NEW LOCATION and TIME - Returning to HMS Beagle Science Store this month.

Last month we heard from Dan Green and his son about TinkerCad, an easy to use 3D modeling program available for free through the Internet. They showed us how parts are drawn then shared their design for chess pieces. We were able to see how easy it was to take one of the pieces, a Rook, and push a button to have it printed on a 3D printer. Tom Collins was generous enough to bring his MakerBot in for the demonstration. One of Dan's goals is to include this as a process for immersive education in schools teaching 21st. century skills and innovation by including the STEM based Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math skills at a younger age.

3D Printer Build -

Come out to learn about our 3D Printer Project.

We are in the process of organizing sessions to build 3D printers that can be inexpensive enough for use by educational organizations, home schoolers, and individuals. Mike Grundvig will be discussing our design and selection of parts based on the ORD Bot Hadron 3D printer mechanical platform with a few design improvements. A dream in the Replicating Rapid Prototyping (RepRap) communities is to build 3D printers that can in turn build other 3D printers. This dream of robots building other robots is approaching reality by many hobbyists based on numerous RepRap designs including the popular MakerBot.

The Hadron design does not require another 3D printer to build parts for us. Instead, we are specifying industrial grade components combined with the modular MakerSlide linear bearing design to create a rock solid tool for 3D part production. In turn, we hope to minimize or eliminate the amount of tinkering required with other RepRap designs to keep them running properly. Our goal is to buy parts in bulk to get quantity pricing and save on shipping, fabricating some of our own parts using CNC equipment, and for our initial build, supplying parts at cost. Our goal is to keep the cost for parts around the $600 price range. We are also looking at ways of staging the builds so the cost of parts can be spread out.

Fab Lab - Open Build Session - 3:00 to 6:30 p.m.

The MCC-BTC Fab Lab is offering a special afternoon/evening open build session for Fab Lab members and non-members.

Yardstick Catapult Build

We have several people asking to build a desktop catapult. For this project we are using yardsticks, wooden dowel rods, a rubber band and plastic spoon. We will work on skills to make mortise and tenon joints that hold the catapult together. We are offering this project at the MCC-BTC Open Build session and will be repeated at one of our regular HMS Beagle Build Night

Show & Tell - 7 to 9 p.m.

Last month's TinkerCad presentation had to be rescheduled to this month. We have Dan Green and son coming out to show us around TinkerCad, this is a free 3D design web app. The program is capable of taking your designs and outputting them in a format that can be printed up on a 3D printer like the hign end printers at BTC or MakerBot and Mendel printers.

Fab Lab - Open Build Session - 3:00 to 6:30 p.m.

The MCC-BTC Fab Lab is offering a special afternoon/evening open build session for Fab Lab members and non-members.

Bristle Bot Build

Looking or a fun little project you can share with kids? Bristle bots combine the fascination of robots with a few inexpensive and easy to find parts. To build this you can either buy one of the Radio Shack vibrator motors #273-0107 or bring a broken cell phone to harvest its vibrator, a 3 volt button cell battery, and a toothbrush. If you choose to harvest the vibrator motor from a cell phone plan on extra time and the need for some miniature size screwdrivers.

Show & Tell - 7 to 9 p.m.

We will be looking at how the new $35 Raspberry Pi computer could change the way students learn about programming or providing inventors with an easy way to create Internet enabled prototypes.

Introduction to Video Game Programming with 'Scratch'.

Show Me Robots

at the

2012 Missouri State Fair

Make:KC Presentation

Graduation ceremonies for Metropolitan Community College students featured Missouri's Governor Jay Nixon giving the keynote address. To show MCC's appreciation, the Governor was presented with this one-of-a-kind bait cast fishing reel and display box. Parts for this replica of a 1937 Shakespeare casting reel were machined by David Hawkins receiving his A.A.S degree that night.

This box is an original creation by Jen Dec, lab technician with the Fab Lab. This unique design features a hide away front panel with Channel Catfish the Missouri State fish. The box lid features engraved text commemorating the work of MCC students and personnel along with their appreciation for the Governor's commencement address.

The two tone appearance is from using a light Birdseye Maple along with African Padauke which gives it the reddish color.

For more information check out the MCCKC Insider article "Two MCC artisans create unique thank-you gift for Gov. Nixon".

Fab Lab - Open Build Session - 3:00 to 6:45 p.m.

The MCC-BTC Fab Lab is offering a special afternoon/evening build session for Fab Lab members and non-members to experience what the lab has to offer. We're offering a planned activity to help you learn about the Laser engraver while making laser cut trinket boxes.

To keep this simple the sides and bottom will be cut out ahead of time. You have the chance to get creative with the top of your box. You can find clip art, bring in a photo or image you like, or create your own art work. The lid measures almost 2.75" by 3.25". Enough room to create a nice design. Please RSVP at MakersMail@MakeKC.org so we'll know how many to expect.

Show & Tell - 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Maker Faire Preparation

We have Abby Beckloff coming out to talk about the Maker Faire which will be only two weeks away. We can learn more about what to expect for displays and getting our booths ready.

Antique Fishing Reel Replica

Volunteers Needed

Many of our Make:KC members are exhibiting in the Maker Faire. This two day event presents challenges for each exhibitor and your help is needed. If you aren't exhibiting but would like to become involved with this exciting event please use our contact form or email us at MakersMail@MakeKC.org

Kansas City: See Yourself as Never Before

Critically acclaimed performances reveal Kansas City from the edge of space on a huge, 60 foot screen accompanied by live music and narration.

Maker Faire Preparation

Make:KC - Where Kansas City's Maker Faire's Began...

Volunteers Needed

Many of our Make:KC members are exhibiting in the Maker Faire. This two day event presents challenges for each exhibitor and your help is needed. If you aren't exhibiting but would like to become involved with this exciting event please use our contact form or email us at MakersMail@MakeKC.org