I just watched October Sky, the inspiring movie about a teenage boy living in a coal town in the 50's whose interest in rocketry was ignited by the successful launch of the Russian's Sputnik.  It's based on a true story about Homer Hickam who eventually became a leading NASA scientist.  If you haven't seen it, this is a four hanky movie that guys like also!  It has challenging family dynamics, nerds / athletes friction, sweet boy-girl romance, an awesome teacher, a rigid principal, incipient environmental issues and people all ages overcoming obstacles and learning from their mistakes.

"They say" that we need more scientists and engineers.  Could it be that a future scientist resides in your family?  Do you have a child who wants to know how everything works? takes things apart and puts them back together for the pleasure of it? an artistic child who sees/paints/writes/composes things her/his own unique way?  a child who is drifting unchallenged in school?  Do you like tinkering, fixing things?  Do you have an idea for how to make something better? Do you have an invention in you?

The Maker Faire May 22 & 23 may be just the ticket for your family.  All sorts of tinkerers, creative folks, artists, inventors and the curious are showing or viewing at the DIY Maker Faire.  You could easily spend the entire two days there and not once be bored --that is if your feet and back could handle it!  It may just inspire your children, and you!  Save at least one entire day for the excursion.

Parmalee

Here are a few of the things you can learn at the Maker Faire 2010!

How to:
• shoot a 3D photo with your own digital camera, 3-DIY: Do-It-Yourself 3-D Cameras and Displays
• become a beekeeper,  Beekeepers Guild of San Mateo County
• be a Blanketeer, Binky Patrol
• build your own blinking electronic bug, Blinkybugs
• make a rotational casting machine
• build a taiko drum from a wine barrel
• make your own robot from paper pipes
• make your own car to race on a forty-two foot track, Cub/Boy Scouts
• repurpose a computer hard drive, Disky
• How to build an ECG circuit
• make an album or journal in 15 min with only paper, scissors, and glue
• build a simple MIDI controller, DIY USB MIDI Controller
• draw through subconscious expression, Don't Think, Just Draw!
• form and texture metal
• build a cell out of clay, GalaxyGoo's Cell Project
• make your own 3D dome, Hand made Dome 3D projector
• screenprint, sew, and make a beer koozie!
• build and launch a rocket during Maker Faire!  LUNAR Rocket Club
• make and launch compressed air rockets
• make a laughing cup, sound sandwiches, and other musical instruments
• make yarn using wool from sheep and spindles made from compact disks 
• make 3d animated sculptures
• make glass beads!
• make soap
• cure, smoke, and roast your own bacon
• create dramatic science demonstrations
• control pests without pesticide and grow your own veggies at home
• needle felt mounds of raw wool into a toothy monster.
• make a wallet out of discarded plastic
• make your own Arduino-controlled screen-printed electroluminescent display!
• build robotic warships for combat
• build a robot for fun
• use an Oscilloscope, SF Bay Area Amateur Radio
• make a paper airplane that can flap its wings, tumble, flip over and fly back upside down, loop, spin, and more.... The Paper Airplane Guy
• juggle, The Physics of Juggling
• design and create your own Softies, The Plush Team
• make an eco-conscious weaving project, W4: Woven Wonders, Warp and Weft
• make yogurt

Below is only a partial list of upcoming events and activities so be sure to click on our EVENT CALENDAR

Use the PARENT PLANNER to click on events and resources you are interested in and click PRINT MY PLANNER to print or email your list.

RESOURCES   ~   TELL A FRIEND ABOUT MBP   ~   POST YOUR EVENT 

The Castroville Artichoke Festival fun includes: three stages with great entertainment, Artichoke Eating Contest, Argo-Art, Field Tours, Ca Wine Expo, Arts & Crafts, Food Vendors, Artichoke Food Demos, Farmers Market, Artichoke Food Booths, and much more!

* AGRO ART Competition: AGRO art is 3-dimensional fruit and vegetable artwork. This quirky competition fosters imagination, creativity and fun for both participants and the viewing public.
* PARADE: Our sanctioned parade is one of the largest and most colorful of its kind.
* CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES: Games, face paints, clowns, stilt walkers, puppets and more!
* FOOD: Artichokes fried, sautéed, grilled, marinated, pickled, fresh, and creamed in soup. Plus foods from the many ethnic groups that give this area its character.
* COOKING DEMOS: The area's finest showcase the versatility and unique techniques for preparing and using artichokes.
* WINE TASTING: Sample the best from the area's award winning producers.
* ARTS & CRAFTS: Unique gifts and apparel crafted by artisans from throughout the country. Plus artichoke souvenirs galore!
* FARMERS MARKET: Artichokes and more, fresh from the heart of the salad bowl.
* FIELD TOURS: Hop a bus to the artichoke patch for grower talks and photo ops.
* MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT: Two days of live music! Everything from Swing to Mariachi, Country to 50's Rock & Roll.
      Saturday  Ho'Omana, Nor Cal All Starz, Salsa Dance Fiesta, Oceloyoti, Park Avenue Studios, Gams Afoot
      Sunday * Berta Olivia y su Mariachi Mexicanisimo, Banda Senderos

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