Google group for 3D models for the visually impaired is up.

We have now put up our 3D printable model files exchange to benefit teachers of the visually impaired as part of our #HackadayPrize2016 entry.
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/3dp_edu_models

Here is how it works:

- Teachers of the visually impaired put up requests. We have posted several we had in hand, and created one set of design files as our volunteer seeding of the process. 

- Schools who want to have their students do some #3dprinting service learning for their students reply to the request and go off and create the designs, and post them to the design repository of their choice. We have more details in the group. Group registrants should be over 18.

That's it! Please post comments on our Hackaday Prize entry,
https://hackaday.io/…/11312-3d-prints-for-teachers-of-the-v…

 

More Hackaday Prize updates.

We've just put up a new log entry about our Hackaday Prize project.  In this one, we add lids to our hollow volume-comparison objects, and show a bit of the math behind them. (Oh, and prove that the volumes are equal!)
https://hackaday.io/project/11312-3d-prints-for-teachers-of-the-visually-impaired/log/44719-putting-a-lid-on-it

New Book - Practical Fashion Tech

Our latest book, Practical Fashion Tech: Wearable Technologies for Costuming, Cosplay and Everyday is now up for preorder. It gives a pragmatic view of the overall design issues that come up when creating interactive garments or accessories, combining the sewing, electronics, and coding aspects.

We added a third author this time- Lyn Hoge, who has been a teacher for over 30 years. The book is intended to be a teacher's guide for high school or college classes in the subject.

Hackaday Prize

We are getting serious now about our entry into the #2016HackadayPrize - we are going in under their Assistive Technology category, which opens for entries Monday. We have started building out now so that we can get as many comments and collaborators as possible. The basic idea is that we think there are two communities that need to meet each other:

1. Teachers of the visually impaired often have access to a 3D printer, but rarely have time to design their own models.

2. Mainstream schools who have just gotten 3D printers often are wondering what do to with them.

So we are developing a set of guidelines, instructions for readable Braille, and open-source models that follow the guidelines. Next up we are figuring out how have some sort of minimalist open source sharing exchange so that groups 1 and 2 can find each other. The development period (during which community participation and comments are encouraged!) runs through October 3. Please check us out, comment, and give us a Hackaday Skull if you are a site member!

https://hackaday.io/project/11312-3d-prints-for-teachers-of-the-visually-impaired

Fall online classes - 3D printing, maker tech

If you missed our summer online classes, you can still have the opportunity in the fall.  Each class is four weeks long, entirely online/

Starting September 6 we will be teaching "Intro to 3D Printing." We do not focus on any particular 3D printer, but aim to give good advice that will apply broadly. More info and registration here.
 

 If you want a broader-brush intro to a variety of aspects of maker technologies (including electronics and broader design issues) you might want our Intro to Maker Tech class, which starts October 3. More info on that one, and registration, is here.

 Hope to meet some of you there!

Design for 3D Printing -- for Kids

Many people have asked us about classes for kids whose parents have bought them a 3D printer. We are pleased to team up with San Marino's Coding for Treasure (www.codingfortreasure.com) which teaches kids how to write computer code. We are going to work with them to create kids' classes on how to use some common design software packages for 3D printing.

To kick things off we are going to be giving a talk about "3D Printing your next Science Fair Project" at Coding For Treasure in San Marino on Wednesday, September 7, at 6 PM. Talk is free, but registration is required:

http://www.codingfortreasure.com/upcoming-events/

Coding for Treasure will post classes on their website once plans firm up; they plan to begin offering their 3D printing design classes in October.

Summer online classes

If you wanted to learn 3D printing this summer but there are no classes near you, no worries!  We are teaching two classes through LERN network. The classes are all online and four weeks long.

The first class, Intro to 3D Printing, does not require that you have a printer (but if you do, we can help you get squared away with it.)  The next one starts June 5, and you can still sign up at this link: http://www.yougotclass.org/courses.cfm/MatterHackers/Introduction-to-3D-Printing

If anyone is interested, we'll be happy to throw in some pointers about the models in our new book, "3D Printed Science Projects." (One of the models from the chapter about botany is shown here.) 

The other class, Intro to Maker Tech, is more focused on learning to use Arduinos and similar electronics, with one week also dedicated to 3D printing and other topics. That one starts July 5, and you can sign up at this link: http://www.yougotclass.org/courses.cfm/MatterHackers/Intro-to-Maker-Tech:-The-New-Shop-Class

We hope to meet some new friends! If you can't make either of those, 3D printing will run again in September and Maker Tech in October.