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!
Gary Gipson was inspired by the Magbot Pendulum project in Dave Hrynkiw’s wonderful Junkbots, Bugbots & Bots on Wheels. Greg made a few changes. He put the electronics package on a little swinging bot and made the permanent magnet stationary to the base. The bot’s LED eyes light up when he first starts out over […]
From Holy Scrap Hot Springs, Mikey and Wendy have some helpful tips for anybody considering a solar system: The federal tax credit for residential solar installations becomes uncapped starting January 1, which can mean more rebate if you want to setup your own system!
รฏยฟยผThe “Solar Paper Latern” is made from 36 miniature solar panels with each connected up to an electroluminescent diode. The resulting light can remain on indefinitely, as long as the panels are near a spot of strong sun exposure. Solar Paper Lantern by Damien 0’Sullivan @ Saint Etienne Design Triennial
This video demonstrates several life-like “cyborg insects” that may potentially be future “spies” with onboard cameras and surveillance equipment. Check out the video to see how lifelike these “bugs” really are. via New Scientist
Brennon Williams sent us a link to his blog, BW Science Labs, where he explores science and technology. I really liked this LED constellation project, but you should check out the rest of his entries – he posts about microcontrollers, basic soldering, robotics, lots of stuff! Really impressive work for a 14-year-old!
Charles has been messing about with scooters. This is his second crack at it with the more modestly named RazEr. At least some of the work has been done at Miters in Cambridge. The business end. The relevant power transmission implement – there is only 1 – is housed completely in the rear wheel. It […]
Here’s an lecture by acoustic archaeologist Paul Devereux detailing some of his research into the sound made by the rocks of ancient cave-dwellings. Interesting info – I wasn’t aware of the sonic potential of “rock on rock” percussion.
