Intro to Bead Craft: Daisy Chains

How Curvature Creates Strength AND Flexibility

You're Already an Engineer: The Hidden Math of Craft

Behind the Researcher: Combining Worlds with Trevor Jones

DIY Hacks & How To's: Chainmail

'The Science of Craft' |Science| G6-9 (en-US)

Anna Wilkins

Jessica Gokey

Acknowledgments

Authors

#### Connection to Research
 Students follow in Prof. Trevor Jones’ footsteps, recreating crafts that directly inspire his research in mechanical engineering, such as beaded chains and 3D structures made of 2D tiles. This lesson introduces geometric concepts and vocabulary that are central to mathematical, engineering, and physics research on tiled and beaded structures. The most exciting part is that students get to learn about ***non-Euclidean***, or non-flat geometries! Non-Euclidean geometry is all around us in daily life, but few people have a chance to learn about it in a classroom. This lesson empowers students to see new forms of geometry everywhere from the kitchen to the soccer field.
Hands-on exploration and curious play are primary sources of inspiration for Prof. Jones, and this lesson guides students to follow their intuition and discover geometric properties through physical experimentation. Students can feel proud knowing they’re doing the same kind of exploration that Prof. Jones does in his research lab!
 
#### Research Background
 Prof. Jones’ research focuses on applying everyday physics to design new technologies. He takes inspiration from mechanics, biology, and art. He enjoys using bubbles and balloons or beads and string to discover new structures and materials that can build our world.
The goals of his research group, the MInEnS Lab (Mechanically Intelligent Engineered Structures Laboratory), are to discover technology that transforms simple mechanical movements into complex system assembly or precise materials control. Applications include soft robotics, architecture, medical devices, and manufacturing.
Curiosity is at the core of all MInEnS Lab research. Exploration of everyday mechanics leads to creative questions that reveal interesting physics. Prof. Jones’ research is proof that inspiration can come from anywhere, including cooking, crafts, and nature!
#### Further Reading:
- [Prof. Trevor Jones’ research website](https://trevorjjones.com/)
- Research paper: [Bubble casting soft robotics](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-04029-6)
- Research paper: [Beaded metamaterials](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61809-8)


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Building New Materials with Old Techniques

Science

#### Driving Question(s):
1. How does shape give a material new properties?
2. Can we use geometry to predict structure?
3. Where do the principles of mechanics and motion show up in the materials we use every day?
#### Hook(s):
Hands-on crafting activities and interactive videos let students intuitively explore the mathematical and engineering principles of craft!

The Science of Craft

The Gist

Driving Question(s):

Hook(s):

Supporting Multimedia

Intro to Bead Craft: Daisy Chains