When I reflect on the concept of making, however loosely defined, I think of the process of putting something together that didn't exist before. In most cases it involves pre-planning, but sometimes it can happen more fluidly, as I tinker with an existing object that later becomes part of something else. The making occurs because of an interest in a particular topic or area of study, and an acknowledgment of unknowns. There will be things I don't yet know how to do, or I have not yet experienced, and thus I will need to learn something new in order to reach my goal. Making, therefore, encourages and I would argue cannot exist without, a need for continual learning.
I have been "making" my whole life. I just haven't labeled it as such. From working with construction paper, tape and scissors to build marble runs as a child, to crafting a portable wooden folding table for my wife in my twenties, to designing and constructing a life-size R2D2 for my daughter for Halloween, I've spent a great portion of my waking hours making things. I have always been fascinated with how things work, and to see if I could build my own version of whatever toys, devices, or tools I discovered in my daily life.
I have been "making" my whole life. I just haven't labeled it as such. From working with construction paper, tape and scissors to build marble runs as a child, to crafting a portable wooden folding table for my wife in my twenties, to designing and constructing a life-size R2D2 for my daughter for Halloween, I've spent a great portion of my waking hours making things. I have always been fascinated with how things work, and to see if I could build my own version of whatever toys, devices, or tools I discovered in my daily life.
Working with my youngest daughter to build an R2D2 to ride in for Halloween, 2015.
With the surge of the Maker Movement in this past decade, and particularly its potential for impacting the learning environment in schools, I have embraced a concept very close to home. It's as if the Maker Movement helps to justify all of my time tinkering in the garage or the office, sometimes producing items of no significant value for anyone else, but for which the process of designing, building and iterating fulfills something inside of me.
This desire, this passion, to create something out of nothing is what drives me to continue making for myself, even as I further my development as a teacher of others. I find that it is critically important to constantly challenge my mind to grow, whether that's learning a new coding language, designing a 3D model, or honing my woodworking skills.
A personal project I recently completed is a portable WiFi-based weather station, integrating a small touch screen, LiPo battery, 3D printed case and the Adafruit Feather board. While I have a bit of practice using the Feather board, I had no prior experience implementing a touch screen. I had to make minor adjustments to the 3D model, but once those were complete, the build was fairly straight forward. I am pleased with the result. It is astonishing to see the number and variety of projects available (Adafruit, Sparkfun, Instructables, and more) for the average person to dive into and learn about. And these projects can inspire new ones of your own creation.
This desire, this passion, to create something out of nothing is what drives me to continue making for myself, even as I further my development as a teacher of others. I find that it is critically important to constantly challenge my mind to grow, whether that's learning a new coding language, designing a 3D model, or honing my woodworking skills.
A personal project I recently completed is a portable WiFi-based weather station, integrating a small touch screen, LiPo battery, 3D printed case and the Adafruit Feather board. While I have a bit of practice using the Feather board, I had no prior experience implementing a touch screen. I had to make minor adjustments to the 3D model, but once those were complete, the build was fairly straight forward. I am pleased with the result. It is astonishing to see the number and variety of projects available (Adafruit, Sparkfun, Instructables, and more) for the average person to dive into and learn about. And these projects can inspire new ones of your own creation.
My next project, a portable time-lapse camera. ;-)
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