Are You A Maker?

Many gifted students are wildly creative, love to do puzzles, and have intense interests, sometimes in fields that a lot of people don't understand. Lately, some of those people have been banding together in something called the "Maker Movement." Makers are just that - people who like to make things: robots, electronics, 3-D printing, metalworking, woodworking...you name it. These folks share ideas on how to create things that interest them - sometimes ideas that lead to new inventions, careers, and a whole lot of fun!

Make Magazine, which launched in 2007, has been the impetus behind this movement, and says, "Many makers are hobbyists, enthusiasts or students (amateurs!)–but they are also a wellspring of innovation, creating new products and producing value in the community. Some makers do become entrepreneurs and start companies."

Make also hosts what they call "Maker Faire" at locations around the globe. One of the largest Maker Faires is held at the Henry Ford Museum near Detroit, this year scheduled for July 30-31. According to their website, "Maker Faire is like a three-ring circus of innovation. Robotics, electronics, rockets, food, music, fashion, science - if somebody makes it, we'll find a place for it at Maker Faire Detroit." There have also been Maker Faires of various sizes in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and other midwest cities.

If you have a passion for creating your own fun, this might be an activity you'd like to try - you can buy Make Magazine at Barnes and Noble, check out a Faire, and think about what you'd like to MAKE. There are also scores of YouTube videos with examples from other Makers, including this one, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Reimvk8D2Ho, where Joey Hudy shows President Obama how to use his marshmallow launcher and nearly gets tackled by the Secret Service.

If you end up making something cool, (or if you've already made something), share some photos! And if you launch a marshmallow at the principal - you didn't get that idea from us!