Getting The Most Out Of Makerspaces To Build Robots

Robots are at the heart of the makerspaces movement, which aims to bring together like-minded computer experts to build collaborative projects. This book introduces readers to the nascent world of makerspaces and its potential. Readers learn how to find these spaces in their local community or even in the local library. They then learn how to use makerspaces tools such as Arduino microcontrollers or Lego Mindstorms to build full-functioning programmable robots, all to their specifications. Not only does this knowledge inspire a sense of fun, it can also be applied to any number of STEM careers.

The makerspace movement is as nascent and revolutionary as the technology behind unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and this volume introduces readers to both fascinating worlds. UAVs are no longer science fiction. Though their surveillance capabilities are controversial, they’re also being used for more practical purposes. This volume teaches young people how members of the maker movement are producing their own UAVs for productive purposes. Readers learn just what makerspaces are and where to find one in their own community, hopefully piquing their interest in engineering careers.

If makerspaces allow young people to collaborate on building projects, then Arduino allows them to go to the next level. Arduino is a do-it-yourself kit that includes a microcontroller that makes using electronics more accessible. Basically, this means that even those who are not experts in electronics can do amazing things, such as build and program robots. This book opens young people up to the possibilities of this exciting world by explaining exactly what makerspaces and Arduino are and how virtually anyone can use these tools to build programmable devices, a skill that is essential in any STEM field.

Robotics is one of the most exciting career fields of the twenty-first century. This stimulating volume introduces readers to robotics makerspaces and describes how student makerspace experiences and robotics competitions can lead to a career in robotics. It captures the breadth of the robotics industry, describing recent robotics research in home control, medicine, industry, and the military and outlines the skills, education, and degrees required to work in robotics, and the process of finding a robotics job. Informative profiles of several makerspaces as well as day-in-the-life scenarios of roboticists in the space program and the service industry, among others, will keep readers engaged.

Makerspaces are community-based, hands-on workshops in which people of all ages and skill levels come together to learn, work together, and create. Using creativity and collaboration, makerspace science projects are both fun and fulfilling. This guide brings science to life with ten easy-to-follow makerspace activities using sewing machines, laser cutters, 3D printers, electronics, woodworking tools, and metalworking equipment. Makers will develop new people and project skills, build confidence by overcoming challenges, and possibly discover innovative ways to address modern-day issues with science.

Makerspaces, equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, robotics, and other high-tech tools, are often associated with STEM programs like science, math, and technology. Educators have discovered that the learning opportunities makerspaces offer can be just as valuable in other curriculum areas as well. This volume fuses this fabulous technology with the Language Arts.

If makerspaces allow young people to collaborate on building projects, then Arduino allows them to go to the next level. Arduino is a do-it-yourself kit that includes a microcontroller that makes using electronics more accessible. Basically, this means that even those who are not experts in electronics can do amazing things, such as build and program robots. This book opens young people up to the possibilities of this exciting world by explaining exactly what makerspaces and Arduino are and how virtually anyone can use these tools to build programmable devices, a skill that is essential in any STEM field.

The urge to experiment and create has been strong in humankind since time immemorial. So, too, has the need to gather together for the greater good. Makerspaces, where innovators meet to advance technologies through physical computing, answer the call of both these motivating factors. Once a wave of the future, makerspaces are quickly becoming a fixture in the here and now. This books lets students discover where to find, and how to make the best use of, these creative spaces.