Luminuous Lowtops - https://makezine.com/projects/make-37/luminous-lowtops/ LED Light Up Shoes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=34&v=86Gctesc500
cutting. Laser engraving could be used to create tactile objects by utilizing relief design to raise certain elements. Sewing/Wearable Technology While sewing has always been a staple of home economics, interest in sewing has seen a resurgence with the increased avail- ability of wearable micro-technology also known as e-textiles. Wearable technology utilizes a small, sewable microcontroller board often powered by a battery pack. Although standard wires can be used as thread, conductive thread is becoming main- stream; creating circuits within products such as “smart” winter gloves that allow you to use your smart phone while wearing the
gloves. While e-textiles are still an emerging area, there is great potential to support people with disabilities. Conductive thread gloves can be programmed to play music, operate the computer and such with the slightest of movements. A fun way to get started with wearable microcontrollers is to create LED clothing with individual sewable LED lights or electroluminescent wire. Microcontrollers and batteries are hidden in garments as LED threads are sewn into the fabric. LED lighted clothing can provide visibility and extra safety for individuals who are blind. “Old School”Technology While there have been great advancements in developing new maker tools, we should not forget the maker tools that started the movement and have been a staple of the technology education curriculum for more than thirty years. Soldering is a critical skill for any maker. Soldering is the process of joining two electrical elements together using a meltable, conductive metal filler. Soldering is used to strengthen and secure electrical elements such as a wire to an arduino board, a specialized micro- computer board. An easy and cost-effective beginner soldering project is to create a battery interrupter. A battery interrupter consists of a copper coin on one end and a standard switch jack on the other end, connected together using speaker wire that is soldered to each element. A battery interrupter is placed in the battery compartment of a toy, light, fan or other battery-oper- ated item with an on/off switch. With the battery interrupter in place, a switch user can use their preferred switch to turn on or off the battery-powered device. Skills from the days of wood shop, metal shop, and auto repair also serve makers well. Many AT tools continue to be fashioned from standard home improvement store supplies. The days of walking the isles of Home Depot to find materials to create that perfect something still happen. Using PVC pipe to create custom
Laer Cut Keyguards - https://www.closingthegap.com/keyguards-for- keyboards/
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