Batteryless remote powered by humans
Got a pedal-powered TV, but still have to keep replacing the batteries in that remote? Then you might want to keep an eye on this piezoelectricity batteryless remote, being developed by NEC and Soundpower
Science
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!
“Bomb-proof” kevlar wallpaper
Very clever idea commercialized as the X-flex Blast Protection System, in which a high-tensile-strength composite film is applied to the inside of a masonry wall to reinforce it against lateral impact. The video embedded above was produced by Popular Science, who included the X-flex system in their 100 best innovations of 2009.
New in the Maker Shed: 6-in-1 Educational Solar Robotic kit
The 6-in-1 Educational Solar Robotic Kit is an excellent beginner building kit designed to teach how solar power is used to drive a small motor. Kids use the 21 snap-together parts (no tools required) to build 6 different working models including an airboat, car, windmill, puppy, and 2 different airplanes.
How to make your own caffeinated alcohol beverage
If San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera gets his way a generation of club goers will miss out on the sickly sweet tang of caffeinated alcohol beverages like Sparks, Four-Loko, and Joose. Yet, all is not lost. A group of enterprising practitioners have seized the opportunity to handcraft a batch of Bathtub Sparks in an attempt to recreate the extreme libation.
Teachers’ Pet Projects
We asked teachers to share their favorite classroom & science fair projects.
Make an LVDT with soda straws
It’s the McLVDT, a linear variable differential transfomer, made from McDonald’s straws. The creator writes: I made a primary coil on a normal sized straw, and made two secondary coils on the outside of the larger McDonald’s straw. Since the McStraw is large-bore (perfect for those thick high calorie shakes), the smaller straw with the […]
Car launching!
Now why didn’t we think of this? Bill Gurstelle writes: It is exactly what it sounds like. This year several cars, trucks, and two school buses were launched. I’m absolutely going to be there next year. Car Launching
