littleBits and the Classroom Tinkerer

This week the class will vote for the year's first Classroom Tinkerer. The student who gets nominated and receives the most votes will take home a littleBits kit to create imaginative DIY projects. 

The job requires planning, trial and error, and writing… yes, writing. A maker's journal is also part of the kit, where the Tinkerer will illustrate and write about project design and process. Click here to see past classroom tinkerers' unique creations.

Lincoln Tinkers!

It's curious how some years the students' creations focus on light, and others (like this year's) center around sound and vibration.

Batiste Tinkers!

"The vibration motors aren't powerful enough." Batiste's original design for a massaging helmet turns out to be a lesson in trial and error.

The final design mimics a traffic light and a car that moves with the help of two vibration motors.

Maya Tinkers!

Maya, this year's first classroom tinkerer, demonstrates her creation for Lincoln and Carl.

Dubbed "There Goes the Door," Maya's design sends a cardboard character crashing through the front door of a Halloween house.

Emma Tinkers!

Emma's delicate creation is a verdant nightlight. She's the first to combine natural materials (sticks) with technology.

Lena Tinkers!

Lena's Bristlebot dons a mustache and soul patch while scrubbing the table.

Musical Accompaniment: Iz-Us, by Aphex Twin

Amber Tinkers!

After a vote, the class decided that tinkerers should be allowed to take the littleBits home.  Amber's illuminated creation combines blue and red LEDs, constructed at her house one afternoon last week. 

With the lights off, the dual color combination shines red and blue on any surface (like parallel Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader light sabers).

Holland Tinkers!

Caylon Tinkers!

The latest classroom job begins with a lesson on trial and error, D.I.Y., and open source technology.  The classroom tinkerer designs, illustrates, writes, builds, and shares creations made of reused, recycled materials, and Little Bits.

In the video below, Caylon shares the process and design of "The Green Light Bulb," inspired by fireworks.