Making CS 2024: Historical and Modern Connections Between Computer Science and Textiles
February 3, 2025–February 23, 2025 Add to Calendar 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location
Shanahan Center
320 E. Foothill Blvd.
Claremont, CA 91711
Details
Making Computer Science, a fall 2024 course taught by Professors Julie Medero and Casey Baden, explored historical and modern connections between computer science and textiles. Through three major projects and a few mini-assignments, students participated in hands-on creativity to explore the relationships between CS ideas and textile techniques. Project 1 brought together the use of LEDS, touch sensors, Python programming and Gemma microprocessors with sewing and embroidery. Project 2 introduced weaving as well as utilizing the laser cutter and 3D printers. Students began with basic frame loom weaving and hand-drafting techniques, then utilized the makerspace machinery to build their own rigid heddle looms and finally expanded to using AdaCAD for digital drafting to explore weaving on the TC2 loom. Mid-semester mini-projects introduced knitting, crochet, data visualization and soldering skills, and the semester finished with a self-directed final project. This exhibition, Making Computer Science, showcases the results of these project-based inquiries and explorations. It is our hope that this course makes visible, and tangible, the myriad crossover of these disparate fields and helps students to expand their horizons on what is considered computer science and how these concepts can have wider applications.