From World’s Fair to Maker Faire: Seek and Find and Make

Maker Faire’s Minister of Information Tami Jo Benson is a big fan of the parallels between the 1964 World’s Fair and the 2014 Maker Faire.

Since World Maker Faire 2014 is being held on the same site as the ’64 Fair, Tami Jo has organized a seek and find for Maker Faire, challenging people to find specific items related to either the ’64 Fair or the ’14 Faire, or both.  All items are in plain sight, and can be found in the public areas of the Faire. Tami Jo explains what each item is, and her reasoning behind their choice:

1) Imagine yourself an astronaut: Find the Project Gemini and Project Mercury rockets. “I love coming in on the train and seeing those rockets bursting out of the trees!” For extra credit, count how many full-sized Mercury space capsules (either real ones, or re-creations) you can find on the grounds.

2) Find the Mathematica Exhibit designed by Charles and Ray Eames. “I wanted to find an exhibit that was on site in 1964 and is still here. It engages children in mathematics more on their level; it looks very tactile!”

3) Have a taste of Exploded Cereal! “That’s just cool.” (Actually, this technology dates back to the 1904 World’s Faire!)

4) Find a poetic vehicle with haikus, limericks, couplets, and free verse. And you can even leave your own once you find it.

5) Tinker with Toys: “Because I think this is awesome.”

6) You’ll hear music all over Maker Faire, but where can you make it with anything? “I love that Makers are creatively thinking about the intersection of electronics and exploring lots of ways to make music.” Hint: that’s a hint.

7) Wave hello to a 3D-printed hand. 

8) Snap a pic with Makey & Share #MakerFaire “He gives good hugs!” Hint: He’s red!