Category Archives: Teaching and Learning

Learn the basics of CNC

Posted on December 18, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice site that has some good lessons on CNC basics, you can download the windows game, or run thru the website on it (not as nice looking).  Oh and its free. Worth trying out and showing kids. http://hackaday.com/2013/12/05/learncnc-game/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hackaday%2FLgoM+%28Hack+a+Day%29 http://learn-cnc-game.sourceforge.net/lesson_browser/index.html?lesson=0&page=1 http://learncnc.org/

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Make your own toy raygun

Posted on December 4, 2013 by robertwilkie

Kit is $20 at makershed (plus shipping). Oh and +20 for the “case”.  It looks pretty neat and is very adjustable in sound.  I wonder if there is an opensource project for this somewhere. http://gizmodo.com/build-this-ray-gun-synth-that-generates-wonderfully-ret-1472689361?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gizmodo%2Ffull+%28Gizmodo%29

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Simple Catapult

Posted on November 13, 2013 by robertwilkie

Funny and simple catapult with a couple of 2x4s, a hing, and some bungy cords.  The range sucks with it, but for kids, this could be perfect. http://www.instructables.com/id/Quick-and-Easy-Wooden-Catapult/

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Simple(ish) design to add lights to your bike wheels

Posted on November 13, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on adding color LED lights to your bike.  Could be a fun project with kids.  Could use some sport of motion switch thought. http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-POV-wheel-lights/

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Make a Ring Seal

Posted on October 16, 2013 by robertwilkie

This could be alot of fun for kids and intro them to the…Post Office..before that goes away.  Only down side is you need a 3D printer. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Signet-Ring-and-Seal-Your-Envelopes-/

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Free Online circuit simulator

Posted on October 15, 2013 by robertwilkie

This would a be a good place to show kids about designing  circuits.  I am a little leery of the disclosure on the site, so don’t design anything on here that you wouldn’t want to give away. But I am … Continue reading →

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15 year old builds a flashlight powered by body heat

Posted on October 15, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice build of a flashlight, no details but it looks like some  Peltier devices where used to build it.  Those buggers are expensive, so I would figure the flashlight cost around $80 with the surface area being covered (or more). http://hackedgadgets.com/2013/07/03/body-heat-powered-flashlight/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HackedGadgets+%28Hacked+Gadgets%29

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5 minute electric bicycle

Posted on October 9, 2013 by robertwilkie

I could not help this one.  Basically the author takes a cheap drill, an old bike, and zip ties everything together…oh and uses the brake from another bike for the throttle control.  Simple and works. http://www.instructables.com/id/5-minute-electric-bicycle/?ALLSTEPS

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Make your own Metal Detector

Posted on September 28, 2013 by robertwilkie

I like this build better than several other Metal Detector builds I have seen since its a much simpler build.  HOWEVER, its not a very good detector (don’t take it out treasure hunting in other words).  This could be a … Continue reading →

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Make a fort in a can

Posted on September 20, 2013 by robertwilkie

This is too funny, basically you build a blower with a can and its inflates some sheets. http://m.instructables.com/id/Portable-Fort-in-a-Can/

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