Indian Scouts and shopbots
I had the opportunity to teach a Saturday workshop about electricity to a group of Indian Scouts. The group consisted of fifteen kindergartners and fifteen dads. I’m not sure who had more fun… me, the kids, or the dads. I think the dads did. I gave the group the challenge to use some motors and batteries to make something… anything. As usual,…
Explaining Things Through Animation
I have been having a good time playing around with animation in MAKESHOP. Our stop-motion program allows you to create a simple movie by taking pictures of object while moving them around. A couple of days ago we had some of our conductive play-doh out for visitors to explore. The conductive play-doh acts as a conductor that can be used…
Identity Fun: Superhero Costume Tutorials
With Halloween right around the corner, costumes are popping up in many stores, offering people of all ages the opportunity to take on a new identity, even if it’s just for one night. Rather than dress up for just one night, why not create an easy, DIY superhero costume that will allow you or your little ones to take on…
DIY Activity – Paint Chip Pixelization Tutorial
One of my favorite displays at last weekend’s Pittsburgh Mini Maker Faire was the Paint Chip Pixelization. This project will show you how to take a traditional piece of art, like Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers… … into a modernized, pixelized version like this! Interested in making your own? Follow these easy instructions! 1) Download and Install GIMP! (Image editing software…
Announcing: The MakeShop Show!
Hey kid-makers, there’s a new website just to show YOU how to make cool projects! Use your creativity and things you have at home to make cool stuff like pillowcase pajamas and real furniture out of rolled newspaper. The MakeShop Show is a new online maker hub for kids ages 6-10 packed with project videos, resources, downloads and bright ideas to create…
How do you make a doorbell?
Harrison comes to the Museum frequently and he absolutely loves tinkering in the MAKESHOP. He tells us about the projects he’s worked on at home. He also shares his ideas for projects that could happen at the Museum. This particular day, Harrison decided he was going to try and make a doorbell for his sister’s room. This was a pretty…
Made in MAKESHOP
The staff at the MAKESHOP has been collecting videos of visitors explaining what they made and reflecting on the experience that they had. It is always interesting to hear what inspires, intrigues, engages or teaches our visitors. We will be sharing these as we get them, so watch out for them.
Made in MAKESHOP
The staff at the MAKESHOP has been collecting videos of visitors explaining what they made and reflecting on the experience that they had. It is always interesting to hear what inspires, intrigues, engages or teaches our visitors. We will be sharing these as we get them, so watch out for them.