From dorkbotdc at dorkbot.org Sun Dec 16 22:47:23 2007 From: dorkbotdc at dorkbot.org (Dorkbot DC) Date: Sun Dec 16 22:47:27 2007 Subject: [dorkbotdc-announce] Inaugural Dorkbot DC + Make:DC Workshop Message-ID: <751019f20712161947g4e27aaa5w2470aa088d86ad99@mail.gmail.com> WHAT: *Inaugural DorkbotDC + Make:DC Workshop* WHEN: *16 January 2008 (Wednesday), 7 - 9pm* WHERE: Marian Koshland Science Museum of the National Academy of Sciences 6th & E Streets, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 334-1201 (for directions) Click here for a map URLs: http://www.koshland-science-museum.org/ http://dorkbot.org/dorkbotdc/ ALWAYS FREE! (Except for materials, see below.) *Feel free to forward this notice to other interested parties.* Join us for the first-ever joint meeting of Dorkbot DC with the first-ever meeting of Make:DC! During this meeting, we will be building LED cubes as seen on the Make blog: http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2007/09/make_a_pocket_led_cube_we.html http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2007/09/make_a_pocket_led_cube_we_1.html But we're going to improve on it by using an open-source Arduino microcontroller instead of an ATtiny2313V. The chosen project will provide an opportunity for participants to learn: - Structural and electrical soldering - Programming and usage of microcontrollers - Simple programming - About the economical but versatile Arduino microcontroller that participants can use as a basis for future projects Participants should bring their own *safety glasses*, *the asterisked items*, below, and as many of the others listed here as they can: *Tools:* - soldering iron and stand - solder - wire cutters* - wire strippers - needle nose pliers - insulating tape (black electrical tape works well) and/or shrink-fit tubing *Parts (or order parts through our group order; see below):* - Arduino or compatible unit - Diecimila PLUS USB board (fully assembled) - http://store.makezine.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKARDIE&Show=ExtInfo - Boarduino (solderless Arduino clone) - http://www.ladyada.net/make/boarduino/ - Bare Bones Arduino Kit (unassembled) - http://store.makezine.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKBBARD - Arduinos and related components: - http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=arduino&x=0&y=0 *Please have your Arduino assembled by the meeting, if you buy it unassembled.* - 47 Ohm resistor (yellow purple brown striped) - 27 LEDs - Wire (or paper clips work pretty well for this type of application) - Case for it all to go in. (you might be able to repurpose something as a case for more of a 'prototype' look. E.g., the Boarduino and a 9V battery should fit in a big Altoids case.) Some kits will be pre-ordered at a discount but the window for *seriously interested participants* to sign up for this option will close at 5 PM (ET) on Friday, 21 December 2007. To order your kit using this method or to ask questions regarding this event, let us know via the Dorkbot DC blabber mailing list to which you can subscribe here: Dorkbot DC-Blabber - General Dorkbot DC discussion (medium traffic) If you also want to keep up with upcoming Dorkbot DC events, you can subscribe to the announcement list here: Dorkbot DC-Announce - Announcements of events (low traffic) Experts will be on-hand to help novices with soldering techniques and other instruction. Those *under 18 must have full-time supervision* by at least one legal guardian. *Background: Dorkbot DC + Make: DC* joint meetings are guided educational experiences that use the two hour period to build and/or program a simple electronic device that teaches elements of the do-it-yourself ethic that has spawned global groups such as *Dorkbot* (http://dorkbot.org) and the *"maker"*movement, championed by the print and web publication, *MAKE* (http://makezine.com ). MAKE's emphasis on hands-on instruction and learning make it an ideal partner for Dorkbot in helping publicize and widening the base for both organizations. *(Disclaimer: MAKE Magazine has no direct involvement with MAKE clubs. Maker Media has encouraged their creation, but has taken a hands-off approach.)* Both of these organizations are in the vanguard of a growing movement that encourages people to gain control of the tools and resources necessary to be technically and artistically creative. MAKE, Dorkbot, and others like them strive for an ecumenical approach to technology where collaborative, open sourced projects and user-modifiable design are the ideals. These approaches have already begun to affect the way that governments regulate technologies and the way that technology companies design their products. Consumers are reaping the fruits of this grass roots movement's influence. The projects and methods covered during these workshop evenings will teach people to modify and improve the objects they interact with daily and to view the world around them as creative raw material. We propose holding joint quarterly workshops for Make: DC and Dorkbot DC. Please join the Dorkbot DC mailing list to stay informed about them and the otherwise monthly Dorkbot DC presentations that take place at George Washington University. Time permitting, we will also showcase additional members' work in an *ad hoc* manner. --- The mission of the *Marian Koshland Science Museum* is to engage the general public in current scientific issues that impact their lives. The museum's state-of-the-art exhibits, public programs, and educational programs provide information that stimulates discussion and provides insight into how science supports decision-making. As "advisers to the Nation on science, engineering and medicine," studies conducted by the National Academies influence public policy decisions regarding controversial science-related matters. Information on visiting the museum, including location and admission details, can be found in Visitor Information . - # - -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://music.columbia.edu/pipermail/dorkbotdc-announce/attachments/20071216/7970d663/attachment.html