Category Archives: Teaching and Learning

Make you own copper pipe boat

Posted on September 20, 2013 by robertwilkie

Basically a Steam engine of sorts to power a toy boat.  Neat idea to try out with kids. http://www.instructables.com/id/Copper-Pipe-Boat/  

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An even simplier to build magnetic stirrer

Posted on September 18, 2013 by robertwilkie

I like this, using an existing PC fan that just putting a magnet on it. http://www.instructables.com/id/Magnetic-Stirrer-Hotplate-1/

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Using NFC and cards to control a robot

Posted on September 10, 2013 by robertwilkie

Interesting approach to control a robot via cards.  Could be a good way to teach kids programming. http://www.instructables.com/id/NFC-Card-Controlled-Remote-Car/

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EVO One Basketball for feedback on your shots

Posted on August 27, 2013 by robertwilkie

This looks pretty neat, a sensor that would be in the basketball to tell the user how there shots are.  Its a kickstarter project and going to be around $60, and won’t get to you til next year.  I might … Continue reading →

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Give your kids the binder of wood for school

Posted on August 21, 2013 by robertwilkie

  Well a binder cover out of wood.  I like the project, but would make a few mods, maybe use rivets instead of screws for a smoother finish.  Oh and woodstain, maybe some burning on the cover to label it. … Continue reading →

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Make rubber tires for soda pop wheels

Posted on August 13, 2013 by robertwilkie

Basically take a bigger cap and put the smaller one inside it, and fill up the in-between parts with liquid rubber.  My only thing is where to get the rubber. http://www.instructables.com/id/high-grip-rubber-tires-for-robots/

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Make a soda can battery

Posted on August 13, 2013 by robertwilkie

I never thought you could do this with a can of soda, and I guess after its flat, you could still drink it.  I am also impressed you can get about 3 volts from this to generate enough juice to … Continue reading →

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Make a Paper Transistor

Posted on August 13, 2013 by robertwilkie

This is pretty cool, how to basically draw a transistor symbol that kindof works. http://www.instructables.com/id/how-to-make-paper-transistor/

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Now you too can hack llegos

Posted on August 7, 2013 by robertwilkie

Well the new lego controller that is, they (LEGO) put all the source up on github.  So hack away my Lego League minions. http://makezine.com/2013/08/02/lego-mindstorms-ev3-source-code-available/?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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Free and or Cheap Android Development Training

Posted on August 2, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on where to find some basic training on developing for Android.  I knew about the google one, but Mobile Tuts, Marakana, and Vogella are new to me. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/so-you-want-to-develop-android-apps-heres-how-to-learn/

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