[dorkbotdc-announce] Reminder! - Inaugural Dorkbot DC + Make:DC Workshop

[Dorkbot DC]

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 
<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=500+Fifth+Street,+NW,+Washington+dc&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=57.684464,63.896484&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=38.896713,-77.018993&spn=0.007022,0.0078&z=17>
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 (parts were ordered for those who signed up. Anyone else that 
has the parts list, or who wants to watch others work and learn from it 
is welcome.):_*

    * Arduino or compatible unit
          o Diecimila PLUS USB board (fully assembled)
                + http://store.makezine.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKARDIE&Show=ExtInfo
                  <http://store.makezine.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKARDIE&Show=ExtInfo>

          o Boarduino (solderless Arduino clone)
                + http://www.ladyada.net/make/boarduino/
          o Bare Bones Arduino Kit (unassembled)
                + http://store.makezine.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKBBARD

          o Arduinos and related components:
                + http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=arduino&x=0&y=0
                  <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 were pre-ordered at a discount but the window for */_seriously 
interested participants_/* to sign up for this option closed at 5 PM 
(ET) on Friday, 21 December 2007. 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 
<http://dorkbot.org/mailman/listinfo/dorkbotdc-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 
<http://dorkbot.org/mailman/listinfo/dorkbotdc-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 <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 
<http://www.koshland-science-museum.org/visitor/index.jsp>.

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