Workshops
Between 1997 and 2004 I provided brief written overviews to those attending my workshops. These summaries are not intended to be definitive. Hopefully they enhanced the learning and experience provided to the participants. I have posted copies for reference and individual use. All of the materials, photographs etc. on these pages are protected by copyright law. If you would like to use these materials for your own workshops/events etc. please contact me via email (rap1@humboldt.edu) for permissions.
Individual workshop pages can be found as individual subpages under this page. The instrument descriptions etc. are found on individual subpages under the Instruments subheading on this website.
Fall 2004
Practical Medieval Astronomy: A brief overview of theory and observation in Medieval European astronomy. Demonstrations using astronomical models and instruments typical of the Medieval period and how they relate to practical astronomical problems of the period.
Medieval Astronomical and Timekeeping Instruments: A discussion of instrument making techniques and hands-on construction of some simple instruments. Two simple projects are planned: a simple, early form of the nocturnal for telling time at night, and a quadrant. Materials may also be available for those wishing to try other projects (e.g. see Spring 2000).
Spring 2001
Medieval Astronomical Timekeeping Instruments: A discussion of instrument making techniques and hands-on construction of some simple instruments. Two simple projects were constructed: a simple, early form of the nocturnal for telling time at night, and a "Canterbury" style sundial. Materials were also be available for those wishing to try earlier projects (see Spring 2000). This workshop was held at the Science and Arts Tourney of the Barony of Aleshia, SCA West Kingdom.
Spring 2000
Medieval Scientific and Philosophical Instruments: A discussion of instrument making techniques and hands-on construction of some simple angle measuring instruments. Three simple projects were constructed during this workshop associated with the Science and Arts Tourney of the Barony of Aleshia, SCA West Kingdom.
Summer 1999
Medieval Scientific and Philosophical Instruments: A discussion of instrument making techniques and hands-on construction of some simple angle measuring instruments. Three simple projects were constructed during this workshop.
Practical Medieval Astronomy: A brief overview of theory and observation in Medieval European astronomy. Demonstrations using astronomical models and instruments typical of the Medieval period and how they relate to practical astronomical problems of the period.
Summer 1998
Medieval Scientific and Philosophical Instruments: Background and hands-on construction of some simple angle measuring instruments. Three simple projects were constructed during this workshop. These projects are illustrated along with instructions for construction and sample calculations via the links below:
Cross Staff
Kamal
Quadrant
Astronomy, Calenders, and Time in the Middle Ages: A brief overview of the theory and practice of astronomy in Medieval Europe, and its use to develop calendars and determine time. Demonstrations using astronomical models and instruments typical of the Medieval period.period.
Summer 1997
Science in the Middle Ages (1200-1500): Brief discussion on the place of science in Medieval education and learning. Demonstration of typical Medieval scientific instruments.
The Development of the Clock and the Concept of Time in the Middle Ages: Brief discussion on the place of time and the development of clocks. Demonstration of a variety of time keeping devices used in the Medieval period.
Spring 1997
Science in the Middle Ages (1200-1500): Brief discussion on the place of science in Medieval education and learning. Demonstration of typical Medieval scientific instruments.