Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: NOT JUST GRANDMA'S HOBBY: STEM-INSPIRED CROCHET 101 (SID RICH)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Crochet isn’t just your grandma’s favorite pastime—from the Crochet Coral Reef’s response to climate change to a published model of chaos, this yarn-based handicraft has been used to illustrate, educate, and reimagine concepts from various STEM fields. While this strange combination remains relatively unexplored, many of these works have gained recognition for their approachability, presenting elaborate scientific and mathematical topics in easy-to-understand ways. Here, we seek to examine the question: what can crochet teach us about STEM, and how can we use this niche to reimagine our understanding of STEM? In this course, we will explore these intersections, taking a closer look at the form, function, and context behind STEM-based crochet projects. Students will learn basic crochet techniques, read short texts about specific artworks and applications, apply this knowledge toward guided crochet projects, and design their own STEM-inspired crochet concept. All students of any skill level are welcome; prior knowledge in crochet, science, or math is not required nor assumed.