I wads pleasantly surprised to receive the new ARRL book by Eric/KL7AJ called Radio Science for the Radio Amateur.   I haven't finished reading the book yet but it is quite different than most publications we've released previously in that it actively encourages people to experiment with something other than electronic circuits, and has a lot of information on experimental methodology (testing).    I hope we'll see other publications that are similar.

I was thinking of that book when I read the most recent CT Section Manager column that mentioned that a new Makerspace was opening in Hartford. See http://www.makehartford.com/   For a nationwide view, see http://makerspace.com/  
Makerspaces come in all shapes and sizes. They all serve as a gathering point for tools, projects, mentors and expertise.  A collection of tools does not define a Makerspace. Rather, we define it by what it enables: making.
A Makerspace is a learning environment rich with possibilities. As new hardware and software tools for making, digital design, and fabrication are emerging, we’re working together ­ with teachers and community leaders ­ to place those tools into the hands of a wider audience. We’re building the infrastructure for more kids and adults to connect to a future in which they can personally change, modify or “hack” the physical world, creating things that were nearly impossible to do on their own just a few years ago. Making is about getting hands-on, using these new technologies and basic tools, to do real and personally meaningful work.
There are 114 of them listed in their national directory and they are a gold mine of creativity and experimentation, something I would have spent a lot of my free time visiting if one had been near me when I was a teenager.   They are somewhat an offshoot of the Maker's faires and computer hacker groups. 

The one in Connecticut does have a ham radio connection (at least one ham involved), I'm not sure if many of the others do.   I think doing something to connect ARRL more directly with these groups would be quite useful - it would help to invigorate existing hams, might draw some very creative people into ham radio, etc.  I'm going to visit the local one. 

        Tom

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e-mail: k1ki@arrl.org   ARRL New England Division Director  http://www.arrl.org/
Tom Frenaye, K1KI, P O Box J, West Suffield CT 06093 Phone: 860-668-5444