Math Monday: DIY Tensegrity
A detailed, step-by-step illustration of how to make a tensegrity structure that you may not find in a lot of other places — a frustum of a pentagonal pyramid.
Education
Maker Education is such a valuable role. These stories will bring you the latest information and tales of maker educators who area spreading the maker mindset. Help others learn how to make things or how to think like a maker at makerspaces, schools, universities, and local communities. The importance of maker education can not be understated. We appreciate our educators.
Maker Scouts: Light it Up
As the Los Angeles host for the Maker Education Initiative’s Maker Corp program, The Exploratory has had the honor of seeing 18+ adults using the same materials that we use with 4+ Maker Scouts and noticing the differences and similarities. It occurred to me today, that children are more apt to have a story – a narrative that is connected to their making projects. Sometimes, its a story that comes from the project – a way for them to establish a sense of place. Other times, we find that a provocation is helpful as a starting point. I’ve done e-textile projects before and without a provocation, I have noticed that the young makers tend to make copies of other people’s design. So, for this introduction to e-textiles, I thought that I would ask ” What kind of superhero would you be and where would your power come from?” I also asked ” What do you LOVE so much that you feel a strong need to protect it?” We had the best answers – ” Cats, Dogs, Eagles, my family, and best of all – MILK.”
Simple Machines: The Lever
The lever is one of the six classic simple machines. A simple machine is a mechanical device that changes a force’s direction or magnitude. The other five simple machines are the wheel and axle, the pulley, the inclined plane, the wedge and the screw. Explaining simple machines to kids can be a fun learning experience, especially if you include some demonstrations in the lesson. Here’s how I built a lever for a demonstration of simple machines for my son’s 3rd grade clas
Ohm’s Law Reference Poster
I love this Ohm’s poster by ZarthCode’s Anthony Clay. In addition to the classic Ohm’s Law triangle (“It’s the Law!” the poster proclaims) it also includes a resistor color chart, a discussion of voltage dividers, as well as an explanation of the markings on surface mount resistors. Just the thing for a hackerspace! The poster […]
Super Awesome Sylvia Goes to White House Science Fair
Congratulations to Super Awesome Sylvia, who will represent Maker Faire at the White House Science Fair, which will be held Monday April 22, 2013 at 11:30 am EDT. Sylvia Todd will bring her watercolor drawbot to the White House along with her infectious energy and enthusiasm. From wh.gov: Watch the Science Fair live in […]
Teaching 3D Design Thinking with The City X Project
“Humans have just landed on an Earth-like alien planet. They’ve staked out an area for the capital, City X, and have sent back a 3D map of the location with many challenges to be solved by their engineers on Earth, a vast team of young designers all around the world.”
Dale Dougherty Hosts Final “Open MAKE” Event Tomorrow
The season’s final Open Make @ the Hall ends on a tiny note. Bring your little things and get inspired by the big impact your mini-creations can have. The fun starts tomorrow, April 20, and runs from 10am-2pm.
