mathcraft at comcast dot net

Current/Recent Courses Taught:

GEEN 1400 Programmable Costumes - course in development, to be offered Spring 2010

GEEN 1400 da Vinci - Fall 2008

GEEN 1400 Mechanical Automata - Fall 2008

GEEN 1400 Mechanical Automata  - Spring 2008

Things that Think - Spring 2008

GEEN 1400 - Fall 2007

Things that Think - Spring 2007

Creative Engineering at Denver Science and Tech (9th-10th grade) - Nov. 2005-March 2006.

GEEN 1400, Intro to Engineering Projects - Fall 2005

Things that Think - Spring 2005

HyperGami and JavaGami

are software environments built in collaboration with my husband, Mike Eisenberg, for the design of three-dimensional paper sculpture.

Spatial Cognition

Creating HyperGami and JavaGami led us to investigate children’s spatial learning -- especially their conceptions about three-dimensional shapes, the way that they visualize the result of operations performed on shapes, and their hypotheses about the two-dimensional folding net counterparts of these shapes.  My particular research focus is in the design of software environments to help children become more effective spatial thinkers.  This was one of the chief motivations behind the design of JavaGami and is the topic of my dissertation research and other publications.

The Integration of Computers and Crafts

The development of HyperGami and JavaGami has grown into a more general interest in exploring the way that computers can enhance the design of real-world handicrafts.  Work in this area involves the integration of computation with many forms of media -- including wood, plaster, acrylic, and fabric.  Visit the Craft Technology Group’s website for more information about many different projects in these areas.

We are excited to collaborate with wonderfully creative folks from the PIE (Playfully Inventing and Exploring with Digital and Other Stuff) Network.  One of our favorite activities has been Bay Area Maker Faire 2007, a two-day celebration of arts, crafts, engineering, and science. 

paper sushi, generated in JavaGami

paper penguins, generated in HyperGami

Summer 2009:  taught camp in polyhedra and paper sculpture through the CU Science Discovery program. 

Summer 2009:  taught teen workshop in JavaGami at the Westminster Public Library.

Democratic Education:  I have served on the board of The Patchwork School and am currently participating in the restructuring of The Living School in Boulder.  In Fall 2010 we hope to open the doors of a new K-12 Democratic school.  AERO is a great resource for learning about different kinds of learning communities.