Maker Faire Brings Innovation to Life This Weekend in NYC

A forest of light at Maker Faire on May 18, 2013. (Image credit: Mike Wall)

NEW YORK — The New York Hall of Science is set to become a DIYer's paradise this weekend, as a two-day event dedicated to the celebration of science, technology and innovation kicks off in Queens.

World Maker Faire New York, which is nicknamed "the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth," will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 21-22). The event includes exhibits, panel discussions and workshops on a wide range of topics, including 3D printing, woodworking and building robots.

Here are some highlights of the upcoming World Maker Faire New York:

-The Faire's "Learn to Solder" area will give people the opportunity to learn a new, handy skill, or get some more hands-on experience with soldering.

-The 3D Printing Village will have experts on hand, and will showcase demonstrations to inspire new creations from 3D printing enthusiasts.

-The Open Organization of Lockpickers (TOOOL) will teach Faire attendees how to pick any lock in Lockpick Village.

-Skraptacular will demonstrate how to make art from discarded, plastic materials.

-Affine Creations will demonstrate the art of woodworking.

-Attendees can learn how to build an Air Rocket Glider or a fully functional multicopter.

-The National Needlearts Association will be teaching makers of all ages how to knit, crochet, cross-stitch and spin in the Needlearts Zone.

-The Nerdy Derby will give kids of all ages the opportunity to build miniature cars and race them on a specially constructed track.

A compost pile designed and built by Build It Green!NYC, a nonprofit environmental organization, will also be on display at this weekend's Maker Faire.

"Last summer we collected 2,000 pounds of organic waste at World Maker Faire, and we are excited that this year we will be able to process the food scraps at [the New York Hall of Science]," Justin Green, Build It Green!NYC's program director, said in a statement.

Attendees will be able to contribute to the organic waste pile throughout this weekend's event. The New York Hall of Science will maintain the compost heap throughout the year, using fresh soil on the grounds to keep it thriving. The structure is designed to raise awareness about re-using and recycling materials.

Tickets to World Maker Faire New York 2013 are available for purchase online on the event's website: http://makerfairenyc.eventbrite.com. Tickets range in price from $10 to $35 for full-day passes, and can also be purchased at the door on Saturday and Sunday.

Follow Denise Chow on Twitter @denisechow. Follow LiveScience @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on LiveScience.

TOPICS

Denise Chow was the assistant managing editor at Live Science before moving to NBC News as a science reporter, where she focuses on general science and climate change. Before joining the Live Science team in 2013, she spent two years as a staff writer for Space.com, writing about rocket launches and covering NASA's final three space shuttle missions. A Canadian transplant, Denise has a bachelor's degree from the University of Toronto, and a master's degree in journalism from New York University.