Category Archives: Teaching and Learning

Build a straw rocket launcher

Posted on July 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

Cool build, I like the use of a foot pump to pressurize the tank.  The author complains that the build is still too big for his liking, but for me, its pretty impressive. http://www.instructables.com/id/Straw-Rocket-Launcher-V-11/

Posted in Cheap, Teaching and Learning, Tinkering | Comments Off on Build a straw rocket launcher

Build an NeoPixel LED headband

Posted on July 7, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build with what looks like an ATiny like board.  I know kids would like this better if it was a bit more seemless and the battery pack was easier to hide. http://www.instructables.com/id/NeoPixel-LED-Headband/

Posted in Arduino, Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Build an NeoPixel LED headband

Make a Joule Thieft without a Ferrite

Posted on June 25, 2015 by robertwilkie

Instead the author uses a bit of a drill.  All you really need is to build a circuit that oscillates to get the voltage up. http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-A-Joule-Thief-Coil-Without-A-Ferrite-Toroid/

Posted in Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Make a Joule Thieft without a Ferrite

Dad puts turbo on kids cart

Posted on June 23, 2015 by robertwilkie

I always wanted to do this to my kids little cars.  He basically replaces the crappy motor with a high end one from an RC car and bam…watch it take off.  I like the “safety feature of the remote controll … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Dad puts turbo on kids cart

Use a clay flower pot to make bread

Posted on June 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

Actually I was looking at this and thinking it would be a good idea to modify to make a dessert for kids while camping.  Use a cake mix with jam in the middle for example.  My 2 cents, I think … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Use a clay flower pot to make bread

Different Soldering Tips

Posted on June 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

Good quick write-up on different soldering tips you can use.  I typically use B series, sometimes D. http://www.instructables.com/id/Uses-of-Different-Soldering-Iron-Tips/

Posted in Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Different Soldering Tips

Poor mans surface pump

Posted on June 3, 2015 by robertwilkie

OK so if you need a simple, cheap, possibly disposable surface pump for a kids project, here is the build for you.  My 2 cents, I would add in a 2nd container to protect the motor a bit more.  This … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Teaching and Learning, water | Comments Off on Poor mans surface pump

Found a new youtube guy to watch

Posted on June 2, 2015 by robertwilkie

OK Slingshot channel, King of Random, now Backyard Scientist.  This guy in the video makes a pewter sword from a bunch of old pewter he got out of a thrift shop.  Looks like a pretty easy build to do over … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, My Projects, Teaching and Learning, Tinkering | Comments Off on Found a new youtube guy to watch

A steerable powered paper airplane

Posted on June 2, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build for about $8 in parts.  One commentor pointed out this is similar to the PowerUp airplane kit here.  It goes for $16 (free shipping on $25).  Me, I think I would go for the kit.  Thought the kit … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Teaching and Learning, Tinkering | Comments Off on A steerable powered paper airplane

Build a cool looking, powered go-cart

Posted on May 22, 2015 by robertwilkie

OK this is an interesting go-cart.  Uses 2 drills to power the wheels.  Overall, its a clever build (has brakes too), would I build it…no, too much material and time. http://makezine.com/projects/drill-kart/

Posted in Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Build a cool looking, powered go-cart