MURFREESBORO — The
string’s the thing at MTSU’s James E. Walker Library.
Personally crafted small vehicles will zoom across tensioned
synthetic string tracks in the Makerspace String Race from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 24, in the Makerspace area on the library’s second floor.
Participants must be at the Makerspace before 1:30 p.m.
All MTSU students and staff are invited to design and
construct their own vehicles, each powered by two AA batteries, for a double-elimination
drag race-type tournament that encourages creativity.
“You can build any kind of vehicle that you want as long as
it can hold two (AA) batteries and it can run along a string like a zipline
runs down a string,” said Valerie Hackworth, assistant manager of public
technology.
After being trained on the three-dimensional printer and
laser cutter in the Makerspace, contestants of all levels of experience can
make their own lightweight vehicles with an eye toward maximum aerodynamic
effect.
The area is equipped with soldering kits, safety goggles and
a motley collection of wood, metal and plastic parts that can be used to bring
individuals’ designs to life, but it’s essential to get started now.
“You may think that you can create your racer in two hours,”
said Hackworth. “You might actually need two days once you get working on it.”
Makerspace Specialist Ben Becker is available Monday through
Thursday to provide assistance.
A vehicle made by Neal McClain, director of library
technology, won a prototype race during the summer semester. His prize was an
acrylic statuette made on the laser etcher cutter in the Makerspace.
There is no fee to enter. A signup sheet is posted in the
Makerspace. For more information, contact Hackworth at 615-904-8545 or valerie.hackworth@mtsu.edu or
Becker at 615-904-8525 or ben.becker@mtsu.edu.
No comments:
Post a Comment