#makerlab

I finally painted him. Diy Trickster figurine, from his pirate appwarance in the Aqualad webcomic.

No, the head wasn't printed as a separate piece, it broke off when I removed the printing supports.

I love how he came out. I'm no great painter but fuck it, I'm proud of it.

On Jan 5th, 2019 our member Paul held a great KiCad beginner workshop. It consisted of building a simple electronic circuit on a breadboard and then learning the steps to design the circuit and PCB in KiCad. The resulting PCBs were uploaded to JLCPCB where they were manufactured and sent to the lab. (All participants who submitted their files: your PCBs are ready, please pick them up)

Because of high demand we will repeat the workshop on Feb 23rd, 2019 - a pre-registration is necessary. Please contact [email protected], Paul or German for details. 

As much as possible, I try to collect natural and recycled materials that are sustainable to use in my work, such as second hand clothing for textile projects. At our school makerlab, I try to do the same including as much natural materials and bits that can be recycled. For years, my family has collected the plastic bits that we consume in our daily lives. Those who have visited our home would remember our jar collections of bottle caps, pull tabs, corks, and other bits accumulated through the years.

At first, I proudly presented these trophies of sorts, partly, to indicate my commitment to sustainability and caring for our environment. How? By building a visible reminder of how much we consume, how packaging is toxic, and how we can use those pieces for something else.

In the last few years, I've taken some of those collections to school, and invited my students (who were amazed by it) to make use of this collection by recycling these bits into their projects as wheels, knobs, etc. I realized soon enough that we were tinkering with materials that would end up gooped together with glue in a landfill, not recycled unless we took our projects apart.

Collecting specimens around campus. Observing, paying attention to details. Digging in the dirt. Creating mini environments. Sketching details. Documenting. Putting together a mini exhibit in the end, just because we had so much to share.

Back in the Maker Lab this year, sorting out tools into the peg wall and making sure we have access to what we need. Two years ago, I was handed a brand new makerlab that had to be abandoned during remote learning and turned into a regular classroom when we came back on campus with smaller grade pods. This year is yet again different, since the lab also shares space with Art (while their room is used for other purposes). Remembering and revisiting the basics:

1. Place all basic writing tools and materials in the same general area, low enough for lower grades to have access to them (all sorts of pens, paper clips, tape, staplers, tape dispensers, glue, papers, etc.)

2. Hang some of the basic maker tools used for specific projects. An assortment of screwdrivers, pliers, saws, etc. visible on the wall, remind us of the possibilities.

3. Label many things, especially tools kids are unfamiliar with, so they can learn to use them, ask for them by name, and name them during presentations as well.

4. Drawers with tools and materials only available when they are labeled. Label = access