Playful Engineers Teaching Artist Merlin Katz presents an in-person, hands-on event at the library in which kids and families design, build, test, and play with Rube Goldberg Machines - complicated chain reactions accomplishing simple tasks. Participants learn first through demonstration, and then through self-directed play, to make kinetic 'machine' parts, exploring force and motion, scale, and cause and effect, including catapults, zip-lines, domino towers, and gravity-powered carousels. Merlin brings an entire chain reactions kit, packed full with tracks, balls, blocks, cars, action figures, rubber bands, string, tinkertoys, k'nex, and literally thousands of dominoes. Trial & error-focused activities generate multiple opportunities for participants to learn from their success and their failures. We'll hear groans and cheers, as the machines run their course!

This event is for children and their caregivers (trust us, it's more fun when you stay and participate as well!) it is best suited for ages 6 and up. Registration is required!