From fuzzy sensors to underwater ROVs to your very own eco-friendly surfboard. Compiled by Arwen O’Reilly and Phillip Torrone

TOOLBOX

Holiday Kits for Makers

Makers are not typical when it comes to the holidays. They don’t

want to be buried in packaging; they’d rather give or receive

something they can build themselves. And they like stuff they

can personalize to make their own. Most of all, makers like

useful presents, whether it’s something they’ll use on a daily

basis or a tool that makes building that totally impractical

project a little more … practical.

Here’s a roundup of kits, books, web services, and tools we

think the makers in your life will like. Be sure to check out our

online gift guide at store.makezine.com for more great finds

as the holiday season gets into full swing.

166 Make: Volume 12

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Kit $125 makezine.com/go/fuelcell

When I was a kid, I lived for all the science and tech kits I’d get for Christmas: the chemistry sets, the rocketry starter kit, the telescope set, the X-Acto hobby tool chest. Today’s budding nerds get to experiment with hydrogen fuel cells, thanks to this great kit. Experiments include: How to build a solar-powered car; Effects of direct and indirect radiation; Electrolysis and its effect on water; Oxy-hydrogen test; How to construct and load a reversible fuel cell; Decomposition of water in the fuel cell; Qualitative and quantitative analysis of gas in a fuel cell; How efficient is electrolysis?; How light influences electrolysis; Solar electrolysis; Fuel cell-powered car. I wonder if it’s too late to finagle one of these under my Christmas tree?

—Gareth Branwyn