Massachusetts Institute of Technology / MIT Museum
Building N51 265 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139
Open Daily 10am – 5pm / Closed Major Holidays

Friday After Thanksgiving: Chain Reaction

What is the Friday After Thanksgiving? A grand event that could only happen at MIT! Participants link their mini chain reactions together forming one mega chain reaction – set off at the end as the event's thrilling culmination.

It's like watching a giant domino demonstration. 1,500 people from all over watch and participate in this fun-for-all-ages "extreme" event.

Making a chain reaction allows people to explore their own creativity, and see how their unique contraptions relate to a larger whole. No matter how different the chain reactions, inevitably, with a little string and duct tape, they all work together beautifully.

How does it work?

The MIT Museum's F.A.T. Chain Reaction event allows people to join the fun as spectators or as participants. Participants can register to bring their own contraptions. Artist and inventor Arthur Ganson, renowned chain reaction creator, is on hand to help with connections and play master of ceremonies for the action.

Can anybody do it?

Of course! Participants range from Girl Scout troops to artists and engineers, from MIT clubs to high schools and family teams. Teams have come from as far away as Michigan and California!

How to get involved:

Register to build a link in the chain reaction: Register online or Mail in your registration(pdf), or just plan on attending as a spectator on November 27. For participating teams, please read the construction guidelines.

New to F.A.T.?
Learn more about the event, or watch videos from previous years:
2006 Chain Reaction | 2007 Chain Reaction | 2008 Chain Reaction

MIT Museum Home Programs Friday After Thanksgiving

F.A.T. Chain Reaction
November 27, 2009
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Rockwell Cage Gym
$10 for adults
$5 for children under 18, students and seniors
Free with MIT ID or children under 5
Spectator fee includes a free same-day admission to the MIT Museum, which will be open until 6:00 p.m.

About our Host:
Self-described as a cross between a mechanical engineer and a choreographer, Arthur Ganson creates contraptions composed of a range of materials from delicate wire to welded steel and concrete. Arthur's much loved sculptures have long been exhibited at the MIT Museum. His newest sculpture My Little Violin is now on display in the Mark Epstein Innovation Gallery. Arthur always plans a surprise ending for the FAT event – not to be missed!