When I've got the stomach for it, I read a daily news summary called WTF Just Happened Today? It's perfectly named because that's a question I often ask myself these days. The news gets more surreal, more unbelievable, as time goes on. I've been quiet here, but if you follow The Maker Mom on Facebook, you know I'm not a fan an active opponent of the current administration. This post by J.A. Ginsburg sums up a lot of my concerns about the ... [ Read More ]
VEX Robotics Starstruck and Updates
Regular readers will know that I'm a fan of extracurricular STEM clubs and competitions. They build interest, knowledge, skills and add an exciting element to STEM study. This is especially true when it comes to robotics where STEM becomes a spectator sport, something that can't be said for math team. VEX Robotics Competitions I started a VEX Robotics team five years ago at the urging of my son. Thanks to a grant, I was able to start a team for ... [ Read More ]
I’m VEX Bound!
One of the great things about blogging for a long period of time is that Google has access to your memories, which is how I'm able to tell you exactly how I felt walking into my son's first robotics tournament with "The Makers" VEX robotics team in December of 2012. When I saw the scissor lifts, the pneumatic lifts, plexiglass-like shovels and complex machines that we never even imagined, I thought, “This is going to be embarrassing.” Sure, we’d ... [ Read More ]
Robot Revolution at MSI
Last week while I was hosting #STEMchat, my husband and the Young Maker Teen were working their way through just about the coolest display of the most amazing robots ever to gather in one place, Robot Revolution exhibit at Chicago's MSI, Museum of Science and Industry. This should be the background for Night at the Museum 3 4 5. The exhibit just opened and will be in town until January 2016, so I have plenty of time to visit. And so do you. ... [ Read More ]
Ozobot Review
I'm a little late for National Robotics Week and a lot early for the holiday season, but you're going to want to bookmark this for later. Meet Ozobot, a codeable robot that fits in the palm of your hand. At a price point of $49.99, it's one of the most affordable robots around. Ozobot Review Ozobot has several free associated apps for Android and iOS tablets (recommended for nine-inch screens or larger). Because I'm always trying to drag my ... [ Read More ]
Start a VEX Robotics Team for Free!
On the heels of last weekend's local VEX Robotics tournament, I'm full of enthusiasm for the league. And I want to share how you can start a VEX Robotics team for free! That said, I'm also full of appreciation for the group that came together to make the tournament a reality including (in no particular order) Robb Barton, Chris Powell, Tim Sullivan, Lisa Edelson from District 219, Regional Vex Coordinator Marc Couture, Rob (Robert? Bob?) ... [ Read More ]
Meet Dash and Dot, Robots for Young Kids
Dash and Dot are the new robots for young children from Wonder Workshop. You might have met them as Bo and Yana from Play-i when they were in the Kickstarter phase. Dash and Dot robots and their accessories started shipping in late 2014. The company has not only changed names, but they are busy refining their software, too. One thing has not changed, they are still programmable robots geared toward children as young as five. Wonder Workshop ... [ Read More ]