Get Inspired With Maker eResources

Staying busy at home can be challenging. If you or your children have some new open hours, you might be eager to enrich your time with fresh, creative activities. We're here to help.

While we weren't able to gather at Maker Faire Bay Area this May, we remain committed to inspiring people of all ages to make new things and learn how things work. We believe everyone in our community should have access to new technologies and exposure to the art of invention.

In keeping with this spirit, we’ve compiled a list of maker resources and specific projects for makers of all ages and skill levels. The best part? Most can be done at home with materials lying around your house.

Many of these activities are great for kids, but everyone can be a maker! We encourage you to explore these websites to find more activities or projects that energize you.

Websites and Projects to Spark Maker Imagination

• Make: Magazine coined the term “maker” all the way back in 2005. Today, explore the Projects Page for tons of activities focusing on different skill areas, ages, and educational purposes. Below are some suggested projects that could be completed with items you already have at home:                     
  • Quick and Easy Straw Oboe, opens a new window
  • Draw Abstract Art with a Random Number Generator, opens a new window
  • Mix and Mold Your Own Bath Bombs, opens a new window

• Instructables is a community website focused on bringing people who like to make things together. Here, people post projects they're working on, sharing both their progress and their process. There are several project categories to browse through, including some directed towards teachers or workshop crafts, and special interest areas like cooking and circuits. Below are some project ideas pulled from the Living section:              
  • Rubber Band Helicopter - Engineering Project for Kids
  • Upcycled Succulent Planters - Trash to Treasure
  • Bee Buzzer - Rubber Band Noise Toy
  • Zig Zag Structure - Cardboard Chair

• Science Buddies is aimed at students in grades K-12 and their teachers and parents. It’s also an excellent resource for STEM-related activities to complete at home regardless of age or skill level. At present, they are directing their efforts to creating free materials and projects for students, teachers, and parents who have been affected by school closures. Below are some suggested projects:            
  • Make a Cotton Ball Launcher
  • Bake Your Ice Cream
  • Build a Birdfeeder
  • Circus-Trick Science: How to Balance Anything

You can also join our Virtual STEAM Camp, opens a new window with free, online events five days a week! Are you a Maker? Let us know about your next project in the comments.