DIY science is the perfect way to use your creative skills and learn something new. With the right supplies, some determination, and a curious mind, you can create amazing experiments that open up a whole world of possibilities. At home-made laboratories or tech workshops, makers from all backgrounds can explore new ideas by finding ways to study their environment in novel ways – allowing them to make breathtaking discoveries!
Ham Cramwich: $25,000 Of Communications Gear In A $500 Car @ Jalopnik (they’ve been on a roll lately!)… Ham radio appears to be more of an addiction than a hobby to the seller of this $500 Dodge. Every surface is covered with $25K in communications equipment for every conceivable band (FM/UHF/HF/VHF/SPACEMAN)
A few months ago, William Kamkwamba spoke at MIT as he wrapped up a speaking tour of the US with coauthor Bryan Mealer. This video is the whole evening’s presentation, and includes the introductions and question/answer session afterward. William starts at around 11 minutes.
The talk was sponsored by MIT’s Technology and Culture series and he was introduced by Amy Smith of D-Lab. There is a brief segment in the evening on Moving Windmills, a documentary film about William and his story.
After considering splitting a winter’s firewood with a maul, an device like this one sure does look more fun. It’s made by Hahn Machinery in Minnesota.
Nice video of the “Iodine clock reaction“… here’s how to do it too. Don’t forget, MAKE has a great Chemistry section on our blog and the Maker Shed.
The Copenhagen Wheel recently demonstrated at the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change is a clever device that can store energy every time you apply the breaks and then reapply it in the form of motor assist as you ascend a hill on your bicycle.
Interesting story on MSNBC about how the newer energy-efficient LED traffic lights are causing accidents because, unlike conventional incandescent traffic lights, they do not generate enough heat to keep themselves clear of snow, and thus can easily become obscured by it. I don’t think anyone’s saying LED traffic lights are a bad idea in general, but it is an interesting parable about thinking all the way through a problem from a design perspective. [Thanks, Ron!]
On Saturday, December 19, The Franklin Institute and Body World 2 will be hosting an Operation® game tournament. Body World 2 teamed up with our pals at MakePhilly and Hive76 to create a life-size ‘Ben Franklin’ version of Hasbro’s popular game Operation. Quoth the PR: Competitors will play on regulation-size Operation boards during the preliminary […]
