Makerspace workshops for spring 2019

The NC State University Libraries offers a variety of Makerspace workshops for students, all of which require no prior experience. Participants can learn how to 3D print and design, sew, create robots that tweet, and work with the Internet of Things. Makerspace workshop titles this semester include “Getting Started with 3D Printing,” “Prototyping Electronics with Arduino,” “Sewing Basics,” and much more. And basic Makerspace orientation sessions give you card access to the Hill Library Makerspace during open hours.

The Makerspace workshops for the spring 2019 semester are:

Getting Started with 3D Printing
Tuesday, Feb. 5, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Mar. 6, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Thursday, Apr. 11, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
D. H. Hill Makerspace
Are you interested in learning about 3D Printing but aren't sure where to start? This workshop will cover the basics of how 3D printing works, including hands-on time to learn with the Hill Makerspace’s MakerBot and Lulzbot 3D printers. We'll also discuss some of the implications of this powerful tool, and how to use the Hunt and Hill Makerspaces to bring your designs to life.

Getting Started with 3D Design
Wednesday, Feb. 6, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Thursday, Mar. 7, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Monday, Apr. 15, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
D. H. Hill Makerspace
This workshop will cover the basics of using 3D design software and creating designs suitable for 3D printing at the D. H. Hill Jr. or Hunt Library Makerspaces. Participants will learn about the variety of options available for 3D design, downloading and modifying free online 3D designs, and get hands-on practice with Tinkercad, a free, easy-to-use software. You do not have to have attended the D. H. Hill Jr. Makerspace Orientation before attending this 3D printing workshop. However, you will have to attend an orientation before using the Makerspace outside of the workshop. NOTE: You will need to create a (free) Tinkercad account in order to access the software for this workshop!

Prototyping Electronics with Arduino
Friday, Mar. 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
D. H. Hill Makerspace
Do you want to build a robot that interacts with Twitter or your own wearable electronics project? This workshop will cover the basics of Arduino a microcontroller circuit designed to make creating interactions between computers and the physical world easy for everyone. In this workshop, we'll create some simple example circuits and talk about how to check out electronics kits from the Libraries. Arduino Inventor Kits are available for one-week checkout from both Hill and Hunt Library, so participants will be able to take a kit home with them after the workshop to continue exploring and experimenting (based on kit availability). You do not have to have attended the D. H. Hill Jr. Makerspace Orientation before attending this Arduino workshop.

No electronics experience required! Laptops will be available for participants, but bring your own if you want to save and edit your projects after the workshop.

Getting Started with the Internet of Things
Friday, Feb. 8, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Friday, Apr. 5, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
D. H. Hill Makerspace
Come learn more about the Internet of Things (IoT)!
In this project-based workshop, we will use a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B with Sense HAT to record temperature and humidity readings to create and online dashboard. We will walk you through setting up the Pi, getting live readings, recording that information, and posting it online.

We'll provide all necessary hardware.

The Libraries' Makerspace has an initiative to support our users in learning the Internet of Things—for more information, see: http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/do/iot

While no previous experience is necessary, beginning coders may want to prepare by taking a lesson or two of the Code Academy Python course.

Sewing Basics
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
D. H. Hill Makerspace
Have you always wanted to make things with fabric? Does using a sewing machine seem as intimidating as riding a motorcycle? Well, it can be as fun, too!!! With our step-by-step approach, we will teach you the fundamentals that will launch you onto the path to creating successful sewing projects. Learn the basic parts of a sewing machine, solid sewing skills, and good sewing habits in this introductory class. Beginners as well as individuals with no prior sewing experience are welcome!

NOTE: This course is not about garment-making. Our focus is on giving you a basic sewing skill set that you can continue to build upon beyond this session.

Getting Started with eTextiles
Thursday, Jan. 31, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 26, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
D. H. Hill Makerspace
In this session you'll learn how to combine electronics with textiles to create a unique wearable project. We'll teach you how to sew a circuit, and then you'll design and develop a your own creative project. Throughout this session you'll gain practical knowledge about electronics prototyping, learn the basics of sewing by hand, and get hands-on experience working with conductive thread and electronic components. No prior experience with sewing or electronics is required.

Getting Started with Digital Embroidery
Thursday, Feb. 21, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
D. H. Hill Makerspace
This hands-on workshop offers participants an overview of embroidery/digital embroidery, the basic operations of the Brother PE-770 digital embroidery machines at the D. H. Hill Library Makerspace, and working with the embroidery design program Embrilliance. You'll learn how to set up, run, and troubleshoot the machine, design your own embroidery patterns, and best practices for selection and preparation of materials. We'll also discuss how to incorporate digital embroidery into a wide variety of projects, including e-textiles and wearable electronics using conductive embroidery thread. All materials and equipment will be provided, and no previous experience necessary!

Getting Started with the Raspberry Pi: Building and Controlling Beginner Projects
Friday, Mar. 29, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
D. H. Hill Makerspace
Come learn the basics of Raspberry Pi in this two hour workshop. A Raspberry Pi is a full computer that costs $35. It’s an easy platform for prototyping and controlling electronics, art projects, and science equipment. The Pi powers projects from craft brewing to data collection and visualization; from interactive art installations to supercomputers.

Working in Scratch and Python, you will learn to code and control an LED, program a stop light, and take pictures with the Raspberry Pi's camera. While no previous experience is necessary, beginning coders may want to prepare by taking a lesson or two of the Code Academy Python course.

Getting Started with Circuits and Soldering
Friday, Mar. 1, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
D. H. Hill Makerspace
Are you interested in learning about electronics but aren't sure where to start? This workshop will cover some basic electronic components, how to make connections, and how to solder. Come join this workshop to get started with circuits and soldering!

Getting Started with Digital Sculpting
Wednesday, Jan. 30, 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Mar. 20, 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
D. H. Hill Makerspace
A relatively new medium, digital sculpting allows the user to manipulate a computerized mesh as though it were clay, making it an intuitive way for anyone to get started creating digital models. In this interactive workshop, you will be introduced to the basics of digital sculpting inside of Sculptris, a free sculpting software available for Mac and Windows. You will follow along with your choice of tablet or 3 button mouse as we go over the process of building, detailing, and preparing a model for 3D printing or viewing. This workshop is intended for beginners, no prior art or 3D design experience is required.