Category Archives: Teaching and Learning

Make your own mini cotton candy machine

Posted on October 31, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice build with simple parts to make a finger sized cotton candy machine, would I do this…no, way too much work for the results. But still a neat build. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-A-Pocket-sized-Cotton-candy-machine/

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Simple write-up on automating haloween decorations with arduino

Posted on October 29, 2014 by robertwilkie

Pretty simple write-up where the author basically replaces the button on a haloween prop with a pinout from the arduino, and uses the arduino to trigger the prop to work. This would be a good tutorial for kids. http://makezine.com/projects/arduino-controlled-halloween-props/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=%24%7Bfeed%7D&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+%24%7Bmakezineonline%7D+%28%24%7BMAKE%7D%29&utm_content=%24%7BGoogleReader%7D

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Build a simple Hydraulic machine

Posted on September 23, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice build on what to use with those suction medicine gizmos. Make a demo hydraulic system for kids. http://www.instructables.com/id/Open-Ended-Hydraulic-Machines/

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Using a regular LED as a light sensor

Posted on September 16, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on how to use a standard LED for a light sensor. http://www.instructables.com/id/LED-AS-A-LIGHT-SENSOR/

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How Ferrite Beads work

Posted on September 15, 2014 by robertwilkie

Good video on how magic beads (ferrite beads) work. http://hackedgadgets.com/2014/09/08/how-ferrite-beads-work-emi-suppression/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HackedGadgets+%28Hacked+Gadgets%29

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Monitoring android traffic with wireshark

Posted on August 28, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up from the Linux Journal on how to monitor the traffic from an android device with wireshark. I have been doing tcpdump via commandline on the phone myself. This looks much nicer. http://www.linuxjournal.com/content/monitoring-android-traffic-wireshark

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Make a matchstick crossbow

Posted on August 26, 2014 by robertwilkie

All you needs is a rubber band, bottle cap, and 2 popicle sticks. Neat build to do with kids (minus the lighted matches). I also like the guys video on making pop pop boats. http://sploid.gizmodo.com/how-to-make-a-mini-crossbow-with-just-a-bottle-cap-and-1536563253?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gizmodo%2Ffull+%28Gizmodo%29 Boat: http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s–DrQTn1D9–/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/romj1hkxyovazq3vzvft.gif

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Using a pressure sensor on an arduino

Posted on August 13, 2014 by robertwilkie

Actually a pcduino, but this could apply to regular arduinos. Its a write-up and sample code on how to use a basic pressure sensor. Worth looking at if you are starting out with the stuff. http://www.instructables.com/id/Use-pressure-sensor-on-pcduino/

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Building a Rubber Band Gatling Gun

Posted on August 8, 2014 by robertwilkie

This is a very well done write-up on building a hand cranked rubber band gatling gun. A while back I mentioned on for $100. But this is much better and you can build it with kids. Roughly, I think the … Continue reading →

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Cool and cheap mini windturbine for kids

Posted on July 30, 2014 by robertwilkie

Cool build for a simple wind turbine that is pretty cheap to make, and can be used with kids. Down sides, 1, the motor has to get pretty good speed to “light” the LED from my experience. 2, I wish … Continue reading →

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