paper star lantern tutorial
I suppose it isn't exactly the right time of year for stars and lanterns, but I've got a paper folding fascination at the moment and so was drawn to a project I had wanted to do back in Autumn. During last lantern season I was looking everywhere for instructions to make these beautiful paper lanterns and couldn't find them anywhere. I ended up purchasing a lantern that was already made and since I've been struggling with some difficult folds and designs of other paper crafts, I decided to unfold the seemingly simple lantern I bought and figure the thing out for myself. Since in my own quest for instructions I crossed paths with many other people looking for the same thing, I thought I'd do my best to share what I learned. Begin with a 12" square of paper to end up with a lantern that is about 7" across when complete. (Feb., 2012 edit: A video tutorial of this project can now be found here.) For crisper creases and to help fold thicker card stocks, try using a bone folder.
Skill Builder
From light theremins to toothbrush timers the 555 timer is an extremely versatile component, for beginner and advanced projects alike. We've previously shown how to drive DC, servo, and stepper motors with simple 555 circuits. Now with our latest Weekend Project, MAKE Technical Editor Sean Ragan re-imagines the 555 as the brain of an all-in-one controller he calls the Dial-a-Speed: One Motor Controller to Rule Them All. Watch how he put it together: The stacking and layout of this build is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. We're still wowed by its design. The possibilities of the 555 are many. I love working with 555 timer. We'll be showing how to apply the potential drive of the Dial-a-Speed in another upcoming Weekend Project, but for now if you have your own 555 stories to tell, share them in the comments below or email us at weekenedprojects@makezine.com.
SCIENCE FOCUS: DEAD ZONES — GES DISC: Goddard Earth Sciences, Data & Information Services Center
Info Home page for information about educational resources and outreach activities of the NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center The NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) provides a broad variety of data to scientists around the world. In addition to the data, the GES DISC has created several different tools that enable data users to categorize, view, order, visualize, and analyze the large volume of data it holds. The primary mission of the GES DISC is to provide data to researchers, and via the expertise of the GES DISC staff, to facilitate Earth system science investigations. The data and tools at the GES DISC also provide multiple ways in which teachers and students can gain insight into the interconnected spheres of Earth’s environment – the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, biosphere, and geosphere. Data for Education GES DIRECTS (GES DISC Resources for Education & Career Training for Scientists) – in preparation
10 World’s Greenest Countries
The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is a method of measuring the performance of national governments related to environmental policies. Yale University and Columbia University release the EPI every year during the World Economic Forum, ranking 163 countries according to 25 indicators. The final mark shows how close the country is to accomplish the environmental goals. Here are the top ten green countries on the list which have made most, officially the greenest in the world. 1. www.metrolic.com Iceland is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful countries because of the breathtaking nature, but they can still enjoy that due to the high level of accomplishing the environmental policy goals. 2. Switzerland was leading the EPI list years ago, but now has fallen to the second place just due to incredible Iceland performance. 3. www.thundafunda.com Costa Rica government is strongly committed to following the Icelandic example for use of renewable energy sources. 4. 5. 6. 7.
A bit of green :: Crafts :: Plastic Cup Lamp
Now that my university is closed for winter holidays, I finally have more free time to do all the crafty things I’ve been wanting to. One of these is a lamp made from plastic cups I’ve seen at taf, the art foundation, in the Monastiraki region in the center of Athens. When I first saw it at taf, I was amazed; I looked closely and I couldn’t believe my eyes! The object itself is so peculiar, modern and alien-like it could be in any design exhibition. Disclaimer: There have been some concerns about the safety of this construction (see the comment of user “when” below for example). I only needed a couple of things: 200-250 large plastic cups (recyclable, at least )600-700 staplesa staplera lamp socket, lamp cord and plug – mine came from a broken IKEA lamp! That’s all you will need. Start stapling the cups together as shown. Staple again and again and again… Until your lamp goes from this… …to this! The alien lamp is ready! You might also like:
Why are we a nation of tree-huggers?
3 February 2011Last updated at 15:44 By Jon Kelly BBC News Magazine Plans to transfer ownership of many public forests in England have provoked a huge row. But why are we so protective of our woodlands? It's about the rustling of the leaves and the crunch of twigs underfoot. It's the sensation of the rough bark on your hands and the light dappling into a clearing. Above all, it's a place where nature takes priority over humans. For the vast majority of us, living in towns and cities, visiting a forest is the easiest way to escape our mechanised, wipe-clean, ring-roaded civilisation and properly get back to nature. As the government is finding out, a forest unleashes something deeply primordial in otherwise domesticated, suburban Britons. Plans to radically change the ownership of some of England's forests have provoked a furious backlash. Indeed, it is a response that tells us much about a country in which 90% of the population live in urban areas. Continue reading the main story
