Beta Lab Videos
Welcome to the Beta Lab!
An Introduction of who we are and what we do.
The Beta Lab at UC Davis studies how young people learn and develop through participation in making and the Maker Movement. We investigate the nature of learning that occurs during extended, youth-driven maker projects, and we design learning environments and tools to support learning through making.
How to Make a Magnet Maze
Here is a wonderful maker project you can do at home! One of our amazing student mentors, Eunice Lee, created this great video demonstrating how to make a magnet maze! In this video she uses: a magnet, glue, scissors, paper fastener, construction paper, and popsicle sticks to create her maze.
You can also check out the step-by-step instructions created by Eunice Lee.
How to Make LED Light Glow In The Dark
One of the amazing student mentors, from the Beta Lab, created this wonderful video. In this video, he explains a fun way to play with light using LEDs, copper tape, popsicle sticks and construction paper. We are so grateful for our student mentors and the amazing videos they created.
You can also check out an instruction sheet our student mentor created.
How to Make a LED Paper Cube
Here is another amazing project you can do at home! One of our student mentors, Leo Chen, created this fun video. Watch this video to learn how to make a LED Paper Cube! All you need for this activity is a piece of square paper, CR2032 Battery, LED light, Copper tape, Marker/pen, and Tape.
You can also check out the step-by-step instructions created by Leo Chen.
How to Build a WobbleBot
Join one of our amazing student mentors Ann Rainey in this video to find out how to use a scissors, tape, a hobby motor, a battery, and popsicle sticks to make a Wobblebot that dances or hops around at home.
How to Make a Rubber Band Catapult
Here is a fun project you can do at home! One of our amazing student mentors, Armando Alonzo, created this great video demonstrating how to make a catapult out of rubber bands. All you need for this activity is rubber bands, popsicle sticks, tape, a spoon (optional), and foil.
You can also check out the step-by-step instructions created by Armando Alonzo.
How to Make a Scribble Bot
Create a Scribble Bot at home to create fun, randomized and interactive art. In this video join one of our amazing student mentors, Ann Rainey, explains how to make a Scribble Bot, using construction paper, scissors, tape, a hobby motor, a battery, and markers.
How to Make a Finger Soccer Game – Fingers are your feet!
Play soccer indoors, using only your fingers at feet with this fun DIY project. Join Jade Lee, one of our amazing student mentors, as she teaches you how to make a finger soccer game using paper, markers, rubber bands and felt.
How to Build a DIY Castle- Using Toilet Paper Rolls and Paper
Create your own kingdom at home! Follow along with one of our amazing student mentors to create a castle using toilet paper rolls, construction paper, glue, scissors, and a small bowl.
How to Fold a Jumping Frog – Easy Paper Origami at Home
Join some of our student mentors as they create amphibious friends using just a piece of paper.
How to Make a Tabletop Soccer Game – Fun DIY Soccer Play at Home
Turn popsicle sticks into soccer players and a shoebox into a pitch! Join one our amazing student mentors, Jade Lee, to make a tabletop soccer game using a shoebox, felt or construction paper, popsicle sticks, skewers, markers, binder clips, wheels, staples, scissors, glue, rubber bands and a thumb tack.
How to Make a Light-up Card – Simply by using DIY paper circuit
Brighten someone’s day by gifting them a handmade light-up card. Follow along as one of our amazing student mentors, Ann Rainey, creates a light-up card using copper tape, construction paper, an LED light, a coin cell battery, tape, and markers.
How to Make a Face Mask – DIY way to stay safe and healthy
Make your own sew or no-sew face masks! In this video, Ann Rainey, one of our amazing student mentors, uses CDC instructions to make two types of face masks, one using a t-shirt, tape measure and scissors and the other using sewing materials and fabric.
How to Make a Bubble Blower – A Fun Summer DYI Project
Join Professor Lee Martin as he demonstrates how to make this great DIY bubble blower that can be made from using DC motor and household materials.
How to Make a Propeller Car – A Great DIY Toy Car
In this video, one of our amazing student mentors, Ann Rainey, makes a DIY propeller car that can be made from using DC motor and household materials.
