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. 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.
erik’s recycled wine bottle torch this clever outdoor diy idea comes from erik anderson of gerardot & co.- a creative branding and design agency in indianapolis. erik was kind enough to share a fantastic project that turns an everyday bottle into a modern backyard tiki torch. i love the way these torches look and am dying to find a backyard to use these in- too bad the closest thing we have is a 2×2 foot fire escape. but for those of you with yards, i hope you’ll enjoy this project from erik. click here for more info on the project and click here to check out erik’s work at gerardot & co. thanks, erik! CLICK HERE for the full project instructions after the jump! [****Safety Note: This is for outdoor use only. Recycled Wind Bottle Torch In any of my design work, whether for clients or for myself, I’m most proud when I can find a solution that’s highly creative and effective while keeping resources to a minimum. 1. Helpful Tools: Channellocks, adjustable wrench, hacksaw, power screwdriver, and a funnel Building Instructions
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. Like all traditional origami, no glue or cutting (once the basic outside shape of the paper is made) are required. I feared that once I unfolded my lovely store-bought version I wouldn't be able to get it back together but thankfully it wasn't nearly as difficult as I assumed. Begin with a 12" square of paper to end up with a lantern that is about 7" across when complete. Cut off the four marked corners of the paper.
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 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 Current Education and Outreach Activities At the GES DISC: Multimedia and Social Media: NASA GES DISC on Twitter NASA Giovanni on Twitter NASA GES DISC YouTube Channel
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. 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. www.sputcom3.co.uk 5. www.boxturtlebulletin.com 6. www.wallcoo.net 7. www.ontfin.com 8. www.globalissuesat-cz.blogspot.com
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! 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! Staple carefully the last cups to form the top of the sphere (if it’s a sphere, because it’s likely that it won’t be that round if some cups aren’t perfectly aligned). 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. 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. A YouGov poll suggested that 84% of people were opposed. to the government's plans, with one pressure group saying it had collected 400,000 signatures on a petition. Continue reading the main story Why trees are a force for good