KCI Underground

In the time since we have launched our MakerSpace at Krause Center for Innovation at Foothill College, we have learned a lot about storage and space and how to maximize what we have, dealing with the constraints we were given as we started the project. Our MakerSpace was originally a computer lab with approximately 40 tower type PC's for student use. Over the past 4-5 years the use of this lab by students dwindled significantly to the point where there might be 1-2 students per day using the lab and those who were using the lab, were bringing their own computers and connecting to the wireless service. This provided us with the space we could use, but we were also told we couldn't move or modify any of the permanent furniture or drill into any of the brick walls that make up a significant part of our space. These constraints have provided us with the opportunities to create items that have allowed us to use the space and add in items to make it more functional for the work w

Krause Center for Innovation at Foothill College , in collaboration with 3D Veterans , is holding our first “MakerVet” Bootcamp starting on January 29, 2018. The two-week boot camp, along with three online courses afterwards will provide veterans the basic training to enter para-educator positions in schools, camps and other youth maker programs. Additionally, this training will provide the basic training and skills to allow program completers to apply for entry-level positions in additive (3D Printing) and subtractive (laser cutting / etching) manufacturing facilities. 10 Day - Bootcamp Training Model This 10-day Bootcamp Training Model will provide training candidates with the basic skills to work within a makerspace that has a 3D design component. Candidates will learn how MakerSpaces function as ‘hubs for innovation’ where members of the community work collaboratively to share knowledge and skills. At the heart of the program is a component where candidates will learn the proc

On December 18 - 21, The KCI Underground MakerSpace held a camp for students in ages 12-16 to create and build their own games. Camp participants used MakeyMakey's , Raspberry Pi computers to create and develop their own games. As part of the process, campers were able to design their own cardboard console to put around their computer monitors to emulate the look and feel of an arcade video game and 3D Print joysticks to control their games. One of the games campers created was their own version of Dance Dance Revolution. The Raspberry Pi and Makey Makey's were included in the cost of the camp, so that campers could take their creations home with them. Please take a look at the slideshow below to see some of the great activities campers were able to do during the camp.

On December 2nd, the Foothill College / Krause Center for Innovation (KCI) Underground MakerSpace held two separate Open House events, one for the public and one for Foothill Staff and Community. Between the two events, we had over 100 people in the MakerSpace and a ribbon cutting ceremony. Visitors were able to build boxes cut, using our Cricut Maker, LED Flashlights, or LED Holiday Cards. Additionally, we had our three Dremel 3D Printers running, along with our new Laser Cutter, which created plastic cut and etched keychains commemorating the event. We are now open for all Foothill College students and selected community members through December 21. We will be closed through the Winter Holidays from December 22 through January 2, 2018. We will reopen to students and the community on January 3, 2018. If you are a community member and wish to become a member of the KCI Underground MakerSpace, please fill out this form. Tomorrow evening (December 6, 2018) we will be hosting the

On November 16th, the KCI Underground MakerSpace hosted the November Peninsula / South Bay Maker Educator Meetup. This event gave close to 40 Maker Educators a chance to tour and use the new KCI Underground MakerSpace. Attendees were able to see all of the equipment that is now in place which includes: 6 - 3D Printers, 2 - Desktop CNC Machines, 2 - Vinyl Cutters, 25 - Raspberry Pi, 20 - Arduinos, 20 - Microbits, a wide variety of hand tools (Hammers, screw drivers, wrenches, ratchet sets, saws, drills, etc. ) The two projects available were: 1) A gift box construction from parts cut using our new Cricut Maker machine. 2) A 3D Paper Circuit popup work based on a design thinking activity that helped participants brainstorm the 3D paper project. We finished the night with a Q & A with the group, asking them what we could provide to them as Maker Educators and what kinds of programs we could provide. Most of the educators who attended liked the programs we outlined to them, but w

As part of the sequence of courses we are teaching with the Foothill College Middle College program, we did a design thinking course, where students were put into pairs and asked to design the perfect wallet for their partner. The slideshow below shows some of the projects students came up with. If you want to try this project out on your own, check out the Stanford d.school Wallet Project here.