Makerspace Event at OCES 12/2/17

Posted on December 2, 2017 by Shaunna Smith

We had such a great time bringing our mobile makerspace activities to OCES! We explored:

Upcycled Design (Novel Engineering, Upcycled Art, Creative Challenge Cards)
Fingerknitting (Yarn, Plastic Bags)
Papercraft (Kirigami, Pop-up Cards, Silhouette Studio & Silhouette Cameo paper.vinyls cutting machine)
3D Modeling (3D Drawings with Hot Glue and 3D Pens, Converting 2D Drawings into 3D models with MakerBot PrintShop app, Creating 3D Models with Tinkercad, Demo of MakerBot Replicator Mini 3D Printer)
Computer Programming (Computational Thinking with Robot Mouse Game, Visual-Based Coding in Scratch, Interactive Games with MaKey Makey Microcontrollers)
Electronics Explorations (LittleBits Kits)

For a complete list of related resources, please click here.

Remember to explore our website to find more fun activities to help you
Make Awesome Knowledge-building Experiences and remember to proceed with curiosity and MAKE something awesome!

Digital Design Maker Camp @ Centro

Posted on June 18, 2016 by Shaunna Smith

The Digital Design Maker Camp was held at Centro on June 14-17. We had so much fun teaching the children about digital design this week! We used free software that is easily accessible to PC/Mac/tablets/smartphones. We explored 3D modeling to create our own characters and also explored computer programming to create our own animations and games. Parents/Guardians: We will continue to print their 3D models and will have them available for pick up at Centro after June 22nd. In the meantime, here’s some more information to keep your children designing for free all summer long:

MORE 3D MODELING

Explore 3D models online:

http://3d.si.edu (Smithsonian museum, scans of historical artifacts)
http://morphosource.org (Duke University, scans of fossils)
http://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/models (NASA’s 3D Models)
http://www.thingiverse.com (collection of free 3D design files)

Design original models in free 3D modeling software:

www.tinkercad.com (free, web-based software)
http://www.123dapp.com/design (free, software Mac, iPad, or PC)
http://www.123dapp.com/sculpt (free, virtual clay software for iPad)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/makerbot-printshop (free, app converts drawings into 3D models for iPad)

Get more 3D models printed at:

www.shapeways.com (upload and pay online, they ship the print to you)
https://www.3dhubs.com (locate a 3D printing service near you)

Care for your 3D model:

Gently file rough edges with sandpaper or nail file.
Paint with acrylic paint (ex. nail polish) or permanent markers.

MORE COMPUTER PROGRAMMING

Learn about computer programming and computer science:

https://code.org (free, hands-on lessons and resources)
http://csunplugged.org (free, non-digital activities to teach concepts)
http://www.robotturtles.com (fun boardgame and videos)

Apps that teach computer programming:

http://thefoos.com (free, Android or iOS)
https://www.tynker.com (cost varies, website and app for Android or iOS)
http://www.daisythedinosaur.com (free, app for iPad or iOS)

Code your own stories and games:

https://scratch.mit.edu (free, website or software for Mac, PC, or Linux)
https://www.scratchjr.org (free, app for iPad, best for kids under 9)
https://www.gethopscotch.com (free, app for iPad or iOS)

Learn advanced computer programming languages:

http://www.hackety.com (learn to write code in the “Ruby” language)
http://www.crunchzilla.com/code-monster (learn to write “JavaScript”)
https://www.codecademy.com (learn to write Python, Ruby, PHP, HTML, JavaScript, and even APIs)

Be sure to visit our website as we update more fun activities and upcoming events!

Artistic Robots

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Shaunna Smith

Here is the resource(s) we used to facilitate activities at STREAM Fest 2015:

Family Engineering resources
family-engineering-artistic-robots (PDF file in English and Spanish)

More information coming soon. Please check back with us after we catch our breath from hosting STREAM Fest 2015.

Building Models with Common Materials

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Shaunna Smith

Here is the resource(s) we used to facilitate activities at STREAM Fest 2015:

Learn about different types of bridges and the geometry that makes them work
http://www.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?id=1509

Paper Engineering

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Shaunna Smith

Here is the resource(s) we used to facilitate activities at STREAM Fest 2015:

Make your own simple pop-up cards
http://citytechnology.org/node/8
http://wp.robertsabuda.com/how-to-make-a-pop-up-layer/
http://wp.robertsabuda.com/how-to-make-a-v-fold-mouth-pop-up/

Explore the art of shadow puppets
http://themakelab.wp.txstate.edu/2014/09/23/lights-camera-shadow-puppets/

More information coming soon. Please check back with us after we catch our breath from hosting STREAM Fest 2015.

Calligraphy and “Beautiful Writing”

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Shaunna Smith

Here is the resource(s) we used to facilitate activities at STREAM Fest 2015:
http://calligraphyforbeginners.com/

More information coming soon.

3D Printing Jewelry

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Shaunna Smith

Everyone loves jewelry. Have you ever been admiring a piece of jewelry only to find yourself thinking, “if only it had [this]” or “I wish it was a different color” ? Now with affordable 3D printing processes, you can design your own wearable art in free 3D modeling software, such as TinkerCAD or Autodesk 123d Design. Then you can print your design out of plastic on an inexpensive 3D printer, such as the Printrbot Simple. Don’t have access to a printer? No problem! Upload your design to Shapeways and pay for materials and shipping costs. Here are some rings that our workshop participants have designed and printed: