While many fourth grade students rush home from school to play video games, Ian heads straight to his garage — to make things. His earliest memories are of pouring over his first “How it Works” book. That book and his inquisitive nature spurred an interest in the mechanics of pretty much everything. He helped build a first generation Makerbot 3D printer from a kit when he was 7, and before long he also mastered the UP! 3D printer. He already designs his own objects for printing using a 3D CAD program. Ian and his sister built an Eggbot which they use to design decorative eggs and Christmas ornaments. According to his mother, “Ian has so many projects he’s building. If we let him, he would keep working late into the night.”
Well, Ian’s now 10 years old, so what’s he going to do? Learn how to master his new CNC router, that’s what! He is currently experimenting with materials, router bits and the new 3D design and machine control software. Leveraging classes at a STEM and robotics education center in Sugar Land, Ian is also diving into electronics, microcontrollers and programming – because these are what make things move and “brings them to life”. Ian plans to use Arduino, Raspberry Pi and other microcontrollers in his future projects to create automated systems. We can’t wait to see what Ian is doing when he’s 11!
Several of Ian’s creations will be on display at the Houston Mini Maker Faire, including an acrylic LED edge-lit sign of his own design.
Awsome Ian!
Oops! “Awesome!”
I am so proud of you!
This is so cool Ian. Keep it up and you will be needing Uncle Dave to represent you on some of your inventions. You are just like your dad was when he was your age. He use to drive us crazy cause his room would look like your garage. AWESOME!!!!
You are amazing!!