The Parachute Factory will be touring the state, hosting makerspace programs for this summer – bringing programs filled with hands-on exploration of science, engineering and technology. Basically anything that has to do with making and creation and of course, FUN!
These programs range from small (a single program) to large (a potentially weeklong workshop). With this, we are putting a call out to libraries to see who might be interested in programs, and gather some initial information. The Parachute Factory will then follow up to set a schedule with the libraries and determine the program.
Right now, the plan is to hit ~10 libraries across the state. We may not be able to get all in this summer, so if your library isn’t chosen now, hang in there! We hope to be able to offer more programs in the future!
Also, if you applied for Teen Tech Week and were not picked for a program, do not be dissuaded! We were sorry we could not get the Parachute Factory out to everyone, and we hope you’ll apply again.
You can read the descriptions below.
Ready to sign up? Please complete the survey here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/srp2014-makerspace-programs
Description of Programs
Scratch Programming | Ages 8+ | Medium (2-3 session) or Large (4-5 session)
Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations. This session will introduce participants to the basic concepts of computer programming and video game design. For the medium package, participants will create their own interactive story, game or animation over 2-3 sessions at your library. The large package adds a Makey Makey workshop where participants will create custom controllers for their Scratch creations.
Requirements:
● Internet connected computers (1 for each participant)
● Space to project from mentors computer (we provide projector & mentors computer)
● For the large package: table space for participants to prototype Makey Makey controllers
Introduction to Arduino Prototyping & Programming | Ages 12+ | Medium (2-3 session)
Arduino is a tool for making computers that can sense and control more of the physical world than your desktop computer. It’s an open-source physical computing platform based on a simple microcontroller board, and a development environment for writing software for the board. Participants will learn the basics of electronic circuitry and computer programming to control LEDs, motors, buzzers and more.
Requirements:
● Internet connected computers (1 computer per 3-4 participants)
● Arduino IDE installed on computers
● Table space for participants to prototype Arduino projects
Makey Makey | Ages 6+ | Small (single 2 hour session)
MaKey MaKey is an invention kit for the 21st century. Turn everyday objects into touchpads and combine them with the internet. It’s a simple Invention Kit for Beginners and Experts doing art, engineering, and everything inbetween. Participants will learn the basics of electronic circuitry and electrical conductivity in this single session workshop.
Requirements:
● Internet connected computers (1 computer per 2 participants)
● Selection of fruit and vegetables (bananas, apples, carrots, broccoli, etc.)
● Table space for participants to prototype Makey Makey projects
Introduction to Electronic Textiles | Ages 12+ | Small (single 2 hour session)
This single session focuses on basic hand sewing techniques for stitching with conductive thread, sewable LEDs, and sewable battery holders. Participants will add LED lights and batteries into clothing, and learn the basics of electronic circuitry along the way.
Requirements:
● Each participant should bring in a piece of clothing to sew LEDs into
● Table space for participants to prototype e-textile projects
Crash Course in Electronic Textiles | Ages 12+ | Medium (2-3 sessions)
Participants will design and assemble their own wearable technology in this expanded workshop on electronic textiles. Arduino LilyTwinkle Microcontrollers will be used to create custom pieces over the course of three sessions.
Requirements:
● Table space for mentors to setup fabric cutting station and sewing machine
● Table space for participants to prototype e-textile projects
3D Printing Demonstration | Ages 8+ | Small (single 2 hour session)
Check out some of the NMSL’s 3D printers in action in this single 2 hour session. Participants will be introduced to how 3D printers work and will have a chance to take home a 3D print at the end of the session.
Requirements:
● Sturdy table with access to power
● Wireless internet
Basic CAD Design for 3D Printing | Ages 12+ | Medium (2-3 sessions)
This workshop introduces TinkerCAD – a free cloud-based CAD design program that can be used to create models for 3D printing. Participants will design and print their own creations on one of the NMSL’s 3D printers.
Requirements:
● Sturdy table with access to power
● Wireless internet for mentors
● Computers with high speed internet access (1 per participant)
● WebGL compatible browser (Chrome 10+ or Firefox 4+)
3D Scanning for 3D Printing | Ages 12+ | Medium (2-3 sessions)
This workshop introduces two methods of 3D scanning: 3D photogrammetry using 123D Catch, and 3D real-time scanning using a Microsoft X-Box Kinect. Participants will try their hand at scanning, learn the basics of file preparation for 3D printing, and have a chance to 3D print their scans.
Requirements:
● Sturdy table with access to power
● Wireless internet for mentors
● Computers with high speed internet access (1 per participant)
● WebGL compatible browser (Chrome 10+ or Firefox 4+)
Toothbrush Robots | Ages 6+ | Small (single 2 hour session)
Toothbrush robots are a fun introduction to basic electronic circuitry and simple robotics. Participants will prototype and test their own miniature robots in this single workshop.
Requirements:
● Table space for prototyping and testing robots
FIXIT Friday / Repair Cafe | All ages | Small (single 2 hour session)
One of Parachute Factory’s most popular public events is Fixit Friday. Here’s your chance to host your very own! FIX-IT FRIDAY is an event where members of your community can bring in broken items and have them repaired by fix-it volunteers. These events aim to empower the community by introducing fixing as a valued part of the Maker Movement.
Requirements:
● Table space for repairing items
Pneumatic Tubes Travelling Exhibit | All ages | Small, Medium, or Large
The pneumatic tube transport delivery device consists of graphics panels and a system of tubes constructed out of clear plastic and microprocessor-controlled vacuum motors. Visitors will be able to write messages, put them in canisters, insert the canisters into the tube system, press a button, and watch as the canisters are whisked from one point to another. Pneumatic tubes are the perfect supplement to this year’s science-themed SRP because they are important to the history of early industrial engineering, often viewed as the fork in the road dividing 19th- & 20th-century “steampunk” history (the imaginary steam-powered industrial history that never quite was) from the industrial future that actually did take place. There are many references to them in science fiction and futuristic fantasy literature (http://pneumaticpost.blogspot.com/2014/02/pneumatic-tubes-in-literature-updated.html).
The exhibit promotes literacy through the crafting of messages using a variety of printing techniques and even cryptography! For older kids and adults, the tubes display can provide the basis for a variety of educational programming because pneumatic tubes were the first gate-controlled networks. They thus offer a compelling way to draw visitors into exploring how networks in general work, regardless of whether the networks are electronic circuits, highway systems, power grids, or neural networks.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.