Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is currently celebrating its 200th anniversary, and its themes continue to resonate in our technological age and to raise new, complex questions about the nature of life, our roles as creators and innovators, and our responsibilities to the things we create. Kaleideum, in partnership with the National Science Foundation and Arizona State University, will present FrankenSTEM on Saturday, January 20 at Kaleideum North from 1-4 pm. The focus of the event is to engage visitors in using their creativity, exploring current and emerging topics in science and technology, and considering what it means to be a responsible innovator.
FrankenSTEM will include exciting maker activities related to robots, genetic engineering, and electricity. By teaching a robot how to draw, experimenting with simple machines, or even bringing their own “creature” to life, visitors will confront the same questions and ideas that bedeviled the fictional Victor Frankenstein. The Center for Women Writers at Salem College will present a special storytime and other activities, and there will be a costume contest for two age groups — 12 and under and 13 and above. Prizes will be awarded for the Funniest Costume and the Most Original.
FrankenSTEM is part of the nationwide Frankenstein200 project, led by Arizona State University and distributed in collaboration with the National Informal STEM Education Network (NISE Network). Throughout 2018, events like the one hosted by Kaleideum will be paired with an interactive digital narrative and a set of at-home maker activities that reimagine Frankenstein for 21st-century audiences. More information can be found at kaleideum.org and Frankenstein200.org.