Category Archives: Teaching and Learning

Nice intro to CNC

Posted on March 24, 2014 by robertwilkie

Mostly the article covers woodworking CNC’s, but its still a good intro article for those not familiar with the basics.  I like the recommended bits, Freud 77-202 or 77-204, the author uses, if you have money for them. http://makezine.com/magazine/cnc-routing-basics-toolpaths-and-feeds-n-speeds/?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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Drawing with an R/C car

Posted on February 25, 2014 by robertwilkie

OK this was just too much to not post up.  I can totally see building this simple hack for kids to draw on the street.  Maybe get them interesting in tech too.  Only difference is I think you could get … Continue reading →

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Neat LED bracelet

Posted on February 24, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice LED bracelet that the author first 3D printed.  Then added an atiny and an accelerometer so you could change the LED lights/pattern by shaking it.  Down side…the material to build this is a bit pricey.  And you need a … Continue reading →

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Battery with a can of Coke and a penny

Posted on February 19, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on how to use a couple cans of coke and some pennies to build a battery that you can then light up an LED with.  Could be a fun experiment (and cheap) with kids. http://www.instructables.com/id/Cola-Can-Battery/

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Intercom with 2 phone

Posted on February 5, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice idea for kids, its like the modern version of tin cans on a string for them.  Good idea to maybe tie a playhouse with another one. http://makezine.com/projects/simple-intercom-from-a-pair-of-old-corded-phones/

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Steam power for kids

Posted on February 3, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on a simple example of a steam engine (balloon replaces the steam) for kids. http://steamsciproj.blogspot.com/

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Now this is a running jacket

Posted on January 29, 2014 by robertwilkie

The author wrote up a nice tutorial on adding LED strips to a jacket that can change color and pulse based on your pulse.  It can do other patterns as well.  My take, this is very bright and would be … Continue reading →

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A Crayon Lathe

Posted on January 23, 2014 by robertwilkie

When I first stumbled on this, I thought it was a joke.  But no its a real build and it can be used to help teach kids not only about building tools.  But how to use a lathe (safely). http://www.instructables.com/id/Crayon-Lathe-LittleBits/ … Continue reading →

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Nice video intro to capacitors

Posted on January 10, 2014 by robertwilkie

Worth watching for budding electic oriented kids. http://makezine.com/2013/07/16/make-presents-the-capacitor-2/?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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Christmas Present That Lights Up under the tree

Posted on December 25, 2013 by robertwilkie

I got a kick out of this project.  My 2 cents, I think I would skip the charger bit and go with a basic battery oriented design.  Maybe build something based on an LED throwie? http://m.instructables.com/id/Christmas-Present-That-Lights-Up-When-You-Put-it-U/?ALLSTEPS

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