Our new Science Projects book is out!

Our new book, 3D Printed Science Projects Volume 2, is now out! Check out some of the cool models, including sand dunes, gravitational waves, and topics in probability. Check it out on the publisher's page at http://www.apress.com/us/book/9781484226940

Hacker Calculus update

We've added some material to our Hacker Calculus project on Hackaday. 

Check out the overall project at the link above, or see the directions to build the acceleration sensor shown here in Log #1. It's a great way to start a conversation with students about acceleration, gravity, constant-velocity motion, and more.

Our Hacker Calculus project aims to create a structured set of modules consisting of hands-on 3D printing and electronics projects, with thorough text documentation and minimal supporting algebra. These modules will teach calculus in this hacker style both for self-learners and others, like the visually impaired, who need hands-on learning.

When Isaac Newton developed calculus in the 1600s, he was trying to tie together math and physics in an intuitive, geometrical way. But over time math and physics teaching became heavily weighted toward algebra, and less toward geometrical problem-solving. However, many practicing mathematicians and physicists will get their intuition geometrically first and do the algebra later. We want to let people get to that point directly without passing through (much) algebra, particularly people who learn best by making something.

Follow our project as we continue to add ideas! 

Deadline coming 4/23- Scientific Maker exhibit in Hawaii

Share your expertise, creativity, and devices at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Pacific Division’s Second Annual SCIENTIFIC MAKER EXHIBIT at the Pacific Division’s annual meeting, Waimea (on the Big Island of Hawaii) June 19-23, 2017
It is more feasible to create your own lab equipment than ever before with the advent of 3D printing, low-cost Arduino sensors and other “maker” technologies.

It is also possible to have citizen scientist collaborators who cannot only take data for you, but follow open-source plans to create their own equipment. Are you one of the pathfinders that has actually done this? If so, please consider bringing your creation to Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii for the AAAS Pacific Division’s second Scientific Maker Exhibit. Group exhibits are welcome. Objects that are the subject of work in progress or recent crowdfunding campaigns or equivalent open-source projects are encouraged.

This exhibit area is a “third type” of presentation – not a poster, not a talk, but a chance to show off 3D prints, equipment, etc. There is no provision for hanging a poster at the exhibit – just plan on flat table space and anything you want to put up on a table.

There is no charge for space in this exhibit, but all participants must register for the meeting. Note that display space is limited and acceptance of objects for display will be determined solely by the staff and/or representatives of AAAS, Pacific Division based on quality and scientific merit of the proposed display. Participants take sole responsibility for the safety of their displays, and waivers may be required as detailed in the PDF linked below.

The deadline for submission of an application is 23 April, 2017.

More info about the maker exhibit: http://associations.sou.edu/…/Flyers/MakerExhibit-Newest.pdf

To apply, fill out the google form at https://goo.gl/forms/NKMLcU3PUPczxUMJ3.

To apply for a separate poster or oral presentation, to register, or to read about student awards, see the conference's main page at http://associations.sou.edu/aaaspd/2017HAWAII/index.html

Hope to see you there!

New book out for preorder

 Our new book (the sixth in collaboration with Rich ("Whosawhatsis) Cameron) is now up for preorder. Some pretty fun models in it!

The cover image is the probability distribution of throwing six-sided dice. The image at the far back is the flat distribution of throwing a one through six with one die. The one in the foreground is what you get when you throw five dice - it approaches a normal distribution.  You can get some very new insights when you have the third dimension to play with!

https://www.amazon.com/3D-Printed-Science-Projects-Engineering/dp/1484226941/

Speaking at Bay Area Makerfaire, May 19-21

Come meet up with us at Bay Area Makerfaire!

We'll be speaking and also hanging out at the Apress booth (#1502.)

Maker Calculus- 2017 Hackaday Prize Entry

Please drop in on (and follow and like!) our 2017 Hackaday Prize entry, Hacker Calculus.

The summary: Many hackers are self-taught and avoid powerful math tools that might let them take creations to the next level. We aim to create a structured set of modules consisting of hands-on 3D printing and electronics projects, with thorough text documentation and minimal supporting algebra. These modules will teach calculus in this hacker style both for self-learners and others, like the visually impaired, who need hands-on learning. When Isaac Newton developed calculus in the 1600s, he was trying to tie together math and physics in an intuitive, geometrical way. But over time math and physics teaching became heavily weighted toward algebra, and less toward geometrical problem-solving. However, many practicing mathematicians and physicists will get their intuition geometrically first and do the algebra later. We want to let people get to that point directly without passing through (much) algebra, particularly people who learn best by making something.

Online 3D printing and maker electronics classes in April

We will be teaching two online classes in April (starting April 3, going for 4 weeks.) The first is Intro to #3dprinting, and the second is Prototyping with Maker Electronics.

Registration at the links above- hope to see folks there!