Curiosity Machine

Graphical Abstract

The Curiosity Machine Family Program at Iridescent Learning brings underserved families together over five weeks to do open-ended engineering design challenges with the help of scientists and engineers, who mentor the families as they build.

Abstract

To welcome the 21st century, the National Academy of Engineering identified 14 Grand Challenges that it believes will define this century and require specific engineering solutions. These challenges were issued as an invitation and guidance for engineers working to build a better tomorrow. I elected to focus on the challenge of advancing personalized learning when I founded Iridescent, my nonprofit. In tackling this challenge, I started a project that became the Curiosity Machine Family Program, which strives to create an exciting learning experience for children, especially those with few resources, at a large scale with low cost and high fidelity. Addressing each of these constraints together is where innovation lies, as most organizations struggle with keeping program costs low, while making sure each implementation is locally reaching the overall program’s goals.

Keywords:

• Informal Education

Author Contributions

Wallace Louie ([email protected]) is senior director of communications at Iridescent Learning in Danville, California.

Tara Chklovski ([email protected]) is CEO and founder at Iridescent Learning in San Carlos, California.

Maggie Jaris ([email protected]) is communications manager at Iridescent Learning in Chicago, Illinois.

Audra Torres ([email protected]) is designer and manager at Iridescent Learning in Orlando, Florida.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Wallace Louie

Wallace Louie ([email protected]) is senior director of communications at Iridescent Learning in Danville, California.

Tara Chklovski

Tara Chklovski ([email protected]) is CEO and founder at Iridescent Learning in San Carlos, California.

Maggie Jaris

Maggie Jaris ([email protected]) is communications manager at Iridescent Learning in Chicago, Illinois.

Audra Torres

Audra Torres ([email protected]) is designer and manager at Iridescent Learning in Orlando, Florida.