For Teen Tech Week 2014 the Parachute Factory crew hit the road to promote the NMSL’s Makerspace programs around the state. This 6 day whirlwind tour took us to 5 libraries across nearly 1,000 miles of New Mexico. We held workshops in Ft. Sumner, Carlsbad, Socorro, Magdalena, and Laguna Pueblo. On the menu for the week was 3D printing & scanning, electronic textiles, Makey Makey, and FIXIT Friday.
3D Printing & Scanning
In Ft. Sumner, Carlsbad, and Laguna the crew showed of the NMSL Makerbot 3D Printer alongside Parachute Factory’s PrintrBot 3D Printer and a Microsoft XBOX Kinect as a 3D Scanner. Participants had the chance to not only see the printers in action, but to try their hand at 3D scanning, 3D CAD design and 3D printing.
E-Textiles & Makey Makey
Our stop in Socorro was a doubleheader with workshops in electronic textiles and Makey Makey microcontrollers. Participants wired up Makey Makeys with bananas, broccoli, and apples to control video games and electronic pianos. Others experimented with sewing LEDs into fabric.
FIXIT Friday
The Magdalena Public Library turned was transformed into a makeshift repair shop for FIXIT Friday. Locals brought in broken items and got help fixing them up. The crew helped fix a vacuum cleaner, a weed whacker, an Android tablet, a laptop, and a statue. Just for fun, we brought along a 3D printer to show off as well!
Our first ever Makerspace tour was a great success! The maker movement sparks excitement and curiosity in all who participate. What better venue than the library to bring communities together to experiment and learn new skills! We have already begun planning our next trip, so keep an eye out for details soon.
Huge thanks to all of the librarians, volunteers, and participants who made the tour so much fun!
You can find more images from our Teen Tech Week Makerspace Tour here: Parachute Factory on Facebook
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.