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Ask HN: Great maker projects for 8th grade kids and above?

75 points ostaquet | 3 comments | 17 Nov 24 10:36 UTC | HN request time: 0.21s | source

As a father of a 13-year-old kid, I tried to do my best to initiate him to different aspects of life. It could be watching a documentary about black holes, building coffee table or just enjoying a simple walk in nature.

I asked to some friends if they have great project idea that could be done by an 8th grade kid with or without support. I personally like to do it with him as it is a privileged time to build something together (for me) and learn new skills (for him).

The purpose of this thread is to assemble some ideas for Christmas presents.

I’m starting…

1. DIY LED Christmas tree kit for soldering (https://www.az-delivery.de/en/products/diy-weihnachtsbaum-kit-alles-inklusive-versandkostenfrei)

2. Software Defined Radios kit (https://www.rtl-sdr.com/about-rtl-sdr/ and https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD7558GT)

3. DIY Internet Radio Alarm clock with touch screen control (https://www.az-delivery.de/en/products/radiowecker-mit-dem-az-touch)

Any other ideas or suggestions?

1. philipkglass ◴[21 Nov 24 21:58 UTC] No.42209123[source]▶
I loved doing chemistry experiments and demos at home as a kid. I had books like the Golden Book of Chemistry Experiments [1] but this is a modern guide that I would gladly recommend:

Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture by Robert Bruce Thompson

https://www.amazon.com/Illustrated-Guide-Home-Chemistry-Expe...

[1] https://library.sciencemadness.org/library/books/Brent_GBC.p...

replies(2): >>42211324 #>>42216657 #
2. DontNoodles ◴[22 Nov 24 04:58 UTC] No.42211324[source]▶
Thank you for the great suggestion! There is a book on Forensic Science experiments too that I have ordered. Are you aware of similar books on Electronics too? Internet is awash with DIY tutorials but nothing beats a structured book to learn the basics of things.
3. throwup238 ◴[22 Nov 24 19:23 UTC] No.42216657[source]▶
> Golden Book of Chemistry Experiments

This book is an absolute classic. I've got a hardback copy from my childhood and doing the experiments as a kid was magical. Nowadays most other chem experiment books are watered down because the old stuff could be quite hazardous and getting some of the reagents is a lot harder without a parent who can order from Sigma Aldrich.

I've got a decent number of scars and even some chemically induced skin discoloration from those days. The book itself is quite valuable now.