One of the things we hold dear at the Tech Center is the idea that building it yourself is an invaluable opportunity for learning. This idea permeates our plans, right down to the idea of building our own workbenches, electronic sign-in systems, and tools.
Rapid prototyping is one process we want to make sure our kids learn, including working with 3D printing and CNC milling. We are very excited to have gotten a CNC Mill Kit designed by Shapeoko. The Shapeoko is an open hardware project created by Edward Ford; the Kickstarter campaign for the project generated a lot of excitement and support from the maker community. The kit is now available through Inventables, a fantastic resource for makers that includes everything from machines to materials.
As we get into the space, one of our first projects will be building the Shapeoko, and helping the kids learn how to design files to run through the mill. We are very excited about the accessibility of a kit like this and the world it will open up for the kids as they get the experience of working with rapid prototyping tools, getting them involved in every part of the process.
