Thanks to Jon Chorley (TV-5) we have a special GATE opportunity which, to many of us, warrants pre-empting classes for a day.  We have 25 tickets to attend Education Day at Maker Faire 2012 on Thursday May 17 in San Mateo (http://makerfaire.com).  As you may know, Maker’s Faire is extraordinary:  a festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, a family-friendly exposition of innovative thinkers who love creating, learning and sharing what they make and do.  Showcasing whimsical and visionary creations and creators, the Faire highlights innovation and experimentation across the spectrum of science, engineering, art, technology, performance and craft. Whether it’s rockets or robots, crafts or hobbies — you can find it all at the seventh annual Maker Faire.

Education Day at the Faire is on Thursday May 17, and our kids will get a sneak peek at many of the exhibits and workshops. They’ll meet selected Makers, participate in activities, and get a glimpse of the setup process for this huge event. Preview tours are 90 minutes long, and have staggered arrival times. Groups must stay together for the entire visit. You get a free return ticket for Maker Faire either Saturday or Sunday. Bring lunch and we’ll eat before entering the Faire.

Be aware that STAR testing at some schools (e.g. EM, TV, MS) may conflict with this event. We understand in such cases, you can arrange to participate in each school’s make-up test.  Full details here.

UPDATE: Holy cow, that was cool.  A few photos:

Playin’ the Fire Organ

A walking, seeing robot folded out of cardboard

Kids making their own jewelry.  “Look, Daddy, I got my own blowtorch!”

Manufacturing rope from plant fibers using paleolithic technology

Meeting a friendly robot

Checking out a nice rocket.  This one has flown to 20,000 ft.

And no Maker Faire would be complete without artificial lightning!