Melissa & Doug Innovation Academy kid-powered projects encourage open-ended hands-on exploration and experimentation – – its STEM learning served up in a fun way! With Art Gears, kids can build a programmable wooden drawing machine that can create hundreds of unique pieces of swirly, spiral art, while exploring physics and mechanics! Easy-to-follow illustrated instructions help kids eight and older build their project independently. Pop a colored marker in the holder and investigate patterns, symmetry, and ratios by experimenting with interchangeable gears! The included Innovation Booklet enhances interactive learning long after the project is assembled. A portion of all sales of Innovation Academy products supports The Whitney Workshop in Hamden, Conn., which designs and teaches projects for kids and adults that blend art, science, and invention.