One downside to being a big fan of a particular maker is how long it can seem between new projects on his/her site, entries of a multi-part projects journal, what they had for breakfast, anything. Certain builders, I go to their sites (or look at their newsfeeds) obsessively, and it can be maddening waiting for […]
Recently, I had a class of 7th graders designing in Sketchup. One of the projects is to accurately design a block of 2″ x 2″ x 1.25″. These designs were then converted to G code with Millwizard by an 11th grader who then milled them in the high school across the street on a Taig Micromill. This was a fun project that helped illustrate the concepts and processes of separating the design from the manufacture of objects.
The way it worked out was that the middle schoolers would make some designs, and share them with the high schooler. If the files were designed correctly, proper size, no overhangs, then they would be converted to code and milled. He was able to process 4 files in one class period by cutting in 2 inch insulating foam. Then, the next time I met with the 7th graders, I gave them the blocks they designed.
My fingers are frozen as I type this. I should have this adorable sewn muff warming my hands right now. I’m going to defrost them and then set to work making this great project. It doesn’t require very much fabric, and looks like a good pattern that I could successfully tackle over the weekend.
There is serious fun to be had with this project from Paulbo of FangleTronics. He shows how he created an awesome glow-in-the-dark wall on which kids (and adults, of course) can write and draw with LED pens. [via Filth Wizardry]
Have you checked your emergency kit in a while? Back at the turn of the century, lots of people built survival kits in preparation for the festivities of Y2K. Perhaps you have moved since then, or maybe you never made one. After a natural or manmade disaster, the magic window is considered to be 72 hours for surviving the initial impact. Having a kit at the ready might increase your chances. Certainly while traveling, you can have a plan agreed upon with all of your group.
After a major disaster, it is unlikely that emergency response services will be able to immediately respond to everyone’s needs, so it’s important to be prepared to take care of yourself and your family. Plan to be on your own for at least the first 72 hours.
Paulbo of FangleTronics shows how he created an awesome glow-in-the-dark wall on which kids (and adults, of course) can write and draw with LED pens. I’m happy it’s a three-day weekend, because I’m seriously tempted to tackle this project right-this-very-minute. [via Filth Wizardry]
Gareth @ MAKE points us to these cardboard toilet paper tube dioramas by Anastassia Elias.
