[hackerspaces] Children in hackerspaces.

[kwadronaut]

I think you should approach them just like others. Take prior knowledge
and skills into account and start having fun. In my experience little
toddlers like to draw or watch some nice video-art with clocks and
numbers. But maybe it's not the brightest idea to let them use the
welding equipment.

Besides that, when I'm having troubles to take something apart that
isn't meant to be taken apart (think: cheap electronics), kids somehow
manage to take it apart without much damage. As long as your hackerspace
doesn't change into a sweatshop i don't see any reason to close the door
for kids.

Why, Matt Joyce, are you shouting out and saying it's contentious? I'm
missing your arguments. Of course every hacklab is completely different,
some have insurance and rent, others not, some people don't like to have
others watching their hands so given the local circumstances you might
want to have the kid caretakers around or only allowing kids during
certain hours, because they sometimes need a little bit more attention.


Matt Joyce wrote:
> HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
> 
> sorry.  no really.  this is the most contentious topic on earth for spaces.
> 
> On Sat, Jan 23, 2010 at 9:04 PM, Tim Krabec <tkrabec at gmail.com 
> <mailto:tkrabec at gmail.com>> wrote:
> 
>     When hack-it starts I plan to have family rates. Under 18 will require
>     adult/custodial supervision in the shop areas. They will he responsible for them
> 
> 
>     On Jan 23, 2010, at 8:02 PM, Lokkju Brennr <lokkju at gmail.com
>     <mailto:lokkju at gmail.com>> wrote:
> 
>         We're still exploring, but leaning towards student rates with
>         restricted access hours...  ideas and discussion is more than welcome.
> 
>         Loki
>         BrainSilo.org
> 
>         On Sat, Jan 23, 2010 at 4:48 PM, webmind <webmind at puscii.nl
>         <mailto:webmind at puscii.nl>> wrote:
> 
>             In reaction to:
>             "A topic which I would love to raise at some point in the near
>             future - -
>             'children in hackerspaces'."
> 
>             I found the following inspirering talks, all on TED. I expect most
>             people to know TED, but I'm also suprised how few actually do :)
> 
>             How kids teach themselves:
>             http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/sugata_mitra_shows_how_kids_teach_themselves.html
> 
>             Two talks on the 'tinkering school':
>             http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/gever_tulley_on_5_dangerous_things_for_kids.html
>             http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/gever_tulley_s_tinkering_school_in_action.html
> 
>             And one on motivation, and empowering children:
>             http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/kiran_bir_sethi_teaches_kids_to_take_charge.html
> 
>             and how schools kill creativity:
>             http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html
> 
> 
>             That placed, I'm all for giving children a chopbot, a rootshell and a
>             screwdriver. :)
> 
>             w.
> 
>             --
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