Agenda
10:30
1:15
Break
1:30
3:00
Break
3:30
5:00
9:30–10:30am
Kick-off + Breakfast
Hosted by FoL '25 team, 3rd Floor Atrium
Join us in the atrium to kick off the 2025 Festival of Learning with “Registration,” a.k.a. Make Your Own Name Tag, pick up your FoL swag, enjoy coffee and a pick-your-own-cereal bar, and learn about our sessions this year!
Note: Checking in with your RSVP at Registration gets you a lunch ticket!
10:30–12:00pm
Workshops Session 1
You can make that at home? Fresh Marshmallows, Hot Chocolate & Energy Bites
Hosted by Lisa Breede (HR), 3rd Floor Kitchen
*RSVP Required*
Come learn the kitchen magic of making delicious store-bought treats... at home! Make fresh marshmallows, hot chocolate, and energy bites from scratch.
Hack the Lab
Hosted by Valdemar Danry (Fluid Interfaces), E15-359
Should the stairs make fart sounds when walking on them? Should Foodcam blasts include food names and how long the food has been sitting? Should there be a giant inflatable unicorn in the atrium? Repositories that automatically collect data about the lab (like coffee use, temperatures, moods, etc)? In this session we will plan cool ways in which we can modify (coolify?) our dear Media Lab.
Poetry Workshop
Hosted by Sarah Beckmann (Communications), E14-393
A creative writing workshop focusing on poetry and led by communications group member Sarah Beckmann; Sarah recently earned a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Emerson College in Boston, and is looking to publish her next poetry book soon!
drawing++
Hosted by Zach Lieberman (Future Sketches), E14-244 Moderated by Char Stiles (Future Sketches)
In this workshop participants explore computational concepts such as encoding and decoding information, rule-based drawing, generative design, and algorithmic expression through the familiar lens of drawing. Through drawing activities, participants understand and gain knowledge of how code works and what computation feels like.
From Science to Netflix Sci-Fi Series: Writing Tomorrow's Stories Today
Hosted by Pat Pataranutaporn (Fluid Interfaces), E14-514B
Ever wondered how a scientist ends up creating a Netflix sci-fi series? Share the unexpected journey from the halls of MIT Media Lab to becoming the creator of "Tomorrow and I" and pull back the curtain on how to transform cutting-edge research into compelling stories that resonate with viewers.
Introduction to Machine Sewing
Hosted by Meghan Jordan (MAS) and MacLean Bishop (HR), Luna Lab
*RSVP Required*
Learn to make your own tote bag! Learn about the parts of the sewing machine, how to do some basic stitches and techniques, and then complete your very first sewing project.
12:00–1:15pm
MAS Lunch + Crazy AND Cool Pitch Session
Hosted by Andy Lippman (Viral Communications) and Cassandra Lee (CCC)
“Wouldn't it be awesome if we, at the Lab, did X?” In this session, Media Labbers will pitch totally crazy but cool projects that could spark new research. Grab your lunch, take a seat, and cheer them on! Then, contribute your crazy ideas to a collective brainstorm.
1:30–3:00pm
Workshops Session 2
Pre-LLM Generative Poetry
Hosted by Maya Detwiller (CCC), E15-359
A writing workshop to re-write some old school generative poetry algorithms in Python based on Allison Parrish's Human-Scale NLP Course at the School for Poetic Computation. You can write love letters, poems, and dadaist word collages!
How to Plan an Unforgettable (And Super Intentional) Gathering!
Hosted by Katie Morrell (CCC), E14-393
Learn why and how to bring people together, taking principles from books like the Art of Gathering and The Power of Moments. We'll combine principles of science and design to better understand how to intentionally gather people whether it be for a formal event, celebration, or just quality time with loved ones.
Fog of War Sudoku 101
Hosted by Tariq Islam (Nano-Cybernetic Biotrek), E14-240
Jump into the world of variant Sudoku puzzles, including an exciting new type that puts a fresh spin on the classic format. We'll explore how these creative variations work and solve one puzzle together – perfect for both Sudoku fans and curious newcomers!
Running it Backstitch: A Crash Course in Cross Stitch and Embroidery
Hosted by Ryann Sanchez (HR) and MacLean Bishop (HR), E14-244
* RSVP Required *
Learn the basics of two classic fiber arts in this hands-on workshop! We'll spend the first half exploring cross stitch – creating pictures with X-shaped stitches – before diving into embroidery techniques. Perfect for beginners who want to start their needlework journey.
Make Your Own Fantasy IDE
Hosted by Char Stiles (Future Sketches), E14-514B
Tired of the same old IDEs? Ever wanted to build your own experimental code editor? In this hands-on workshop, we'll dive into the architecture of code editors and then break all the rules by creating our own weird and wonderful variations. We'll start with a journey through IDE history, then we'll get our hands dirty by building a basic editor from scratch. Once we've got the foundations, you can experiment with your own creative features.
Required: JavaScript experience, familiarity with web development basics. Bring a computer!
Intro to Gong Fu Tea Brewing
Hosted by Hope Schroeder (CCC) and Zoe Fang (Fluid Interfaces), E14 5th Floor Cafe
* RSVP Required *
Discover the art of gong fu tea brewing – a traditional Chinese approach that brings out the deepest flavors in every leaf. We'll explore different tea varieties, learn hands-on brewing techniques, and delve into the rich history and philosophy behind this practice. For tea enthusiasts and anyone curious about deepening their appreciation for tea.
3:30–5:00pm
Workshops Session 3
Ribbon Twirling
Hosted by Marina Rakhilin (CCC), E15-359
Learn the art of ribbon twirling! We'll explore basic patterns and flowing movements using rhythmic gymnastics ribbons, creating beautiful shapes in the air while getting gentle exercise. No experience needed – just bring your enthusiasm for movement and creative expression.
Wavelengths to RGB
Hosted by Jessica Stringham (Future Sketches), E14-393
Start by spending a bit of time seeing, and thinking about what you're seeing, then learn how to relate wavelengths to RGB, then some color theory, and end with making some sweet gradients in p5.js.
Bring a laptop. Cellphones and polarized sunglasses are good to bring too!
DIY Haptics: Build Your Own Vibrotactile Devices In 30 Minutes
Hosted by Bingjian Huang and Pablo Palle(Responsive Environments), E14-240
Experience and create vibrotactile feedback in this hands-on exploration of haptic technology! Try on wearable devices that create patterns of vibration across your body, then learn to design your own haptic experiences using an intuitive toolkit.
No hardware skill requirement.
How to Get Your Celebrity Crush to The Media Lab
Hosted by Valdemar Danry (Fluid Interfaces), E14-244
Movie directors, philosophers, actors, artists and musicians like Steve Jobs, Björk, Yo-Yo Ma, Ben Affleck, Jacob Collier, Will.I.Am, Cai Guo-Qiang, Christopher Nolan and many more non-scientists have visited, collaborated and interacted with the MIT Media Lab over the years. But how do YOU get YOUR celebrity crush to visit or collaborate with? Come to this workshop and find out!
Glass Bending!
Hosted by Sam Chin (Responsive Environments), ACT Luna Lab
* RSVP Required *
Make a miniature sculpture using stringer glass and a candle flame, and aspire to be an neon light artist!
Plant Parenthood
Hosted by Elinor Poole-Dayan (CCC), E14-514B & cafe sink area
I promise, you can keep a houseplant alive, and in this workshop, you’ll learn how! Give houseplant cuttings (pothos, spider plant, maybe some other cool species) a new home in either a pot with soil or a glass jar to spruce up your home/office space. We will explore core aspects of basic care, beginner-friendly species, what to look for when plant shopping, and managing your growing collection.
Note: no experience / materials required, but if you have your own plants you’d like to repot, propagate, trade, etc, feel free to bring! Glass jars are limited to the first 6 participants but we should have plenty of cuttings and pots for everyone.
