Category Archives: Teaching and Learning

Simple Stirling Engine build

Posted on September 6, 2016 by robertwilkie

As long has you have a test tube that can take heat.  This is a pretty clever idea that you can do with kids to show how a stirling engine works. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Stirling-Engine-at-Home/

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Pretty cool and small Hydrogen generator

Posted on August 29, 2016 by robertwilkie

This is a nice simple build for water to hydrogen converter.  With the exception of using razor blades, would be a good kid project.   Only which the author did steps written out instead of a video. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Hydrogen-Generator/    

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Build a coil gun

Posted on August 25, 2016 by robertwilkie

This is a simple (and not going to kill you) build for getting the concepts of a coil gun down.  Could be fun to build with kids. Coil Gun for Newbies: Learning Electromagnetic Propulsion

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Making a vertical bubble machine (Magic Cauldron)

Posted on August 24, 2016 by robertwilkie

Yes its on my list.  The author built this nice verical bubble machine, which he puts in a home-made pot for “a potions” like kettle.  Me…I would use a plastic kettle…anyways.  I like the build and I may have to … Continue reading →

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Turn 2 cans of Coke into a popcorn maker

Posted on August 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

Cool build.  One can is the burner and the other can holds the popcorn.  Down side is it can only pop a handful at a time. http://www.instructables.com/id/Recycled-Coke-Can-Popcorn-Maker/

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Neat and simple hopping robot build

Posted on August 8, 2016 by robertwilkie

Pretty easy build.  Will have to remember this one in the future. http://makezine.com/2016/08/07/make-simple-running-robots-using-whegs/

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Arduino bubble makers

Posted on August 1, 2016 by robertwilkie

OK I saw this simple bubble maker (really simple) and thought, hey I can do that.  The article references other bubble makers, many that are way out of my league to build.  But…the one at the bottom.  I can’t figure … Continue reading →

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Nice simple H Bridge tutorial video

Posted on July 29, 2016 by robertwilkie

Pretty nice and simple build.  Perfect for small motors. http://hackaday.com/2014/04/25/a-h-bridge-motor-controller-tutorial-makes-it-simple-to-understand/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hackaday%2FLgoM+%28Hack+a+Day%29

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Turning wonder bread into carbon foam

Posted on July 19, 2016 by robertwilkie

I had to watch this to believe it.  Carbon foam is pretty amazing stuff for shielding.  Never thought of using bread to make it. http://sploid.gizmodo.com/wonder-bread-plus-fire-makes-a-miraculous-material-1783844616  

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Make a simple slingshot with a balloon and a plastic bottle

Posted on July 18, 2016 by robertwilkie

Neat idea, take the top of a bottle for the holder, and a balloon over the twist bit to use as a the sling. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Simple-Strong-Slingshot-Hacks-for-Re/

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