Maker Faire Greatest Hands-On Hits-Sept 2015

How Maker Faire Producers Run the Best Hands-On Activities
GREATEST
HANDS
ON
HITS
HOW
TO
Maker Faire Hands-On Greatest Hits: “How-to” Workshops
Maker Faire is not a passive sit-down experience; it’s a hands-on, community-based
learning extravaganza that inspires everyone to become a Maker.
Any Maker Faire should have lots of making! Ideally everyone will have a chance to get
hands-on and try something new.
Kinds of Activities
Staffing
This guide shares some of the “Hands-On Greatest Hits” of Maker
Faire: anything that is a popular “how-to” workshop, and a few of
the details you need to know to run the project booth.
For each of the activity writeups in this document, we suggest a
number of staff the booth might need on the orange bar.
The activities you choose to teach your visitors to do could be
anything from crochet to soldering to screenprinting. Such
making areas are a critical component of any Maker Faire.
Look at the proposals that have come in via your Call for
Makers. How many are hands-on experiences, or could easily be
converted into hands-on workshops if some of your volunteers
help the Maker in his/her booth? We suggest that at least 10% of
your Makers are a hands-on activities. For example, if you have
50 booths, make sure at least 5
of them offer make-and-take or
Maker Faire Themes
collaborative builds.
• art
Aim for a good spread of hands-on
• craft
workshops covering some of the
• engineering
key themes of Maker Faire (right.)
• food
• green design
We have literally hundreds (possibly
thousands) of ideas for activities
• music
that could work at your Maker Faire,
• science
and we can’t wait to hear what other
• technology
ideas you have.
# of staff
A Maker organization, local museum or library, business, or
service group might run areas for hands-on making. Your Maker
Faire organizing committee can author / organize some hands-on
booths alongside the Maker exhibits. Or community members
who want to be a part of your Maker Faire but who don’t have an
individual or group Maker project to share can lead a hands-on
activity.
Set up your most friendly and extroverted staff at welcome
stations at each entrance as Greeters. Greeters can hand out the
materials, safety goggles, and any templates, or you can place
whatever tools and materials are needed at every Make Station
for visitors to use as they get settled in a spot. Greeters can also
double as Safety Waiver Station Managers if you are short on staff.
Encourage all your facilitators to build their own project before
assisting others; experience is the best training. They should think
about and try new designs.
Staff as young as 12 years old have successfully staffed handson booths. Some activities are simple enough that even
kindergarteners can lead them (like butter-making!)
Assign your most responsible, safety-conscious helper to oversee
any dangerous tools or materials.
Grab some kids to do the cleanup at the end of the day, and make
sure your last staff slot extends an hour past closing.
A Guiding Principle of Maker Faire is that
it should be interactive, with plenty of
opportunities for hands-on DIY interactions
for adults as well as kids. It’s OK for Maker
Faire to be a bit rough-edged, messy, and at
times over-stimulating.
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
Space
7x10m; outside
The amount of space or what
kind of footprint your booth will
require depends on the activity,
materials, and table layout.
Graph paper, scissors, and
colorful post-its are a great lowtech tool for trying out different
configurations, or go high-tech
with software like Sketch-up
(free).
Most booths end up jampacked. Remember that the
Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA)says, “the minimum
clear width for single wheelchair
passage shall be 32 inches.”
(about 1m) Even if your Maker
Faire is not in the United States,
keep this guideline in mind to be
welcoming to Makers of various
abilities.
Booth Layout Steps
Budgeting
1. Identify your entrance
& exit walkways. Locate
electrical outlets.
Just about every booth requires some budget. For each of the
writeups in this document, we estimate the setup cost (and a perproject cost in parentheses) on the green bar.
2.Set aside space for a line to
form outside of the activity
area without impeding flow
or blocking entry/exit.
Offset costs with a box to
collect small donations. For
example, Maker Faire Bay
Area’s Rocket Launch suggests
a $1/rocket donation to cover
paper and tape, and many
people give. At World Maker
Faire in New York, crowds
are large, and when very few
people contributed, the booth
started charging $1 per rocket template. Consider the number of
participants, what costs you can absorb, and if you have the staff
time to collect money.
3. Choose a clear pathway
for entry and exit, ideally
at least 10 feet (3m) wide.
Place the check-in station
so it is clearly visible at the
entrance.
4. Allocate a place to store
extra tools & materials,
out of the way of traffic but
easy for helpers to access.
5. Place tables. Leave enough
space around them (>36”
or >1m) for helpers to stand
and for attendees to walk
around. Provide extra space
if using chairs at the tables.
Consider crowd flow devices
like rope & stakes, stanchions,
6. Allocate a space where
cones, chalk on the sidewalk,
helpers can leave their
or blue/gaff tape on the floor.
bags or take a quick break
These lines can help indicate
nearby the activity area.
where to line up for the safety
waiver or where to wait if you’d
like to build a rocket and then to launch it.
If a visitor doesn’t want to take a project home, set up a place
where these orphaned projects can be displayed in a fun way
during the event, or handed to the occasionally sobbing child
whose rocket exploded on the launch. For any projects that are
lightweight enough and have some pinable surface, a rope with
clothespins works well.
For parents whose kids are self-sufficient, provide a chill-out zone
where they can wait for the magic to happen.
Don’t wait for the end of the event to cleanup! Have trash and
recycling bins near the entrance & exit for attendees and ask that
food and drink are not brought inside the area. Put coffee cans on
the tables for waste, Encourage volunteers to pick up any trash
left behind before the next attendee gets to the station.
$$$ (+¢¢¢)
Cut costs to make your event more financially sustainable. Can
the workshop be run as a revenue-generator or profit center to
support the rest of the event?
• Upcycle. Many of the best activities recycle used materials
into new creations, also known as “upcycling”. If you are using
common materials like fabric, paper, or plastic, there may be a
way to get it for cheap or free. You can set up a large container
at your school or workplace and invite everyone to contribute.
You can politely ask local businesses if they have things they
are looking to discard, like outdated stationery/paper or
wood scraps from a construction site. You may also be lucky
enough to live near a “reuse” type store that sells materials like
old office supplies and manufacturing scraps to artists and
educators.
• Request in-kind (product) donations or discounts from
retailers. Visit a local retailer in person, or request support in
the form of a donation or discount with a brief, well composed
email. Remember they may not be familiar with Maker Faire,
so be sure to explain the event as well as your need. Keep in
mind that you may qualify for something like an “educator’s
discount” even if you aren’t part of a formal non-profit
organization. Are there in-kind donors who could provide the
materials you need, or sponsors who would be attracted to this
activity? For example, you could contact your local copy shop
or a maker-friendly organization to see if they will donate the
paper and printing.
• Buy from Maker Shed. Maker Shed provides discounts
for Maker Faire organizers, and in select instances, makes
donations.
• Borrow. Offset costs with equipment loans from local
Makerspaces or individual Makers. If you choose to borrow
tools, be sure they are clearly labeled, and that you have
discussed with the lender what will happen in the case they
are damaged or disappear during the event. You may need to
reserve someof your budget for the inevitable repairs.
• Shop around. Go online to comparison shop, and look for bulk
discounts.
Making is for everyone! Welcome boys & men as well as girls & women with your booth setup!
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
Safety Considerations
safety alert
For each of the writeups in this document, we assess whether
the activity requires a safety waiver in the red bar. Truth be told,
just about any interesting making you might do involves a certain
amount of risk.
Have a plan. Maker Faire requires safety plans for any projects
that would display, operate, or use any of these:
•
Lamps and other heat-producing devices including soldering
irons and hot glue guns.
•
Fire (including all heat-producing or open flames, candles,
lamps, burners, etc.
•
Sharp objects
•
Internal-combustion engines
•
Explosions or launches
•
Flammable liquids, compressed gases, or dangerous
chemicals including propane and helium
•
Any potentially hazardous electrical / mechanical device or
chemical / biological substance
hand tools can cause accidental scrapes, cuts, and pinches.
Hammers can crush or produce flying debris. Here are some other
more specific safety guidelines often connected to certain kinds of
tools.
•
Flying objects. Safety glasses should be worn at all times
for activities using hammers and power tools to protect eyes
from flying debris. Enforce eye protection while visitors solder.
•
Invisible dangers. Safety doesn’t only mean avoiding
gushing blood. Choose materials with full knowledge of the
potential long-term effects of their use. For example, never
use a laser cutter to cut PVC or other chlorinated plastics.
Lexan and PC board are also strongly discouraged. PVC gives
off chlorine gas, which is dangerous for any nearby people
and also highly corrosive to the machine. Many shipments are
accompanied by a material safety data sheet (MSDS), and if
they aren’t, then these are usually accessible online.
•
Air quality. Respirators (masks) should also be worn when
sanding with either a power sander or by hand. Any kind of
soldering generates fumes from the rosin core of the solder
so the area should be ventilated. Under normal soldering
conditions, solder containing lead poses no health risk,
though makers should be encouraged to wash their hands
after a long period of handling leaded solder. Lead-free solder
is available but less recommended because the rosin gives
off much more toxic fumes when soldering, is more corrosive
to soldering tips, requires higher temperatures to solder with,
and is generally harder to work with.
•
Power tools are…powerful. Some power tools are heavy and
should be not be used by makers who don’t have the strength
to control the tool well. Power tools can grab anything that
dangles near them. When using any power tool long hair
should be tied up, and loose clothes and jewelry should be
secured.
•
Fire. Heat guns and handheld torches can generate fires if
used without proper attention to the work and surrounding
areas.
•
Burns. Make sure there’s cool running water nearby for
burns. Use the lower-heat glue guns when possible. The tip
of a soldering iron heats to about 400°F, hot enough to cause
burns. It should be handled attentively. Steam irons (used in
sewing) do get hot enough to cause burns.
•
Sewing can cause a small prick from a needle, but sewing
machines and sergers both have enough power to put a
needle through a finger when used carelessly. Sergers also
have blades that can cut a careless finger.
•
Metalwork areas need welding screens or curtains to prevent
eye damage in passersby. Visors should be worn while
welding.
Whether or not your event requires a written Safety Plan, creating
one is a wise habit for any booths that operates or use any items
that pose a danger to others.
Take great care to provide adequate oversight when attendees
(especially young children) are likely to handle something sharp
or hot.
Be sure that all power cables are secured or covered with
yellowjacket, gaff tape, carpets, or something that prevents a
tripping hazard.
Cleaning up is not just a measure of respect for your space, it
also removes hazards. Plan to easily and regularly remove trash
and debris during your shifts. Enforce a strict cleanup policy
throughout the booth.
Keep work stations tidy as well by minimizing the number of
wires running around. Extension cords quickly become tripping
hazards, and power strips also cause trouble on the ground or as
they tumble erratically on a desktop.
We suggest you provide access to grounded outlets all along the
perimeter of the booth and/or dropped from the ceiling for each
workbench.
Tools need to have enough space to be operated safely and not
endanger the operator or other people in the space. People need
to concentrate when trying new tools, especially ones that can
injure. Make sure there is enough real estate to use a tool safely.
Work areas need to be well lit and clean. Ventilation and/or
air filtering is required for many tools. Tools should be well
maintained and not have safety features removed or defeated.
This is especially important when using second-hand tools that
might not have a perfectly safe heritage.
Make well-stocked first-aid kits visible and easily accessible
especially if injuries are likely. Post clear and visible warning signs
on all equipment and where necessary.
Provide personal safety equipment such as goggles, earplugs,
gloves, etc.
Accidents may happen. They probably will, and let’s hope they are
all minor. Tools are safe when used responsibly. But even simple
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
15–30 min
Calculating Needs
Hands-on activities at Maker Faire tend to be busy, and
sometimes even a little hectic, but that’s part of the fun! Most
Maker Faire booths serve between 2–20 attendees at any time,
depending on the availability of space,
tools, materials, and makers or volunteer
facilitators. For each of the writeups in
this document, we estimate the amount
of time a visitor may engage in the booth
space in the purple bar.
Making a spreadsheet to help you work through calculating
materials and staffing and planning the hands-on booth
experience. Here’s a rough sketch of how you could calculate
needs.
Staff. Everyone will have an easier time with at least two
facilitators at any hands-on activity. The number of helpers a
booth needs at any time can be calculated as follows:
#
participant
stations
1
Lead
Maker
+
Booth
Boss
÷
# of
participants
facilitators
can help at
one time
+
# of
dedicated
facilitators
(if needed)
=
total staff
needed at a
time
It can be helpful to have a few people setting up the activity area at
once, well in advance of the start of the event. If possible, plan and
sketch out your layout out before setup day and provide a copy of
this layout to setup helpers.
Shift length. Most Maker Faire volunteers help for 2–4 hour
shifts. More than that and you’ll likely run into challenges with
stamina, as well as basic needs like eating or using the restroom.
Volunteers sign up for their shifts on an electronic form. Plan for
short breaks during the shift, and ask the staff to check in with the
Lead Maker (or Booth Boss) the leader know before they go.
Plan on having volunteers arrive at least 10 minutes before their
shift starts, or design a schedule with overlapping shifts. Newly
arrived volunteers will need a few minutes to get up to speed
on facilitating the activity. When possible, send basic event and
facilitation information in advance, along with the regular logistics
details (parking, entry, what to bring, what not to bring, etc.)
The number of staff helpers a booth will need, total can be
calculated as follows:
÷
duration of
shift
x
It’s most comfortable to have about 2 feet (60cm) of table-width
per participant. If you have participants on all sides of a 6’ table,
you can comfortably fit 6 adult participants (see diagram).
Remember non-making table needs. Perhaps you need a
testing area, such as with Scribble Machines / Vibrobots. Or
an extra table (or portion of a table) for overflow materials, to
display literature/handouts, or to store extra materials beneath.
Storing extra materials under active tables makes accessing
those materials challenging. Some activities need a table in a
less publicly accessible area to keep facilitator-only tools, extra
materials, or personal items out of easy reach.
# participant
stations
÷
In general, you’ll want one maker/volunteer per 2–10 participants,
depending on the level of facilitation your activity requires, plus
one (or more) makers who could be considered the activity
lead. The lead maker should know the activity well enough to
troubleshoot challenges, know where additional materials are
kept, ensure the booth is never left unattended, and oversee
participant safety. Some activities will need additional dedicated
makers, such as Compressed Air Rockets, which needs an adult
to run the launcher(s), or Nerdy Derby, which needs a starting line
announcer.
duration of
event
Tables. Unless your activity has clear indications of what
constitutes a “station” (like chairs, a paper rocket building stand,
or soldering iron), expect 8+ people to squeeze in at a 6-foot
(2m) table. This can be an asset or drawback, depending on the
kind of activity you are offering.
# of
helpers needed
in the booth
at any time
=
total booth staff
needed for the
whole event
participants
per table
tables
needed
for
testing
+
+
tables
needed
for
overflow
materials
=
total tables
needed
Chairs. Most activities flow better without chairs. Chairs prevent
participants from moving around and require more space than
standing room.
Seating signals that an activity requires time and focus. Seating is
best used for activities that take longer than five minutes or that
require fine motor skills, like sewing or soldering.
Think about whether you need stationary or moveable chairs.
We suggest you solder at picnic tables, if possible. They have
benches instead of chairs, reducing the risk of tripping. parents
can sit with kids, wheelchairs at end.
Whether your activity is one that has visitors sitting or standing
up, keep at least two chairs nearby for Makers or participants
who need to sit and rest.
Stocking up. Before you gather materials, calculate how much
to have on hand based on the flow-through of attendees you
expect. First, calculate how many projects could possibly be
made during your event using the following calculations.
duration of event in
minutes
÷
x
minimum
(or average)
# of minutes to
complete the
activity
# of
participant
stations
quantity of
consumable
material
needed per
participant
x
maximum
(or likely)
number of
participants
the booth can
accommodate
# participants
stations
x
# of
participants
who can share
at one time
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
=
maximum
(or likely)
number of
participants
the booth can
accommodate
=
minimum # of
consumable
materials
you should
purchase
=
minimum
# of tools
you should
purchase
You’ll want to round up a little bit so you don’t run out, and also
to account for mistakes and iterations. If you’ve planned well,
you will end up with extra materials at the end of your event. Plan
ahead to for store, recycle, or donate unused materials. Have
bags and labels to organize and transport extras and leftovers of
whatever materials you’ve collected. Inventory at the start and
end to ensure all the good stuff is retrieved and returned to its
owners.
Number of Attendees
Served (for Reference)
Maker Faire
Bay Area
East Bay Mini
Maker Faire
80,000 per day
8,000 per day
Swap-o-Rama-Rama
80 at a time
40 at a time
Learn to Solder
30 at a time
20 at a time
Rocket Launch
30 at a time
25 at a time
Signage
We’ve made signs for use in the booths we recommend below,
and these posters can be found as full-size PDFs in the Maker
Faire Assets. While we’ve provided signs you can use, scrawled
notes also work well! Hand-painted signs add local, homegrown
charm to Maker Faires around the world, but we also encourage
you to conserve time and effort with our ready-to-go printables.
Personalizing the Projects
We strongly suggest giving attendees a chance to customize
their projects. Set out colored markers, colored pencils, crayons,
stickers, etc. in cans, boxes, or baskets. Be aware people who are
decorating will likely spend more time at the tables, potentially
causing a backup, but having a chance to make a stylin’ project
will improve the experience for some (if not all) of your visitors.
Step-by-Steps. Hang your printed step-by-step posters where
they can be seen by several Make Stations. Attach actual, physical
examples of the project build at different stages for a concrete
example of each step. (You can use the models your booth staff
made as part of their training. See example, right)
Stations. Tape any templates your require to the tabletop at each
station for reference. Or use stands so that they don’t get lost in
a mess of paper scraps. You can make A-frames for your signges
out of cardboard. Clearly identify any left-handed tools (like
scissors) that you provide.
Social Media. Choose a #hashtag for your event, and encourage
attendees (verbally and with signage) to include it on social media
posts. Put up a sign encouraging attendees to take photos of
themselves with their completed and tag it with your hashtag.
Cleanup. Polite signage and gentle reminders encourage
participants to clean up when they are done. Clearly label where
tools, trash, and materials should go when the visitor is cleaning
up. Identify waste receptacles, and ask people to use them.
Minimize non-recyclable trash handled by visitors (remove
packaging “backstage,” for example, so that you can put that
waste in the right bin.) Find out what your venue’s disposal
guidelines are, and then clearly label your recycling bins with
acceptable materials for recycling and disposal. Not all municipal
systems accept masking tape in the paper recycling bins, for
instance. To make it even more clear, you can attach actual,
physical examples of the things you want in each bin (like a lump
of scotch tape on the sign for the landfill trash.)
Nametags. Floating helpers should wear Maker Faire badges
and/or easily identifiable t-shirts so attendees know who to ask
for help.
Research and Advice
Articles can be found in Make: magazine and on the blog. Check
your local area for clubs who might be willing to staff areas you
want to feature (entice them with the promise that theyll be able
to recruit new enthusiasts to their ranks.)
The physics, engineering, art, architecture, and music
departments and clubs of your local high schools and colleges
may provide volunteers.
Don’t forget, you can always ask your fellow Maker Faire
Producers for advice using the Google+ community or the group
mailing list (mini-maker-faire-producers@googlegroups.com
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
Facilitating Workshops
Staffing a Maker Faire booth means pushing new makers towards
unorthodox solutions and to help them wonder about new
possibilities. Be attentive but not overbearing. Check in with “You
doing ok? Any questions?”, but let them experiment on their own.
It’s always a good idea to test your materials and tools by USING
them in advance. One option is to have a volunteer/staff meet-up
in advance of your Maker Faire so everyone has a chance to try
the activity.
Get to know
them and let
them get to
know you.
Engage an attendee in conversation.
Ask questions. Offer to share something
you know. However, understand that it
will take time for the kids to begin to feel
comfortable with you.
Treat all
participants
with respect.
Make sure everyone—young and old—
feels welcome, important, and a part of
the program. Learn names and greet
each other by name. Show your interest
in their projects—and in their presence.
Respect the kids for who they are and
where they are developmentally. We
all come from diverse backgrounds
and experiences. Take the time to get
to know everyone individually. Avoid
prejudging who they are, their skills, or
their cultures.
Treat kids as
individuals,
not as a
group.
Each person has different learning and
communication styles. Get to know the
attendees, their interests, and the way
in which they feel most comfortable
interacting. For some it may be through
conversation, others through working on
a project or showing you what they are
doing.
Discover and
innovate
together.
Don’t be afraid to share your ideas, give
advice, and be a resource for creative
ideas and new knowledge, opportunities,
and possibilities. Show an attendee
a new tool. Challenge them to try
something new, or take on something
new yourself. Try saying: “Have you
tried this?” “Do you know about this?”
“Gee, I don’t know the answer to that
question— let’s go find out together.”
Figure out
your own
interests.
Experiment with our resources, work on
your own project, and then share your
ideas and excitement with Workshop
attendees. One of the best ways to
be a role model is to share your own
engagement in working with tools,
people, and ideas.
The tips in the blue chart on this page come from the Mentor
Handbook of the Computer Clubhouse Network. We think it’s
great advice for for working with people of any age.
Be yourself.
Be
approachable.
Be patient.
Work with attendees in a way that is
comfortable for you.
It is important for workshop attendees
to know that you are available for
questions. If you work on your own
projects in the booth, make sure that you
are still open to helping others around
you. Invite attendees to take a look at
what you are doing, or ask them for
advice on your project. Make sure people
know who you are and that you are there
to help and to talk.
Everyone learns in different ways,
yourself included. Be patient with your
own learning and with the learning
process of others. Sometimes this
means stepping in to help, or stepping
back to let an attendee work to solve
a problem themselves. Be patient
especially when showing someone how
to do something that you may know how
to do very well. Try not to do it for the
attendee, unless safety is an issue. Each
person will go through a very different
learning process and will take different
amounts of time to learn something new.
Participate
actively.
Avoid
lectures.
You are not here to be a textbook.
Engage in your own learning while you
are helping in a booth. Collaborate on
projects and experiment.
Give off
energy.
Listen.
As adults we often don’t take the time to
really listen to the ideas and thoughts of
young people. Take the time; you might
find you learn amazing things. Show
your interest and excitement, observe,
and ask questions.
Show your excitement about what
attendees are doing, and your interest
in learning from their work. Share your
own excitement and engagement in your
ideas, and your own work as a Maker.
Go with the
flow.
Be prepared for the unexpected! Bring
ideas for what you would like to do, but
be prepared to go with the flow of kids’
changing ideas.
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
GREATEST
HANDS
ON
HITS
HOW
TO
2–6 staff
7x10m; outside
$100 (+20¢)
Rocket Launch
Build a paper rocket and launch it with compressed air!
safety alert
15–30 min
Materials (Consumable)
»»Paper rocket templates or plain paper
»»Masking tape: ¾”, ~ 1 meter or yard per visitor
»»Decorations
Tools (Reusable)
»»Compressed air launcher + air source
»»PVC build stands/forms ½” diameter
»»Scissors including a few for kids and lefties
»»Receptacles for recycling (large)
»»Receptacles for trash (small)
»»Safety goggles inside the launch area
»»Carpet or cardboard to cover tripping hazards
Add-ons
Can rockets made out of paper really fly hundreds of
feet in the air? With enough masking tape, yes! Build
a rocket, then launch it into ultra-near space using
nothing more than compressed air!
(Optional)
»»Air hose to put compressorfarther away
»»Cord to tether scissors
»»Display area: like clips on clothesline/fencing
»»Cans, boxes, baskets to organize supplies
»»Crowd control like tape, chalk, orange cones,
stanchions, signs, rope + stakes, etc.
»»Stomp rocket launchers for active play
»»Spacejunk paraphernalia Mission Control
board, posters, celestial objects, NASA/ESA
Why We Love It
Be Aware…
Who You Need
• Projectiles!
• Falling Objects. Paper rockets reaching
200 feet (70m) return at high speed.
Place delicate exhibits away from the
launch area. Control rocket range by
aiming carefully (or mechanically restrict
tilt.) Make up for wind by tilting the pipe.
• Run this booth with as few as two staff,
taking on multiple roles below. Large
events require more for fun, safe flow.
• Space!
• High-Impact Fun. All ages delight in
seeing their paper rocket shot hundreds
of feet in the air.
• Low-Impact on Budget. Low-cost,
easy-to-find materials. Besides the
launchers, paper rockets require only
four purchases: paper, tape, PVC pipe
(for shaping the rocket body), and
scissors.
• Prototyping. Paper rockets provide
the perfect opportunity for iteration.
Some don’t launch on the first try, but
with a few small changes, they will sail.
Changes to the fins, rocket size, and
weight can change each rocket’s flight
path.
• High-speed launches. Place launcher
on a table. Wear eye protection. Retain
control of the launch by holding the
trigger/switch (except maybe to launch:
sometimes visitors to push it.)
• PVC can explode. Wrap stressed PVC
in layered strapping and duct tape. Stay
under 50 PSI. Insulate from cold or heat
and prolonged sun exposure (both break
down PVC.) Replace your launcher every
few years. OR just use the metal version
instead of PVC.
• Sharp scissors. Have blunt tips for kids.
• Responsible, safety-conscious staff
oversee the launcher and compressor.
Similar NASA roles: “Fido” (for FDO,
the Flight Dynamics Officer) monitors
trajectory and plans maneuvers; or
“Prop” (short for Propulsion Engineer.)
• “Ground Control” at the work tables
• “Guidance, Navigation & Control,” “Public
Affairs Officer,” “Mission Operations”
help with flow (line control, hand out
templates, collect safety goggles)
• Safety Waiver Station Manager
• “Booster Engineer” for crowd control:
Expect long waits? A fun person full of
space acts or facts can “elevate” spirits.
• Crowd Control. Rockets are popular!
• Messy. Plan ahead for scraps.
Where To Do It
• Successes…and failures. Airtight seals
on pressure caps are tough to make well.
Nurture resilience by trying again. Keep
well-made rockets handy to relaunch
with those whose rockets explode.
Launch outdoors, with a 10-foot (3m)
radius buffer around the launcher. Place
the launcher on a tabletop to reduce risk
of eye injuries. Add as many tables as you
need for 4–8 Make Stations per table.
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
Rocket Launch Maker Station Setup
»»Scissors
»»Paper rocket templates
»»Build form (loose PVC pipes)
or build stand (see right)
»»Cans, boxes,
baskets to
organize supplies
(recommended)
»»Instructions
(samples below)
»»Masking tape
»»Decorative supplies
DO
Find printable PDFs in the Maker Faire Assets folder.
Have enough build stands and/or lengths of PVC pipe so your
rocket-makers can build bodies that aren’t wobbly and wiggly.
Mark the PVC pipes used for forming the rocket body as not
being part of the rocket, and should be left at the build tables.
Making Tips
Project Ideas / Variations
The most crucial part of building a
successful rocket is the pressure cap.
Spend extra time taping it in place.
• Launch window. Aim at a hula hoop or
cardboard target, rather than up.
The nose cone is the least important part.
Paper rockets look better with them, but
seem to fly well without.
Fins smooth out the trajectory of your
rocket. Since you have no tiny passenger
inside your rocket, tumbling and rotation
don’t really pose a problem.
Wrap the rocket body loosely around the
PVC build pipe. Too loose and it won’t hold
the air. Too tight and it will be hard to take
off the PVC pipe–and even harder to put
on or launch off the launcher!
Falling to the ground post-launch often
damages a rocket’s nose. No worries! Just
straighten it out by hand.
Novice paper rocket engineers often use
too much tape, and extra weight reduces a
rocket’s maximum altitude. One good layer
is enough.
• Get sparkly. Supply items like tinsel or
streamers, to add some “fireworks” to
your show. These items create drag, but
look great in the air.
• Smooth Landing. More advanced
visitors hack parachutes and rocket
recovery systems from recycled plastic
bags or sheeting, string, paper clips or
erasers, and paper.
• Compare. Set up other stations nearby.
• How could you make your rocket fly in a
crazy way?
• What would you add or change?
Flow
• Water (great for hot days!)
howtoons.com/?p=481
• Soda bottle rockets
• Alka-Seltzer rockets
• Balloon and straw rockets
• Demo dangerous fuels, such as sugar,
hydrogen/oxygen, even Oreo cookies!
Full size booth layouts in the Assets folder.
Engage with visitors with questions like:
• What do you think a longer or shorter
rocket body might do to its flight path?
Area
Setup
• How high? Measure altitude with a paper
altimeter.
Questions to Ask
• What would happen if your fins were a
different shape? if you had more fins?
DO
NOT
Online Instructions
makezine.com/2011/10/03/how-to-compressed-air-rockets
makezine.com/2010/04/14/weekend-project-compressed-air-rock-1
makezine.com/projects/make-15/compressed-air-rocket
cdn.makezine.com/make/2010/04/compressedairrocket.pdf
Additional Resources
Air Rocket Works airrocketworks.com
Maker Camp Milk Jug Launcher makezine.com/projects/milk-jug-rocket-launcher
Make: Rockets Book makershed.com/products/make-rockets
NASA exploration.grc.nasa.gov/education/rocket
Exploratorium exploratorium.edu/afterschool/activities/index.php?activity=134
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
GREATEST
HANDS
ON
HITS
HOW
TO
2–6 staff
16x9m; inside
free–$3k
Take-A-Party
Use old junk and creativity to remake trash into treasure
A treasure trove of electronics, construction
materials, and expert assistance has all you need to
turn a creative doodle in your noodle into something
physical. Take apart discarded electronics to build
new gadgets and contraptions. If you can imagine it,
you can make it!
Why We Love It
Be Aware…
Kids and adults of all ages get creative
with recycled electronics, arts, and scraps.
Timid new-makers turn into hackers and
enthusiasts in just a few minutes.
• Chaos. An abundance of materials can
add to the mess. Take time in advance to
consider organization, flow, and safety.
Bursting with inspiring, upcycled materials
alongside electronics components and
arts and crafts supplies, this area brings
our phrase “If you can imagine it you can
make it” to life!
The key is a can-do staff equipped with a
dream workshop. All the tools one would
need are at the ready, at arm’s reach. A
constant flow of quirky ideas transform
a scrap heap into new projects. We
dismantle and repurpose small appliances
and electronics for deconstruction.
Prepare attendees for the Faire by
encouraging them to gather specific items
to upcycle and reuse, such as containers,
eWaste, craft materials, etc.
• Hands-On
• Landfill Diversion
• Creative
• eWaste. Remove potential dangers,
such as paper shredders (blades), CRT
TVs (large capacitor = electrocution),
laser printers (carcinogenic toner), and
microwaves (radioactivity).
• Scavenging. Sort and rinse all upcycled
items. Unsorted items may end up in
the trash unused! Avoid toxic or brittle
goods. Use common sense: no chicken
wire or rusty hardware, for example, nor
R-rated images (on reusable media.)
• Expertise. Train or recruit staff to be
safety-conscious with soldering, cutting,
and using power tools. Isolate risky tools.
Take care to instruct visitors on safe
use. Always wear safety gear (like eye
protection.) Designate separate tables
to work with more advanced tools.
• Ventilation and protection. Use gloves
and fresh air with Superglue and twopart epoxy. Wash hands after using lead
solder (which is better than lead-free.)
• Waivers. Required to use sharp or hot
tools, electricity, and moving parts.
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
safety alert
10–90 min
Materials (Consumable)
»»Hot glue stick refills
»»Adhesives epoxy, white, Gorilla/Superglue
»»Tape masking, duct, 2-sided, clear, electrical
»»Scratch paper or notepads
»»Craft clothespins, paper clips, erasers, corks,
googly eyes, pom poms, chenille stems, beads
(large wooden), popsicle sticks, wooden rods/
skewers/shapes, round toothpicks, anything!
»»String or rope twine, yarn, clothesline
»»Zip tie wraps, assorted
»»Batteries + holders
»»LEDs assorted 3–10mm; order online in bulk
»»Solder lead is easier: must wash hands after
»»Wire red + black, solid (22), stranded (24)
»»Motors inexpensive new ones &/or salvaged
»»Gaffer’s tape to secure cords
»»Nitrile gloves to work with toxic/greasy stuff
Tools (Reusable)
»»Paintbrushes cheap, for gluing
»»Glue guns
»»Cutting craft or utility knife, scissors, shears
»»Rotary tool (Dremel), cut-off wheels & drill bits
»»Hacksaws + blades
»»Multimeter (inexpensive)
»»Wire cutters and stripper (14 –22 AWG)
»»Drill/driver and bits
»»Common Torx and Allen/hex keys
»»Solder sucker or desoldering pump/solder wick
»»Soldering irons with stands and tip cleaner
»»Variable power supply
»»Vise grips
»»Pliers lineman, needlenose, channel-lock
»»Screwdrivers
»»Pens, pencils
»»Rulers, 12” and 24” with safety guard
»»Safety goggles children + adult sizes
»»Extension cords
»»Power outlet strips
Add-ons
(Optional)
»»Alligator clips / leads for testing
»»iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit
»»Wrench/socket set
»»Crescent wrench adjustable
»»Mallet
»»Eye Loupe
»»Rivet Gun and rivets
»»Skill Saw or Sawzall
Take-A-Party Area Setup
Plan for a controlled mess. Keep things relatively tidy
with clearly labelled areas for different types of materials.
Stackable sorter boxes, a shelving system, sturdy, lowslung tables topped with durable work surfaces.
At each Maker Station,
Designate areas for:
leave out at least:
»»Whole electronics
»»Scissors
»»Crafty materials
»»Screwdriver
»»Usable salvage parts
»»Tape
(motors, LEDs, batteries, etc)
»»Wire, solder, and soldering irons
»»Advanced tool area (including hot glue
guns) to reduce risk of injury
Find printable poster PDFs in the Maker Faire Assets folder.
Who You Need
Facilitation Tips
Depending on whether you’re doing takeapart exploration, remaking contraptions,
or building working machines from reused
parts, you’ll need different number of staff.
Making is for everyone! Create a space
welcoming to boys and men as well as
girls and women.
• 1 Facilitator per 4–8 participants
• 1 or more Advanced Tool Chief(s) near
any tools that can cut, burn, or otherwise
hurt visitors if used unsafely.
Use erasers for bumpers, friction
connections, etc. They’ll need to be
small, so either cut up regular ones or
use replacement nubs for mechanical
pencils. Fun colors are ideal.
• 1 or more as greeters, floaters, or
materials managers.
Be attentive but not overbearing. Check in
with “You doing ok? Any questions?”, but
let visitors experiment on their own.
The kids will have no lack of ideas, but here
are a few good standbys just in case:
• Pinwheel Power harvests wind energy
from hobby motor, toothbrush handles,
cardstock, piezo buzzer, rubber bands.
It’s helpful for facilitators to be familiar with
basic tool usage, and perhaps know a bit
about electronics. If you plan to have more
advanced participants create functional
machines from reused parts, a few of
your facilitators will need to know about
electronics, circuits, and soldering.
• Electromagnetic Propulsion a simple
magnetic rolling axle that launches
forward, after engaging a simple
electromagnet
• Box it up to go: A large box with a snap
customized with the art supplies or
components
Where To Do It
Under a tent or indoors is best. Plan for
flow and organization to guide the chaos of
excited children (who may go nuts with a
possibly newfound freedom to use tools.)
Display example projects, especially any
requiring less than 20 minutes to finish.
Some visitors need some guidelines or a
direction to begin. For them, provide stepby-step guides just as visitors enter the
tent or space.
Project Ideas / Variations
Train your facilitators to ask great
questions, encourage close observation,
and instruct visitors on safe tool usage.
You might split the floor space into two
defined areas: one to display goods to
be remade, and the other for remaking.
Include plenty of room between the two.
Buy coin cell batteries online in bulk. Do
not remove them from the packages, as
short circuits ruin batteries.
• Circuit bending
• Frankentoys a la Sid in Pixar’s Toy Story
Illustration by James Provost.
Find printable PDFs in the Assets folder.
• Brushbots
Online Instructions
Activities from Maker Faire’s Make Play Day youtube.com/user/IsaacAlexanderMakes
Additional Resources
To get readily available, free or very cheap items, visit your local reuse shop. A list is here:
lancastercreativereuse.org/directory-creative-reuse-centers.html
Maker’s Bill of Rights cdn.makezine.com/make/MAKERS_RIGHTS.pdf
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
GREATEST
HANDS
ON
HITS
HOW
TO
3–6 staff
7x7m; inside
$300 (+$1)
Fabric Hack
Creatively reuse and recycle used textiles.
safety alert
15–60 min
Materials (Consumable)
»»Used clothes esp. brightly colored t-shirts,
neckties, jeans, and sweaters
»»Thread assorted colors
»»Decorations ribbon, sequins, beads
Tools (Reusable)
Creatively reuse and recycle used clothing into
unique, new-to-you fashion and accessories, maybe
even a stuffie! Recreate unwanted textiles into chic
and sassy wearables.
Why We Love It
Be Aware…
Most of us wear clothing every day, but
many people have only ever bought
finished pieces. “If you can’t open it, you
don’t own it” is a motto not just for blackboxed electronics but also for the seams
of your discarded garments. Discover how
clothing is constructed, learn basic sewing
techniques, and feel the power by making
unique, playful clothing, costumes, bags,
and other fabric creations.
• Repairs. Fussy sewing machines need
regular adjustments. Novice fabric
hackers abuse them, so set aside budget
to fix broken, borrowed machines.
Don’t have the capacity for a full Fabric
Hack? Stick with the basics! Visitors
can make great things with just fabric,
scissors, needles and thread. Have some
no-sew and low-sew (hand sewn) project
ideas available to inspire.
• Upcycling
• Builds skills
• Creative expression
• Easy-to-find experts. Almost every
community has its share of DIY clothing
makers, quilters, and fabric stores where
you might be able to find these folks.
• Low Budget. Low-cost, easy-to-find
materials.
• Pile-up. To collect and manage large
amounts of fabric is no easy task. Seed
the piles with donations. Spread the
word that visitors can bring clothes to
give/hack. Then, plan for leftovers! After
promoting reuse and upcycling, don’t
send heaps to the landfill! Donate what’s
wearable, and investigate organizations
that take scraps for recycling.
• Recruitment. Start sourcing enough
helpers with the right skills early. Post on
a bulletin board at your local fabric store.
Look for local sewing / quilting groups.
• Expense. Local sewing / craft stores
may support in-kind / cash sponsorship.
• Needles. Fingers can be punctured
under the presser foot. Isolate broken
needles in pill bottles or mint tins.
• Waivers for sharps, irons, and moving
machine parts also cover property
damage caused by fabric paint/ink.
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
»»Hand-sewing needles various sizes / lengths
»»Sewing machine(s), bobbins + extra needles
»»Scissors 8” shears; <5” as thread snips
»»Trash receptacles small, near machines
»»Bins to sort fabric or collect small pieces
»»Pins straight and safety
»»Tape measure cloth/tailor, 60” long
»»Yard stick and/or long metal straightedge
»»Marking pencil or tailors chalk
»»Seam ripper
»»Iron and ironing board / heat-safe surface
»»Bags + labels to deal with leftovers
Add-ons
(Optional)
»»Notions hook & eye closures, elastic bands,
snaps, hook-and-loop/Velcro, etc.
»»Needle-threader
»»Thimble
»»Pinking shears aka zig-zag scissors
»»Tabletop light near machines, if needed
»»Cord to tether scissors
»»Display area like clothesline/hangers on fence
»»Cans, boxes, baskets to organize supplies
»»Buttons
»»Embroidery floss
»»Clear nail polish or fray-stop
»»Fusible fabric interfacing
»»Hem tape iron-on
»»Hot glue gun and refll sticks
»»Fabric glue
»»Tracing paper
»»Pattern paper or large thin paper
»»Batting or old flannel sheet
»»Stuffing like dry beans
»»Sewing gauge 6” long with slide
»»Tracing wheel
»»Rotary cutter and self-healing cutting mat
»»Seam roll
»»Pressing ham
»»Eyelet or grommet tool and its hardware
»»Bedazzler and jewels
»»Mirrors discouraged by Swap-o-Rama-Rama
»»Dress form
Fabric Hack Maker Station Setup
»»sewing machine
»»straight pins
»»bobbin(s) and thread
»»scissors
»»needles
(machine + hand)
»»small trash receptacle
License with Swap-o-Rama-Rama
We deeply admire and are continually
inspired by Swap-o-Rama-Rama.
Licensing it within your Maker Faire is
something to work out directly with
Swap-o-Rama-Rama. Requirements
are listed online.
If you do not license Swap-o-RamaRama, you may not use the name
“Swap-o-Rama-Rama.” To this end,
we’re calling this overview “Fabric
Hack,” recognizing that some
Maker Faires may not meet SORR’s
requirements, but every Maker Faire
should really have some kind of Fabric
Hack area. Whatever you decide, go
get inspired by the vision established
by Wendy Tremayne and company!
Save space for cutting and pinning near
each machine or in a common area.
House additional supplies (buttons,
colorful thread, lefty scissors, etc.)
and tools (hot glue gun, iron & board,
rotary cutter & self-healing mat) on a
separate table or two.
Set up a few hand-sewing stations with
common tools.
Where To Do It
Facilitation Tips
Project Ideas/ Variations
Indoor or tented area at least 7m x 7m.
Clothing piles can be kept outside in a
hybrid indoor/outdoor space. Locate
sewing machines tables and chairs/
benches around the perimeter or in
an area with less traffic. Clothing piles
should be easily accessible, often near the
entrance or in the center of the room. The
iron should be monitored for safety.
Visitors generally enter the area and sort
through the fabric pile for treasures. They
may choose to make a no-sew hack, like
shredded T-shirts, or hunker down at an
available sewing machine with a specific
design in mind.
• Wearable electronics or “soft circuits”
with conductive thread / fabric, LEDs,
batteries & battery holders, LilyPad or
Flora Arduino microcontrollers, sensors,
or even electroluminescent/EL wire.
Who You Need
Staff should know the ins and outs of the
sewing machine(s) you use. Advise leaders
should on what safety issues to watch for.
Workshop Leaders have a unique skill that
transforms would-be trash into wearable
items (clothing/jewelry/handbag etc.) or
that modifies a wearable.
Sewing Wiz is a designer type who knows
sewing machines and works with reuse.
They help people achieve a vision of
modified, used clothing.
Staff should read the credo of Wendy
Tremayne, the founder of Swap-o-RamaRama, a licensing program that inspires
this zone. (See link in green box.)
Sewing is for everyone! Welcome boys/
men as well as girls/women with your
signage and setup.
Have examples on display, especially ones
that can be completed <20 minutes.
Take photos of completed garments and
creations. Encourage participants to sport
their new garments around the Faire.
Got a stage? Schedule a fashion show!
In Maker Faire Bay Area’s daily “Trashion
Show,” Makers walk a runway in hacked
garments. Makeup and face paint
complete the look!
• Plastic fusing melt bags into fabric.
• Sock puppets fold a cardboard piece to
go inside the sock, forming the mouth
• Stuffies from old sweaters and shirts
• No-sew T-shirt transformations
cut, tie, shred, braid, there are hundreds!
• T-shirt yarn / loop weaving: Use a
simple cardboard loom or a hula hoop!
A dozen old shirts get new life as a rug.
Weave loosely or it’ll curl up like a basket.
• Group / finish-me projects. Provide
starter bases for newbies to add to like a
half-finished garment or a rag rug.
Online Instructions
makezine.com/craft/how-to_weave_a_hula_hoop_rug/ or a
no-sew collage: makezine.com/projects/fabric-masterpiece/
T-shirt bag makezine.com/projects/no-sew-t-shirt-bag/
T-shirt tote makezine.com/projects/t-shirt-tote/
T-shirt skirt makezine.com/craft/how_to_refashion_a_tshirt_into
Quilt makezine.com/projects/patchwork-quilt-from-clothing-scraps/
Necktie Eyewear Case makezine.com/projects/necktie-glasses-case/
Stuffed chair: makezine.com/craft/pillow_chair_from_t-shirts_and
Jeans bag: makezine.com/craft/how-to-upcycled-denim-bag
Tool wrap: makezine.com/projects/make-34/123-give-old-work-jeans-new-legs
Old towels to stuffed animal: makezine.com/craft/how-to-terrycloth-stuffed-cat
Sweater rug makezine.com/projects/recycled-wool-rug
Additional Resources
Wendy Tremayne’s credo: www.swaporamarama.org/unbounded.htm
Consider licensing with Swap-o-Rama-Rama, for additional resources and support.
Check Pinterest for “easy sewing projects”, “no-sew”, “DIY clothing”
facebook.com/BayAreaSwaporamarama
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
GREATEST
HANDS
ON
HITS
HOW
TO
3–20 staff
7x7m; inside
$600 (+$2)
Learn to Solder
Learn to solder by creating your very own blinky pin!
safety alert
10 min
Materials (Consumable)
»»Solder novices prefer lead’s low melting point
»»Solder wick or solder sucker to fix errors
»»Item to solder like our Learn-to-Solder pin
Tools (Reusable)
»»Soldering iron available in Maker Shed options
»»Brass sponge or steel wool to wipe tips
»»Soldering iron stand zip-tied to table
»»Pliers diagonal/crosscut, to cut LED leads
»»Tabletop protection like a board, thick cardboard, or fire retardant cloth (like Duvetyne)
»»Metal coffee cans on tables for scraps
»»Safety goggles both child and adult sizes
»»First aid kit with bandages and burn ointment
»»Hand-washing station to remove lead
»»Fire extinguisher just in case, unlikely need
Learn the basics of soldering by creating your
very own blinky LED Robot pin! Soldering,
useful in electronics repair and building,
is an essential skill to get started in making.
Why We Love It
Be Aware…
Our exclusive Learn-to-Solder Skill Badge
Kit has been used to teach thousands of
people of all ages how to solder at Maker
Faires across the country and around the
world. This simple, fun project introduces
a fundamental Maker skill.
• Expertise. L2S takes a lot of skilled
facilitation, ideally in a 2:1 ratio.
• Essential to electronics. Opens up a
whole new world of making, from toys to
machines to wire sculptures, and more.
Visitors deepen skills as they delve into
electronics. Additionally, soldering skills
are a great foundation to build upon
when learning to weld.
• Secure tools. Corral hand tools using
techniques as used at a store checkout
(tethers, bright tape, big plastic flowers,
etc.) Stick larger soldering iron stands
down with a few dabs of Blue Tack.
• Safety goggle loss. Prevent theft or
accidental walkoffs with good labeling
and prominent “leave goggles here” bins.
• Order ahead. Place L2S pin orders via
the Producers Maker Shed account
• Useful. Soldering fixes broken items.
Some use it to build a robot army to take
over the world. Endless possibilities…
• Hot hazard. Skin and tabletops can
both be burned accidentally. Don’t use
flammable table covering.
• Builds fine motor skills and focus
• Ages 8 and up. Solderers need to be
able to handle a dangerously hot tool
safely. Encourage younger kids to learn
to solder at home!)
• Doubles as a souvenir. We design a
new version every year.
• Promotes itself. Completed souvenir
pins blink on lapels as visitors explore
your event. When people ask where to
get them, they get to reply “I made it!”
• Tried and tested. This well thought-out
pin has the directions written on the
back for easy reference.
• Popular! At flagship events, we solder
5,000 pins at 32 stations over two days.
Use barricades or ropes to queue well.
Lines snake around the corner with
would-be solderers waiting to take part.
Provide simple games and prizes (gift
cards) to entertain them while they wait.
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
Add-ons
(Optional)
»»Blue tack
»»Helping Hands to hold components in place
»»Flux pen
»»Cool water source for treating minor burns
»»Aprons for facilitators
• Good vision. You need to be able to
see small details close up. Those with
impaired or deteriorated vision may
find it difficult. Include a vision test sign
(with some 12pt type) before the queue,
to give a sense of the level of detail.)
• Lead solder, with its lower melting
point, is easier for novices to use.
Lead-free solder releases unsafe vapors
as you melt the rosin flux. Attendees
may ask which you are using. Be sure
you can talk about your choice with
confidence! Post a warning sign. Make
it easy to wash hands after handling
solder. Other components may contain
lead, too.
• No picnic. Ask that attendees leave
food or open drink containers outside
• Expense. You’ll spend about $20 per
soldering station for a basic soldering
iron and stand, tip cleaner (metal
or sponge), and safety goggles. An
adjustable soldering iron and robust
stand will be closer to $60.
• Fumes. Only solder in well ventilated
areas, or use a fume extractor. Too
strong a breeze may blow parts away.
Where To Do It
Solder outdoors under a wall-less,
open-sided tent, or with very, very good
ventilation indoors. Good air circulation is
a must, but too much wind may send small
electronic parts flying off the table.
Solder at picnic tables, if possible. Their
benches reduce tripping hazards, making
them a better choice than loose chairs.
Keep walkways clear of cords and use
pancake, yellow jackets, carpets, or tape
down any loose cords (tripping over a cord
will send a hot tool flying or jerking in an
unpredictable direction!)
it’s easier to gain experience with the kit
than quickly developing interpersonal
skills. Those new to soldering spend
extra time in the tent learning the
technique and listening for questions
(and how to answer them) before
jumping in as a facilitator.
• preheating and tinning your iron
»»Safety goggles (several, so groups can
have one per participant )
• making a good solder joint
Soldering irons need electricity: one
120V-10A drop for each picnic table row,
and one 120V-20A for basic work lighting.
Your facility can often help you calculate
power draw based on your soldering setup.
Test the soldering stations once you’ve set
them up to make sure they work.
• cutting LED leads flush to your circuit
board with diagonal/crosscut pliers
This is a staff-intensive area. Ideally, have
one helper for every two visitors. Smaller
events short on volunteers may consider
asking visitors to “Learn and Turn”: Once
someone learns how to solder, they teach
the next person how to do it.
• Soldering Expert. It helps to have staff
well-versed in circuitry (like a friendly
engineer), particularly if you have a lot
of newbie Soldering Teachers who learn
shortly before teaching others.
• Soldering Teachers help attendees
(one-on-one) to solder components on
a circuit board. Helpers should oversee
no more than two stations. Beyond that
ratio, flow slows down and more burns
occur. Depending on number of stations,
schedule 2–20 people at once, in shifts
of 2–4 hours.
Teachers should be patient and skilled
at helping others learn. Expertise in
soldering is useful, but teaching skills
are far more critical. Or, put another way:
Each Station
»»Soldering iron + stand
• cleaning your iron
Who You Need
Stations should fit groups of 2–3
(~1.2m wide x 0.5m deep)
Whether or not they already know how
to solder, L2S Teachers first receive a
brief training from the Soldering Expert,
including the following critical pieces:
Cover your tables with non-flammable
materials to protect from burns. Use
fire-retardant material such as Duvateen
(expensive but reusable) or even pieces of
plywood to cover the table tops. Keep work
areas clear by taping or covering cords on
or under the tables. Secure the soldering
stations in place with tape or zipties.
Consider the flow of experience. Separate
the entrance and exit for visitor flow and
safety. Collect goggles with a conspicuous
collection bin at the exit, or have a helper
gently reminding people to return them.
Solder Table Setup
• desoldering cleanly (when things
don’t go so right)
• choosing between lead and lead-free
solder options
»»Brass sponge / steel wool
»»Solder (1 roll)
Each Table (4 stations)
»»Waste can
»»2 diagonal pliers/cutter
»»1 desoldering wick or solder sucker
• using helping hands to hold
components in place
• Line Wranglers moderate the line,
visitor flow, and safety waivers. They
also estimate wait times and post waittime signs as needed.
• Greeter checks that every attendee
has a safety wristband. (Place a waiver
station at or near the booth.) When a
soldering station opens up, the Greeter
hands saftey goggles and a kit to the
participant as they enter. Goggles can
instead be at each soldering station.
• Floor Manager identifies open spots
and points people to them (optional,
larger events.) Also ensures all booth
staff get trained properly, get breaks,
end shifts on time, and new helpers can
easily check-in and get started.
Project Ideas/ Variations
The easy, fun, and popular option is
Maker Shed’s Learn-to-Solder Badge, a
light-up pin that Minis can buy using their
producer discount for about $1.25 each
via the Maker Faire Producers Maker Shed
account. The kit consists of a PCB (printed
circuit board) and a few components,
including a surface mount battery holder,
1 or 2 LEDs, and a tack pin with backing.
This well thought-out pin even has the
directions written right on the back for
easy reference. If you don’t use this kit, you
could instead...
• Design a custom PCB and components
(battery, LEDs, buzzers, sensors…)
• Teach the skill without the electronics.
Solder wire into sculptures or cranked
automata.
Online Instructions
makezine.com/2008/12/28/soldering-where-to-start
makezine.com/2009/07/21/camp-counselor-daves-soldering-tips
makezine.com/2009/07/21/solarbotics-soldering-summary
Additional Resources
mightyohm.com/blog/2011/04/soldering-is-easy-comic-book
learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-guide-excellent-soldering?view=all
learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-solder---through-hole-soldering
noisebridge.net/wiki/Circuit_Hacking_Monday
Products
makershed.com/collections/soldering-tools
makershed.com/products/learn-to-solder-skill-badge-kit
makershed.com/products/rocket-skill-badge
makershed.com/collections/electronics-kits
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
GREATEST
HANDS
ON
HITS
HOW
TO
1–2 staff
2x2m; outside
$250 (+$1)
Silkscreen Station
Make T-shirts, totes, and more uniquely yours.
safety alert
15–60 min
Materials (Consumable)
»»T-shirts new, blank ones to sell or used ones to
add to; variety of sizes and colors
»»Fabric scraps nice ones from Fabric Hack pile
»»Silkscreening ink variety of colors
»»Silkscreen emulsion & sensitizer
Tools (Reusable)
»»Silkscreens with designs, made ahead of time
»»Cardboard pieces or boards and binder clips
»»Squeegee as wide as screen design
»»Spatula and/or plastic putty knife
»»Gloves nitrile; latex ok, but some are allergic
»»Rags or paper towels for washing screens
»»Screen cleaner in spray bottle
»»Dishpan or bucket for washing screens
Add-ons
Commemorate your visit to Maker Faire with
a souvenir you print yourself! Bring used
clothes back to life with fresh designs.
Why We Love It
Who You Need
A good complement to Fabric Hack,
silkscreening is an easy way to modify.
Staff should know how to pull a screen,
wash it, and what drying/setting advice to
give to attendees.
• Creative expression
• Excitement. Hold a Call for Art. Select
a few favorites to burn as the year’s
official designs. (Include your Maker
Faire logo with location as one design.)
Be Aware…
• Ventilation. Fumes must be aired out.
• Drying. Visitors need patience.
• Silkscreen Prep. Make them ahead
of time, using emulsion, sensitizer,
and acetate photocopy. Alternatives
for pre-sensitized screen include
Yudu, StencilPro, EZScreenPrint, or
XpresScreen.
Where To Do It
Outdoor or tented area at least 2m x 2m.
Hang examples on display to inspire.
Set up away from the Fabric Hack zone to
avoid accidental ink stains.
Maker Faire Bay Area’s silkscreening booth
invites attendees to select one of about 10
designs, with the booth helpers printing on
the chosen fabric behind a line of tables, in
a helpers-only alley.
(Optional)
»»Screen printing machine frame with hinges
»»Screen tape for masking areas
»»Fabric paint in squeeze tubes
»»Brushes for fabric paint
»»Cups with water
»»Fabric markers
»»Tote bags with at least one blank area
»»Bandanas
Project Ideas / Variations
• Stamp patterns using fabric paint with
rubber stamps, linocuts, cookie cutters,
sponge or foam shapes, etc.
• Iron-ons with special transfer paper or
crayons on sandpaper / wax paper.
• Bleach prints 3% bleach solution
sprayed on dark garments. Wear gloves
and eye protection, and use anti-chlor!
• Stencils. Sponge- or spray-paint
through a sturdy stencil, or use a
stencil behind a silkscreen instead of a
premade screen. It sticks the first time
you pull a print!
Online Instructions
• Expense. Supplies cost about $250
for a basic setup, including five screens
(with design), inks, and tools.
Making a silkscreen (pre-Faire): makezine.com/projects/silk-screening-101
Patterns makezine.com/projects/printed-party-flags/
Iron-ons: makezine.com/craft/iron-on_transfers_video_with_l/
Bleach Prints: makezine.com/projects/bleach-shirt-stencil/
• Communication. Tell attendees to bring
a T-shirt to be inked at the Faire.
Additional Resources
• Waivers cover property damage caused
by fabric paint/ink.
Good tool: whatdoyudu.com
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
GREATEST
HANDS
ON
HITS
HOW
TO
2–3 staff
2x2m; in/out
$100 (<50¢)
Butter in a Jar
Shake, shake, shake ’til you get a pat of deliciousness
no waiver
5–10 min
Materials (Consumable)
»»Cream unhomogenized heavy whipping
»»Bread chunks seek in-kind donations; glutenfree too if possible; cut baguettes in half lengthwise (left and right halves, not top and bottom),
and then into slices that ~1–2 cm thick.
»»Bleach
»»Hot water
»»Hand sanitizer (or nearby sink & soap)
»»Jars clean, with lids, any size, small Mason Jars
work well; baby food jars ok for single-use (hard
to clean between users)
Tools (Reusable)
You don’t need an old wooden churn to make butter!
People have been making (and devouring) it since the
stone age, around 6500 B.C.E.
Why We Love It
Who You Need
Introduce food-making into your program
while sharing a little
Anyone can teach this activity. At the East
Bay Mini Maker Faire at Park Day School
in Oakland, the kindergarteners and their
parents run this activity. To “Learn and
Turn,” ask visitors whose cream separated
to tell newcomers how to get started: hand
a jar over and say something like “Now,
shake this for six minutes!”
• Chemistry! Colloids and emulsions: As
the jar shakes, fat and protein bits glom
onto one another. The glob grows larger
and larger as you shake it more.
• Culture. Travel the world on a butter
pat, from Indian reverence for ghee to
African traditions of swinging goat skins.
• Volume. Easily 100 per hour as buttermakers check in & out while shaking.
• Sponsors. Bread and cream and other
supplies can be donated or sponsored
by a local grocer, baker, etc.
Be Aware…
• Health Food-making opens up worries
about safety.
• Gluten-free. Keep a distinct basket for
special diets on a non-public surface.
»»Cutting board(s)
»»Basket(s) large, for bread chunks
»»Cloth napkins to line baskets and place on top
of backup bread chunks waiting to be served
»»Tongs or skewers 1–3 sets, to grab bread
»»Bread knife used by booth staff
»»Butter knives tether with duct tape and twine
»»Pitcher to collect leftover buttermilk
»»Bowl to collect uneaten butter
»»Boxes / bins to hold jars both clean and used
»»Tubs for hot water and cold rinse
»»Bucket 5- or 10-gallon for bleach solution
»»Dish rack + towels to dry jars
Add-ons
(Optional)
»»Fresh herbs to add! rosemary, parsley, dill
»»Marbles unnecessary, add to cleanup time
»»Salt preserves butter; ~1/2 tsp per pound
»»Salt shakers or salt bowl with spoon
»»Containers to prevent bread from drying out
Local 4-H clubs may be able to help
answer questions or run the event.
Where To Do It
Butter Area Setup
Either indoors or outdoors, ideally near
other old-timey craft or farm-like exhibits.
Label one bin “Used Jars Here”.
Two tables suffice: one for prep, the other
public-facing. Allow plenty of space around
the booth for all the steps:
• Tub 1: hot water to wash
• Pick up the butter-making supplies and
enough tips to start.
• Tub 3: water to rinse
• Step away to churn by shaking the jar.
• Volume. 6 cups of cream yield about a
pound of butter. You need a LOT of jars.
• Return to booth for a chunk of bread.
• Vigor vs. Time. Some visitors may need
help shaking the jar strongly enough, or
a great deal of patience!
• Returning to drop off all tools.
• Step away to enjoy finished product.
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
Four cleaning stations:
• Tub 2: a solution of bleach + water
• A place for jars to drip dry
36 More Maker Faire Hands-On Greatest Hits
(and there are still others!)
Automata
Block Towers: Giant Jenga
Bubbles
Cardboard Construction
Catapults or Trebuchets
Chain Reactions
Cloud Trolley
Cosmic Couture
Fixit Clinic
Galaxy Slime
Glow Doodle
Instrument Petting Zoo
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
Kite Lab
Knitting Circle
Knot Tying
LED Throwies
Marble Runs
Marbling Paper
MaKey MaKey
Marshmallow Launchers
Mosaics
Music Lab
Needle Felting Playground
Nerdy Derby
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
Paper Airplane Launchers
Paper Circuits
Seed Balls
Sketchbooks
Spin Art Machines—Giant!
Squishy Circuits
Stick Buildings
Sunprints
Terrarium
Tapigami
Weaving
Maker Faire Greatest Hits
Wind Tubes