Phil Torrone of Adafruit sent me a bag full of maker skill patches. When my 9-year-old daughter came home from school today, her eyes popped out like a Tex Avery wolf. I told her she could have them all, but she has to earn them! I’ll work with her to help her earn the LED […]
Complete instructions for this Weekend Project can be found at http://makeprojects.com/Project/10-Rail-Model-Rocket-Mega-Launcher/243/1
Nothing is more exciting to model rocket enthusiasts than a multi-rail launcher that can blast several rockets off at the same time. For rocket clubs and events, it’s almost essential to keep things moving at an exciting pace with these types of launch systems. This 10-pad mega-launcher was developed for Cub Scout Pack 1346’s rocket derby. And now you can build it too.
This system gives kids (of all ages) the fun of pressing their own launch buttons, and for added drama, sounds a klaxon before each launch. For the finale, a “Mega Launch” switch shoots off all 10 rockets at once.
To minimize the chance of an unfired rocket left on the pad, the launcher also has always-on igniter continuity checks, using LEDs to show which igniters are ready. Blocking diodes allow dual-use of the wire harness — for continuity check and launch voltage — thus halving the number of wires to the launch bar.
To show kids and adults that the launcher isn’t actually as complicated as you might think, the workings of the system can easily be seen behind clear plastic.
Living Locurto made an awesome upcycled Storm Trooper out of am old milk jug for her little man who needed someone to attack with his light saber. What a great way to re-use AND entertain your small fry harnessing the force.
Anna of The Imagination Tree posted some cute photos of her daughter playing with foam shapes. It’s a fun idea for kids: Buy some craft foam, cut out fun shapes, and let your child stick them to a window or the side of the bathtub, with the help of some water.
Activity Corner shows just how far a cardboard box can go for little ones and made a whole city out of repurposed boxes.
Everyone knows kids love to play with cardboard boxes, but obviously so do their parents! I absolutely love this awesome cardboard box Millennium Falcom, complete with awed-looking baby and Schnauzer Wookie! Although I think my favorite thing is this great quote from the blog post about the process: We picked up some silver spray paint […]
Click on the image to see us in jumbo, non-3D. Today was an exciting day at the MAKE offices as we cracked open the first case of “School’s Out,” our next special issue. This issue is very special as it’s devoted to kids and making and it’s in swinging, leaping, page-busting 3D! The thrills! The […]
