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

75 points ostaquet | 1 comments | 17 Nov 24 10:36 UTC | HN request time: 0.207s | 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. rightbyte ◴[22 Nov 24 19:31 UTC] No.42216707[source]▶
Keep it simple. I think your examples might be too advanced. Failing is boring.

You know these 'sticks' that you hold an ice cream with?

Bend those into a propeller. Wet them with water if they crack. Drill a hole (or cut with knife) through the middle and put it on a small electric motor and attach a battery or power source. Spin it up and watch the propeller fly off.

Just give him or her the things and say the goal. And that you don't know if it will work. The hard part is figuring out to bend with water and to get the right fit on the hole to the axis.