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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: 0.634s | 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?

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radicalbyte ◴[21 Nov 24 22:34 UTC] No.42209393[source]▶
Buy a Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D printer. They're amazing. Then look at examples of what you can do on Youtube. Amazing! Kids nowadays have it so good.
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1. postalrat ◴[22 Nov 24 16:22 UTC] No.42215096[source]▶
I'd recommend getting a prusa kit for anyone interested in building stuff. The instructions are easy to follow and broken up nicely. IMO it's also fun to see the parts and a glimpse of the design you wouldn't see buying a complete printer.
replies(1): >>42235592 #
2. radicalbyte ◴[25 Nov 24 12:14 UTC] No.42235592[source]▶
IF I managed to scale what I'm doing then this is my plan. I've built a RepRap in the past so I do understand the inner workings, however if I scale up I'll by going with Prusa, so building the kit means that I'll be able to actually service them myself (and if that happens I'll be adding 2-3 a month to my farm).

Bambu are cheaper in Cap Ex but based on reliability they will likely have a similar TCO after a year. Also as a Chinese brand Bambu are risky. If we get tariffs or some kind of international situation then things could be problematic.