Make@SCI

We explored sustainability solutions in museums, art and more at Tuesday’s Iowa Maker Tweet-Up, featuring all things green and eco-friendly in the innovation business. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:

First, we discussed nature’s important role as inspiration for Makers.

How do you incorporate nature/natural elements in your work as a Maker? #iamakerchat -@SCIOWA

The weather is a big influence on my work. Especially clouds. Also lots of plants and wildlife. Imagery. -@amandambarr, Amanda Barr, ceramics artist

We geeked out over unexpected eco-friendly features.

What’s the coolest sustainable Making project you’ve ever seen? #iamakerchat -@SCIOWA

Solar powered kilns! -@amandambarr

Naturally, sustainability practices in museums entered the conversation.

What are some ways you've seen museums work to build more sustainable infrastructures? #iamakerchat -SCIOWA

Solar panels, roof gardens come to mind. And building w/ found/recycled materials, using eco-friendly paints/finishes. #iamakerchat -@AAMers, American Alliance of Museums

Next #iamakerchat: Join us Tuesday, July 15, from 7:00-8:00 pm for a lively discussion on robotics and mechanics. Tweet #iamakerchat to join the conversation! 

Making encompasses everything from color-changing chemistry experiments to woodcarving to comics, and at our June 30 #iamakerchat, we highlighted the “A” in STEAM. Artistry in Making is about more than eye-catching projects — it’s about creating a positive user experience through visual elements that are equally beautiful and functional.

Educators, electronics enthusiasts, artists, gamers and more weighed in on the intersection of art and Making. Here are a few of our favorite tweets:

First, we explored the myriad applications of art in Making.

What does “STEAM” mean to you? -@SCIOWA

STEAM = PC video games #iamakerchat -@Fatman22, Eric Menke

So many interesting intersections of art/tech in making. Re-use of found/scrap materials into art, for example. #iamakerchat -@AAMers, American Alliance of Museums

How do art and technology intersect in Making?

Art comes up with the idea, technology makes it possible. So many things that were science fiction have become reality. #iamakerchat -@MichaelELandon

Art informs the Making process at every stage.

What role does art/artistic thinking play in your work as a Maker? #iamakerchat -@SCIOWA

From experience – function is not enough. Taking time to look good is perceived as taking time to make it work right. #iamakerchat -@MichaelELandon

When you’re starting a project, do you think about the technical functions before the aesthetic elements or simultaneously? #iamakerchat -@SCIOWA

I start with the functionality and then tweak it to look the best that it can. Sometimes it means backtracking a bit! #iamakerchat -@MichaelELandon

We learned that backtracking, problem-solving and laughter are important learning tools.

Making is all about being curious and inquisitive! How do you communicate to students that it’s OK to #MakeMistakes? #iamakerchat

As a teacher, I make and celebrate my mistakes with humor and humility and embrace students who show me they have different thinking -@tcgrn

Next #iamakerchat: Join us on Tuesday, July 14, from 7:00-8:00 pm for a fun, fast-paced discussion pf the intersection of nature and Making. Tweet #iamakerchat to join the conversation!