Re: [OMG] Kids Maker Group/Space

[Kevin Fusselman]

This sounds quite a bit like something the Omaha Childrens' Museum is doing;  Tyler (who, I think, reads this list) is heading up that project.

On Wed, Oct 17, 2012 at 9:23 PM, mnolley <mno...@gmail.com> wrote:

I am a parent of a 5, 10 and 12 year old and I live in Lincoln, NE.  I am interested in starting up a Maker Club for children.  I was thinking of a Maker Space that also sponsored structured classes etc.  I know these exists in some of the larger cities around the country but is anyone aware of anything like this in Omaha or Lincoln?  Does anyone think there would be interest for this type of club focused on developing the "maker spirit" within kids?  Any other thoughts or advice the group might have?  

Thanks

[John Wise]

I am in Lincoln as well. Have three kids 10, 10, and 2.

I was involved in starting a lincon maker space (now on hiatus).

I would love to get something for kids going here in Lincoln.  I have a good number of contacts that would also be interested.

Would you be interested in meeting up sometime soon and talking options etc.

I work on east campus with a pretty flexible lunch hour.

Email anytime or call during reasonable hours for a parent. would love to hear from anyone else on the list from lincon as well.

Wise...@gmail.com
402-770 - 2705

[Travis Smith]

If you haven't heard about the "Celebration of Mind" yet, I think both of you would probably be interested.

http://www.fatbraintoys.com/celebration/

Past that, this sounds like a great idea.  As Kev said, there is a children's makerspace coming up in Omaha.  Lincoln should have one as well.

Travis

On Wed, Oct 17, 2012 at 10:06 PM, John Wise <wise...@gmail.com> wrote:

I am in Lincoln as well. Have three kids 10, 10, and 2.

I was involved in starting a lincon maker space (now on Hhiatus).

[patrick]

I suggest contacting the lincoln children's museum. See if they would like to get involved.

[Jeff]

That's a great idea. I know there's a maker group in Lincoln, and they may be able/willing to help. I think you could accomplish a lot with this.

I'm also in Lincoln, and would be interested in helping (just need to find time.)

Be well,
Jeff

"By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is bitterest." - Confucius

[Tyler Swain]

It’s true, the Omaha Children’s Museum is currently working on building a Makerspace/Tinkering Studio for Children.  In its current form our Makerspace will include three different areas for the kids to work, a tool/woodworking shop, a textile studio, and an electronics studio.  Each area will be somewhat partitioned off, but still maintain an open floor plan to allow projects to crossover between all three areas.  We hope to have the space open early 2013.  In addition to building the Makerspace for children, we are going to being hosting Tinkering/Maker Workshops, to help build the maker culture in children.  The workshops will take place on days when kids are off from school and parents may be looking for a safe space to drop them off for 3-6 hours at a time.  The first workshop will take place on MLK Day, and will be focused around working with LED’s.  We will be building LED Throwies, LED paper circuits, and then expand that concept into LED Origami.  We are also working on another workshop to take place on Presidents day that will probably be based around exploring alternative textiles, with kids making exciting projects such as duct tape wallets, and fusing plastic to make messenger bags or whatever else they want to create.  If you want to know more about what we have going on at the Museum, or would like further details on any of the above mentioned, I am usually lurking on this list, or you can reach me directly at TSw...@ocm.org

 

Tyler Swain

Creative Arts Lead

Omaha Children’s Museum