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

75 points ostaquet | 2 comments | 17 Nov 24 10:36 UTC | HN request time: 0s | 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. GianFabien ◴[22 Nov 24 06:30 UTC] No.42211615[source]▶
It might be a good idea to discover what your kid is really interested in. It is a common trap for adults to project their unfulfilled childhood desires onto their children. It used to be fathers buying and building model railways which the kid ignores and chooses to go outside and play football.
replies(1): >>42214750 #
2. HeyLaughingBoy ◴[22 Nov 24 15:47 UTC] No.42214750[source]▶
Seconded.

One of my kids explicitly said that he really didn't care what we did, he just wanted to spend time with me. Which reminds me that we haven't done that much together since the summer ended...