Quelab was happy to welcome the Retro Computer Meetup group back now that we have mostly finished our building renovations.
Here is a link to some photos
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZdmJd5haEm94MbZN7
link to the meetup
https://www.meetup.com/abq-retro-computers/events/285133758/
Welcome to Quelab Makerspace’s 2021 Fireless Fourth, list of ideas, amusements and demonstrations for the kid in all of us. As always if you enjoy this post please share it with other families and friends and educators and kids who may benefit from this.
I Adric, your humble blogposter has been collecting these ideas and demos and posting every year since 2011, and while I love fire booms, it’s fun to try and scour the internet for ideas that don’t need big flames! Quelab is based in the middle of the Desert Southwest and fire danger is a real and growing thing in the western United States. So hopefully some of these ideas will help you wile away the long hours until its dark enough to see a public display, or responsibly do your own small fireworks. Remember to always have a hose in the ready, and a bucket of water.
Anyway on with the links! !!!!
A bit of a take on the typical alka seltzer film canister rockets. This one has some color and a base of sarch. To give a washable tie dye effect plus a pop and zoom. May need to source some other small snap top air tight containers since film cans are kinda rare these days.. Although Quelab’s darkroom might be able to spare a few. https://gluesticksblog.com/sidewalk-paint-rockets
—-
Super simple idea for those long hours waiting for after sunset to see the fireworks. Lay out some paper on the ground, or even a table thatsin the setting sun, align toys on the sunny side, trace the shadows when they look most awesome to you. https://imgur.com/r/nextfuckinglevel/4IeQrQa
—–
Need to stay up on your Periodic table? Why not laminate some periodic table of the element images and then use a dry erase marker to play a game of battleship. https://hackaday.com/2016/02/05/you-sank-my-dysprosium-periodic-table-battleship-game/#more-189363
—–
The Fourth of July is about fountains. Well this one is uses water, and it’s flat. https://youtu.be/D07aJB0Blzw
—-
Daredevil. Looping pendulum, dripping weights on a line over a bar. Makes for some nice long exposure pinwheels.
—-
Milk plastic, moon boot print.
https://milkit.com/milk-moon-print-mess-with-your-milk/
—-
Free idea from the City of Albuquerque Museum, how to do your own scratch art fireworks. https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/albuquerque-museum/events/documents/fireworks.pdf
—-
Simple tape, and paper plate and cup, and tube marble tracks https://www.dollartree.com/diy-marble-track/idea-20/1803-34
—-
Need a little cool off? How about a water balloon pinata? https://www.dollartree.com/diy-water-balloon-pi%C3%B1ata/idea-201907-23
Links to past years Fireless Fourth posts.
Merry nearly Independence Day folks. This has been an odd year! But I have continued my now nine year tradition of collecting STEM and STEAM and Science demos, links, and craft ideas. This is for folks to have some fun during these long day time hours before the fireworks. Or instead of the fireworks. Or really any day! Encouraging all to think outside the box. Expand the holiday from Booms and BBQ’s. Tinkering, and Crafting, and exploring with your family and friends (where social distancing allows)
As usual New Mexico is in drought conditions, so if you do play with fireworks, Please Be Safe! Have a hose and a full bucket of water handy. Wet the surrounding area. Be mindful of weeds, trees, leaves, and litter and other burning hazards.
Due to the Corona virus, many events and parties are canceled, so skim over these and see if there are any good pastimes you want to try out!
I hope these links and the list of links for past years posts will keep you all (no matter what your age is) amused and delighted.
Please share this link with anyone you think might enjoy it.
-Adric
Bomb Fizz Strawberries,
Take a 60/40 mix of powdered sugar and baking soda, combine in a side bowl, then with either freshly washed strawberries, (the tarter the better within reason) dip the strawberries into the mix and tap to dust off the excess. Now eat them. What does it feel like in your mouth? -by Adric
Got a 3dprinter? You can try printing this bottle opener and bottle cap shooting gun.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3915647
Firecracker goop… poprocks, cornstarch, water, food color…
https://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/06/pop-rock-goop.html
Paper Blooming Water Flower (or is it a firework burst?)
Paint and paper tubes, to make a pretty good starburst pattern.
Cute firework creatures. Not in english. But you get the drift. (needs paint, straws, paper, googly eyes)
https://kreativraum24.de/monster-klecksen
Know someone with a few old rusty trailer hitch balls? You can make a pretty big spark with 2 and some foil. Video shows with big steel rock crushing balls. Large ball bearings… Must have round surfaces.
https://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/experiments/thermite-reaction/
DIY Kalliroscope must say (mica shimmer powder) works well.
How To Build A Simple Ferrocell
Make a cold tornado. Some fans, dry ice and some hot water.
https://gfycat.com/hotspicydalmatian
Cd+ paper pattern, plus a sunbeam = rainbow daytime fireworks.
Neon pant, blacklight, jar of water. Fun times neon fireworks. Might be able to use the putting shaving cream trick on this for a glow under blacklight rain storm. In a jar.
https://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2019/06/glowing-fireworks-experiment.html
Paper plate/stapler polyhedrals.
https://allfortheboys.com/paper-plate-polyhedron/
A bunch of crayon and heatgun art ideas. (42 in 1)
http://www.cartoondistrict.com/diy-melted-crayon-art-ideas-on-canvas/ 
3D foil art, Paper/cardboard/canvas some glue and yarn. Then some more glue and cover with foil. Rub down, and paint with colored sharpies. Looks pretty cool.
http://ourartlately.blogspot.com/2012/02/foil-embossing.html
DIY “laser” maze. Streamers and tape. For a harder version, try using cheap painters tape instead of streamers. Now you have a sticky lazer maze. https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/diy-hallway-laser-maze-indoor-fun-for-kids.html
Super simple Glue, Construction Paper and Salt, and food coloring firework craft.
https://www.icanteachmychild.com/salt-absorbing-fireworks/
Simple Bird kite, from paper. Can even work with no wind. And tire out the kids.
http://krokotak.com/2017/06/simple-bird-kite/
Paper only Flexigon. (no tape needed) great travel toy. 6 sided fidget item.
Suncatchers, Can lid, clear school glue, and those flower gems, or flat marbles or whatever you call em. The lid is just there as a backing for the glue. And is removed when the glue is dry.
https://www.thejerseymomma.com/2016/12/easy-handmade-diy-suncatchers.html
Got a drone? Rig up a TP dropper. Just be sure to clean it up…. I’m guessing toilet paper won’t be so rare by the 4th.
Link to 2019-2011 Fireless fourth links:
https://quelab.net/19628/2019-quelabs-fireless-fourth-links-and-ideas/
https://quelab.net/19560/2018-fireless-fourth-4th-of-july-
https://quelab.net/19439/quelab-2017-fireless-fourth-link-list/
https://quelab.net/19282/2016-fireless-forth-ideas-from-quelab/
Greetings Folks! Here we have the ‘2019 Fireless Fourth’ Science and entertainment demos, that are selected from across the web all year, I believe ive been pushing these out to the friends of Quelab for 8 years now! The goal is to let people learn while having fun, and letting you explore a little science while saving some money, and if you like me live in a very dry, high fire danger place, perhaps you will get a few people an alternative or a supplement to a personal fireworks display.
Well at the bottom I will link you back to the previous years Fireless Fourth posts. And as always please share this around!
On to the new Links!
Food:
Bald Eagles with Oreos.
Bomb Fizz Strawberries,
Take a 50/50 mix of powdered sugar and baking soda, and mix, then with either freshly washed strawberries, (the tarter the better within reason) dip the strawberries into the mix and tap to dust off the excess. Now eat them. What does it feel like in your mouth? -invention made by Adric
Light/Sound demos:
How to make Lightning! (simple homemade electrostatic builder)
link to learnplayimagine.com post
Sidewalk Chalk Rockets!
https://gluesticksblog.com/sidewalk-paint-rockets/
Wax paper dye Resist, fireworks!
Hurricane in a Jar
Paper Poppers, or Bangers! We did this one our first year at Quelab, but here is a nice version with 3 types, which works best?
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Paper-Popper
Try this with Wristband glowsticks for your own skybloom firework simulator!
https://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/experiments/leak-proof-bag/
Digital Fireworks:
Have a Hue light & android? You can synchronize it with firework sounds.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ijsdesign.huefireworks
Augmented Reality fireworks, with ability to snap pictures. (android) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Paradyme.FireshotFree
Send fireworks, (Iphone)
Collections:
Summer science fun for kids.
https://lemonlimeadventures.com/must-try-summer-science-activities-for-kids/
More fun Summer science
https://www.buzzfeed.com/mallorymcinnis/we-ve-got-magic-to-do-just-for-you
Probably not a good idea:
Someone decided to scale up an elephant toothpaste experiment. And it was amusing.
Quelab’s Fireless 4th Links from 2018
Quelab’s Fireless 4th Links from 2017
Quelab’s Fireless 4th Links from 2016
Quelab’s Fireless 4th Links from 2015
Quelab’s Fireless 4th Links from 2014
Links from 2013
http://quelab.net/wordpress/9114/quelabs-collection-of-fireless-forth-ideas/
Quelab’s Fireless 4th Links from 2011
http://quelab.net/wordpress/773/non-fire-paper-popperbangercracker/
Please Share this list, anywhere you might find bored grownups or kids! And if you have further ideas/links email me at adric at quelab.net, put “Fireless Fourth” in the subject.
Wow, is it almost July 4th again? And New Mexico is still in a horrible Drought. So we continue to bring you the 2018 list of Quelab’s Fireless Fourth Ideas.
Link here to 2017’s Fireless Fourth links
Exploding Watermelons! Who says you need fire to explode watermelon everywhere? Just some rubber bands! How many did it take if you do this?
https://youtu.be/B__lvz7zQCE
Lightning? in your kitchen?
http://www.learnplayimagine.com/2013/04/how-to-make-lightning.html?m=1
Paint and explore Rainbows
https://thepinterestedparent.com/2017/02/make-explore-paint-rainbows/How about Oilslick Rainbows, are the the same colors as storm rainbows? Did you know that the colors are due to the thickness of the layer amplifying some colors and interfering with others?
More colors more rainbows.
https://www.sciencekiddo.com/rainbow-paper-kid-color-science/
Cheap Solo Cup Ribbons or wind twirlers.
https://www.icanteachmychild.com/plastic-cup-twirlers/
Rocket launched battery operated led lights.
https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Fireless-Fireworks/
Old School Oil and water light show..
https://www.instructables.com/id/Old-School-Psychedelic-Light-Show/
Superglue explosions in hot borax water?
Shaving cream Dye? For Color Explosions., fun marbling technique.
https://youtu.be/r_vv_ymduYo
Fake/EZ Sharpie Tiedye
Wireless power? Did this with friends back in Highschool. Florescent light bulbs (even burned out ones) will glow under some high voltage power lines.
Poprocks in foam. Make poprock goop.
http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/06/pop-rock-goop.html
If you know about Adric, you know he’s been on a styrofoam recycling kick. But here is a way to get some use out of it yourself. For making prints.
https://youtu.be/O32K3BnzqT8Link here to 2017’s Fireless Fourth links
Pocket Catapult? Fun with those little paper wrapped poppers.
PVC, shock cord, and Pool Noodle Rocket Launcher.
Link here to 2017’s Fireless Fourth links which also has links back to previous years!
Here is a link to the recipe/instructions for at home Recycling of waste Expanded Polystyrene Foam (Styrofoam). as was demonstrated at the Albuquerque mini Maker Faire April 21/22 2018.
https://www.instructables.com/id/Recycling-Styrofoam-EPS-Into-Castable-Styrene-Plas/
*Edit! Its up on Hackaday! https://hackaday.com/2018/05/01/recycling-and-casting-styrofoam-with-solvents
Quelab was approached last month to open some outreach talks with a representative of the local Air Force Research Laboratory(AFRL) and their Maker Hub, (A Makerspace on Kirtland Air Force Base). After talks and a tour of our space, we arranged for a small group tour to be escorted onto the base and see some of the AFRL’s space tech lab space, and then through the Maker Hub, which is a very nicely outfitted small Makerspace right in Western KAFB, which turns out to be open and free for people with base access. (details in a link below)
I had the honor to be on a podcast panel during Albuquerque mini MakerFaire 2017, Myself, and Mini Maker Faire organizer Wendi Flybutter, Bernalillo County Seed Librarian Brita Sauer, Talking to the City on the Edge podcast crew, all about making, makering, planting new seeds, and about many more things including Quelab (even if they got the tags a bit wrong).
Enjoy!
City On The Edge Podcast
The fourth of July is nearly upon us! So in preparation I bring you my collection of fireless ideas for entertaining kids and adults alike on this holiday! At the end will be links to the 2013-2016. If you celebrate with fireworks or without, some of these may help you out! pass the time and have fun, and if you celebrate with fireworks, please do it responsibly, keep a hose handy, a bucket of water to quench the deads, and common sense.
Well here is this years list!
500 drones with lights?? Substitute for skyblooms?
Here are a bunch(15) of things to try out!
http://lemonlimeadventures.com/15-science-experiments-pop-fizz-crackle/ http://lemonlimeadventures.com/15-science-experiments-pop-fizz-crackle/
5 minute cheap and mostly color related science experiments safe for kids and adults (bunches of ideas here!!!)
I think there has been basically this idea in every one of my Fireless Fourth, posts since 2011 or so, but each year i find slightly better versions, painted firework blooms
Stained glass picture frames, (make still life window fireworks)
Easy Starburst Wall Art.
Hotdog firecrackers.
http://www.popsugar.com/food/Firecracker-Hot-Dog-Recipe-37777925
Crackling Goop!
http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/06/pop-rock-goop.html
Here is a simple toy, to amuse, says toddlers, i’m pretty sure i know enough adults who would play too….
http://frugalfun4boys.com/2013/07/03/preschool-play-with-magnets-and-pipe-cleaners/
Overnight crystal garden. Red White and Blue!
http://www.lilmoocreations.com/science-for-kids-overnight-crystal-garden/
Not sky blooms, but it gives you the option to make colorful blooms!
Exploding Sidewalk chalk!
http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/05/play-recipe-sidewalk-chalk.html
Rainbow bubble snake maker!
Train your kids to be ninja superheros.
http://www.brassyapple.com/2013/05/diy-laser-maze-kids-activity.html
A quick selection of fireless amusements from Steve Spangler
So simple a photo can explain it.
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ba/b8/d3/bab8d3047e33cb17bc8e9900b86ec709.jpg
Another single photo idea (well it’s a composite, but who’s counting?!?)
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/5d/df/1d/5ddf1d1a4c27fea9fdbc13f29ed86716.jpg
Quelab past fireless fourth links.
All links and ideas are rights of the perspective creators, i just collected most of these not responsible for misuse or damage or danger caused by any of these.
Quelab is having some upstream mailserver problems right now, so if you just got home from the Albuquerque Maker Faire, and are sending us an email. it might bounce or fail please try again in a few days or hit us up on facebook! Or Drop by for open hacknight Tuesday 7pm-10pm
