knitting. 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 overview of knitting and its historic role. Students will create a take home project.
Instructors: Louise Varma, Eileen Wall, Judith Lautmann
Ages 8 and up; Fee: $25 members/$30 non-members per participant
Saturdays, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, 1 session: Class is limited to 8 students, early signup advised. Parent-child participants welcome.
Date: April 4, 2009
Registration must be completed by March 28.

Heritage Arts: Candles and Cards! Catalog

Candles and Cards! expands the Museum of American Heritage's Heritage Arts program, which focuses on teaching traditional handicrafts using early technologies. Candles and Cards! introduces students to the basics of candle making the old fashioned way plus the creation of traditional hand made gift cards, just in time for Mother's Day. 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 candle making and its role in early American life. Skills acquired include: Candle making and creation of gift cards. Students will create a take home project.
Instructor: Bev Nelson and Lauren Katzive
Ages 8 and up; Fee: $30 members/$35 non-members
Saturdays, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, 1 session
Date: to be advised

Heritage Arts: Quilting for Beginners Catalog

Quilting for Beginners expands the Museum of American Heritage's Heritage Arts program, which focuses on teaching traditional handicrafts using early technologies. Students are introduced to the basics of quilt making the old fashioned way plus the creation of a child-sized quilt to take home. Designed for students with no prior experience in quilting, it aims to instill confidence and enthusiasm and teaches 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 quilting and its role in early American life, including the definition, various quilt types including whole cloth, embroidered, pieced and applique; Amish quilts, Quilting in the 30s and the resurgence in the 70s.
Sewing machines, fabric, and all tools will be supplied. Skills acquired include basic quilt making: use of a sewing machine, sewing an accurate seam allowance, seam matching, layering and tying the quilt. Students will create a take home project similar in style to the illustration.

Instructor: Eileen Wall, Beryl Self, Bev Nelson, Louise Varma, Judith Lautmann
Ages 8 and up; Fee: $65 members/$75 non-members
Saturdays, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, 4 sessions
Dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27
Registration must be completed by January 28.

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.

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

This page last updated: August 17, 2010. Original content: Copyright © 2000, - 2010 Museum of American Heritage.