Developing Installations and Activities for an Interactive Light Studio at the American Sign Language and English Lower School

Students from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art created new installations and activities for an Interactive Light Studio for pre-kindergarten students at The American Sign Language and English Lower School (P.S. 347) in New York City. The studio creates ways for both deaf and hearing students to explore light and sound while simultaneously promoting science and technology to students at a young age. Improvements to the studio in the 2011–12 school year strove to further the educational mission of the project while introducing new and exciting interactive multimedia installations. A digital projection system was created using easily assessable sensors, electronics, and open-source computer software creating an interactive play and learning environment that encourages self-driven discovery. The project engages young children, including minorities, girls, and disabled children, in active science learning while providing Cooper Union students with an opportunity to work on a real world project in their community.