VOA标准英语2014--'Maker Faires' Encourage Kids to Create

 

'Maker¹ Faires' Encourage Kids to Create 

RESTON, VIRGINIA — Hands-on creations from robots to rockets were highlighted at a Northern Virginia Maker Faire. Artists, inventors and hobbyists shared their knowledge of things they make themselves, which included science innovations. At the faire in Reston, Virginia, children discovered that science can be both informative² and fun.

With metallic³ conductive thread, a girl creates a simple electronic circuit. Artist Sally Byers incorporates tiny lights like this in her clothing designs. She said the art of making things yourself is disappearing and hopes the younger generation will continue to create whatever moves them.

“I want them to learn that they can make it happen whatever it might be, that they can do all kinds of stuff, but I’m not sure they learn that in school,” said Byers.

But they can learn it at Maker Faires, which began in the United States eight years ago as a gathering⁴ for people who enjoy creating and sharing. Now, the faires have spread worldwide to countries like Nigeria, China, and Egypt.

Lorelei Brown, media coordinator⁵ for this event, said faires provide a creative outlet⁶ in a world full of ready-made goods.

“This kind of thing gives people an incentive⁷ to do something, and maybe to change a thing, or think differently,” said Brown.

Robots, such as drones that flew and robots designed like the Mars Rover that the children could control, were popular at the faire. Engineer Ivan Galysh said the robot can be built from a kit⁸.

“They actually have a rocker suspension system designed to go over rough terrain⁹, uneven¹⁰ terrain and keep all four wheels on the ground,” said Galysh.

Nine-year-old Mamoun Kolovos enjoyed learning about the robots.

“How they go through the ramps¹¹ and how fast you can make it go or rotate it around,” said Kolovos.

At a display sponsored by a high school team that builds high-powered, motorized rockets, kids are propelling pieces of plastic representing small rockets. Senior Alison Yu shows off their homemade creations. She said the team did a project with NASA, the U.S. space agency. 

"Our body tube is made out of cardboard-like materials. Because we design our own pieces we bought the materials and also cut them ourselves. The rocket we did for our project went about 3600 feet,” said Yu.

 

Yu plans to become a rocket scientist. Faire organizers hope today's activities launch lots of the young people here into exciting, creative careers.

1 maker   

n.制造者，制造商

参考例句：

• He is a trouble maker，You must be distant with him.他是个捣蛋鬼，你不要跟他在一起。
• A cabinet maker must be a master craftsman.家具木工必须是技艺高超的手艺人。

2 informative   

adj.提供资料的，增进知识的

参考例句：

• The adverts are not very informative.这些广告并没有包含太多有用信息。
• This intriguing book is both thoughtful and informative.这本引人入胜的书既有思想性又富知识性。

3 metallic   

adj.金属的；金属制的；含金属的；产金属的；像金属的

参考例句：

• A sharp metallic note coming from the outside frightened me.外面传来尖锐铿锵的声音吓了我一跳。
• He picked up a metallic ring last night.昨夜他捡了一个金属戒指。

4 gathering   

n.集会，聚会，聚集

参考例句：

• He called on Mr. White to speak at the gathering.他请怀特先生在集会上讲话。
• He is on the wing gathering material for his novels.他正忙于为他的小说收集资料。

5 coordinator   

n.协调人

参考例句：

• The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, headed by the Emergency Relief Coordinator, coordinates all UN emergency relief. 联合国人道主义事务协调厅在紧急救济协调员领导下，负责协调联合国的所有紧急救济工作。
• How am I supposed to find the client-relations coordinator? 我怎么才能找到客户关系协调员的办公室？

6 outlet   

n.出口/路；销路；批发商店；通风口；发泄

参考例句：

• The outlet of a water pipe was blocked.水管的出水口堵住了。
• Running is a good outlet for his energy.跑步是他发泄过剩精力的好方法。

7 incentive   

n.刺激；动力；鼓励；诱因；动机

参考例句：

• Money is still a major incentive in most occupations.在许多职业中，钱仍是主要的鼓励因素。
• He hasn't much incentive to work hard.他没有努力工作的动机。

8 kit   

n.用具包，成套工具；随身携带物

参考例句：

• The kit consisted of about twenty cosmetic items.整套工具包括大约20种化妆用品。
• The captain wants to inspect your kit.船长想检查你的行装。

9 terrain   

n.地面，地形，地图

参考例句：

• He had made a detailed study of the terrain.他对地形作了缜密的研究。
• He knows the terrain of this locality like the back of his hand.他对这一带的地形了如指掌。

10 uneven   

adj.不平坦的，不规则的，不均匀的

参考例句：

• The sidewalk is very uneven—be careful where you walk.这人行道凹凸不平—走路时请小心。
• The country was noted for its uneven distribution of land resources.这个国家以土地资源分布不均匀出名。

11 ramps   

resources allocation and multiproject scheduling 资源分配和多项目的行程安排

参考例句：

• Ramps should be provided for wheelchair users. 应该给轮椅使用者提供坡道。
• He has the upper floor and ramps are fitted everywhere for his convenience. 他住在上面一层，为了他的方便着想，到处设有坡道。