Tag Archives: paper engineering

Start Adding Tech to your Makerspace with Craft Cutting Machines

If you are thinking of adding electronic tools to cut and shape materials to your makerspace, skip the laser cutter and get a craft cutter. People like the idea of having  3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines, but they are expensive to buy and expensive to maintain. They can also have a much steeper learning curve than a craft cutter, both for the machine and the software. Craft cutters are a great entry into the world of electronic tools....

Paper Engineering: Five Books and One Online Class about Automata

Don’t know what automata is? You aren’t the only one. Automata are mechanical devices that are made to look like they are moving on their own. Here are some examples . Automata are interesting to watch, but they also have a practical purpose. They provide an introduction to simple machines and mechanisms like gears, cranks, cams, cam followers, and levers.  Working with kids to build automatons is a way to get them exploring their creative side while they learn about technology...

Make an Origami Frog with a Twist

Adding LEDs to an origami frog is a fun way to learn a little electronics. The frog is an easy origami pattern. Adding the LEDs is a little more complicated, and I would recommend it for anyone over 11 years, although younger kids could do it with help from an adult. I found the original project in Make Magazine and here is the article with directions. The author, http://craftsforlearning.com/ Kathy Ceceri, is an award-winning author and crafts designer. She has...