National Informal STEM Education Network: Frankenstein 200 Kit
Hands-on activities and professional development resources that encourage creativity and reflection about responsible innovation, developed in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein.
Frankenstein is a modern myth: a 200-year-old story that explores themes of human creativity, societal responsibility, and scientific ethics. These themes continue to resonate today. As citizens with access to incredible tools for creation and transformation, we need to understand the fundamentals of science and technology and develop the skills to actively participate in civic and policy discussions.
Frankenstein200 takes on the challenge of supporting learning related to responsible innovation. The project uses themes from Frankenstein to examine emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and genetic engineering, while promoting the development of 21st century skills related to creative collaboration and critical thinking. Frankenstein200 explores three important questions: What is life?, Why do we create?, and What are our responsibilities as creators, scientists, and engineers?
Spark of Life
In this activity, learners create a battery from two kinds of metal and their own body.
Scribble Bot
In this activity, learners create a toy bot with a surprising ability: it scribbles on a sheet of paper.
Frankentoy
In this activity, learners make a “creature” by mixing and matching different parts of toys.
Battery Stack
In this activity, learners investigate how to make a voltaic pile, the first kind of battery.
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Frankenstein200 Kit – Contents List
Hands-on activities and professional development resources that encourage creativity and reflection about responsible innovation, developed in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein.
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Frankenstein200 Digital Kit
Digital download of all public engagement and professional development files in the Frankenstein 200 kit designed to encourage creativity and reflection about responsible innovation, developed in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein.
Event Planning and Promotion Guide
Learn More About the Project
Frankenstein200 Project
Project Overview: Frankenstein is a modern myth: a 200-year-old story that explores themes of human creativity, societal responsibility, and scientific ethics. These themes continue to resonate today. As citizens with access to incredible tools for creation and transformation, we need to understand the fundamentals of science and technology and develop the skills to actively participate in civic and policy discussions.
