Welcome
Why your local mall should have a makerspace. Page 04
Make: 65 — LittleBits Goes a Long Way
In this issue of Make:, go from zero to maker and beyond with expert tips for taking your robotics, cosplay, and crafting interests to the next level. Then in our cover story, littleBits creator Ayah Bdeir talks about the origins of the iconic snap-and-play electronic blocks, plus teaming up with Star Wars and Marvel, and where the company is headed next. And learn how Oakland, California’s, Black Girls Code is bringing expertise — and a diverse voice — to technology’s future.
Plus, 16 projects including:
- Hack cheap distance sensors to make tiny objects float in mid-air
- Add a digital eyeball to a creepy charm you can wear for Halloween — or all year
- Roast coffee beans automatically with spinner, stirrer, and heat gun rig
- Assemble a cute robot arm to draw the current time in luminescent numerals
- And more!
On the Cover: LittleBits founder and CEO Ayah Bdeir jams on a customized Synth Kit, one of many different snap-together electronics kits offered by the company.
Table of Contents
Columns
Reader Input
Notes from readers like you. Page 05
Made on Earth
Backyard builds from around the globe.Page 06
Features
littleBits Goes Big
Ayah Bdeir
Ayah Bdeir’s desire for accessible electronics helped bring her blocks into the mainstream.Page 12
Newton’s 3D Printer
How two teachers are using physical models to make calculus more accessible. Page 18
Special Section: Maker School
Maker School
In the classroom or in the workshop, there’s value to learning by doing.Page 20
Crash Course
Experts chime in on building your maker skills and boosting your career opportunities.Page 22
Programmed for Success
Black Girls Code is bringing expertise — and a diverse voice — to technology’s future.Page 34
Head of the Class
Irvington High School’s Maker Space equips students for their next steps in life.Page 36
The Bright Stuff
Five tips to help gifted kids excel in the classroom.Page 38
Projects
Dog Bowl Coffee Roaster
Larry Cotton
Achieve a perfectly even roast automatically with a built-in spinner, stirrer, and heat gun.Page 40
Eye of Newt
Erin St. Blaine
Add a digital eyeball to a creepy charm you can wear for Halloween — or all year. Page 46
Easy Ultrasonic Levitation
Hack cheap distance sensors to make tiny objects float in mid-air.Page 50
Hot Mods
Cut, shape, and customize Hot Wheels cars to suit your style — and win prizes!Page 54
1+2+3 Follow Me Eyes
Eduardo Talbert
Make these simple eyes that seem to follow you wherever you stand.Page 57
Racing Robots
Inspired by board game RoboRally, navigate a zany obstacle course with actual bots.Page 58
Write on Time
Caleb Kraft
Assemble a cute robot arm to draw the current time in luminescent numerals.Page 60
Amateur Scientist: DIY Sunburn Sensors
Forrest M. Mims III
Build, hack, and deploy detectors to measure solar UV radiation.Page 62
Flashy Fashion
Light up the room with these lightweight LED earrings.Page 66
1+2+3 Inner Tube Earrings
Upcycle bike tubes into elegant adornments.Page 67
Electronics Fun & Fundamentals: Audible Aqua
Use an op-amp to build a water purity tester you can hear.Page 68
Documenting DNA
Capture your bio-experiments with a Raspberry Pi gel imager.Page 70
Skill Builder
Get Started with In-Circuit Debugging
Micah Elizabeth Scott (Scanlime)
Use a debugger to spy on your microcontroller code while it’s working.Page 72
Know Your Fire Extinguisher
Caleb Kraft
Different extinguishers target different kinds of fires. Make sure you know the right one to use.Page 74
Toolbox
Toolbox
Gear up with reviews of the latest tools and kits for makers.Page 76
Show & Tell
Show & Tell
Check out our favorites from the latest Mission to Make: contest!Page 80
