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Getting Started
Getting Started, or the quick guide for everyone just discovering Sandbox
When people visit the Singh Sandbox maker space for the first time, many ask very similar questions. Some comment that it's hard to figure out what the rules are and what they're supposed to do to become part of our maker space community.
While many of these sorts of questions (such as "How do I get started working here?" or "What do I have to do to join?") are addressed in our FAQ page, we thought it would be even more helpful to provide a quick list here of what you need to do to get started working in the Singh Sandbox Maker Space.
✔ Take a tour, check it out, look around, ask questions
You may have already done this but it's worth doing again so you find out as much as possible about our space before you sign on. Ask questions, check out our tools. We want to meet your expectations but it's impossible to have every tool. We don't want you to be upset that we don't have a metal-cutting laser or a table saw in our wood shop.
✔ Register in our swipe system
The computer screen just inside our front door is where you sign in each time you want to use Sandbox. It's very important for us to track usage and to ensure everyone using the space has been trained and understands the rules. The first time you sign in we ask for your name and email which takes a minute or two. After that, you can quickly swipe in and just tell us what tool(s) you plan to use. There's no need to swipe out but if you come back to use different tools in the same day, it's helpful if you swipe in again and choose the new tool.
✔ Enroll in our ELMS/Canvas online training course
We provide tool training on the university ELMS/Canvas learning management system. Because this isn't a class you've registered for, we need you to manually enroll in our course. It's easy, it's free, and it's at https://ter.ps/Learn2Make.
✔ Complete the introduction ELMS/Canvas module.
Once you've enrolled in our ELMS/Canvas course, read the introduction module, watch the video, and take the short safety quiz. Doing this is required to use Sandbox.
✔ Complete one or more of the Canvas tool training modules
Once you've completed the introduction on ELMS/Canvas, we suggest you check out the other training modules and choose a few that interest you. For most, you don't need to take them in any particular order but you must complete the module and score 100% on the module quiz before you can use that tool.
Singh Sandbox Makerspace Wiki
Tools
Sandbox provides free access to a wide range of tools and equipment for wood working, crafting, electronics, and prototyping. The full list of tools is under construction but for now, check back often.
Training
We encourage you to use all of the tools in Sandbox, but most tools require you to complete a short, self-directed safety and usage training class. These classes are hosted on ELMS / Canvas, UMD's Learning Management System.
- You can self-enroll in this Canvas course here Once in Canvas be sure to click on the link to join this class
- The home page for our course modules is: https://umd.instructure.com/courses/1274047
Once you've completed the training module for a particular tool, you can complete your learning by working on projects to hone and improve your skills. Our volunteer managers are available to give you advice.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Sandbox works with TerrapinWorks and UMD's Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk (ESSR) to provide training and standardized operating procedures for tool and equipment usage and to ensure a safe lab environment in our maker space. It is important that all makers using Sandbox take and understand the training, follow all SOPs, and adapt their work to ensure compliance when any new SOPs are released.
Studios
Sandbox has several individual work studios dedicated to specific types of making. These are:
| Electronics Studio | Digital Media Studio | Woodworking Studio | Crafting & Sewing Studio |
| CNC Studio | Prototyping Studio | Project Studio | Other Facilities |
Management
Sandbox is largely managed by student volunteers. See our Management Page to learn more
Supplies
Sandbox is fully committed to providing open access to maker technologies and training. As part of this commitment we not only provide training at no charge but also supply the materials you will use while learning to use a tool.
As you learn more and expand your skills you will want to take on more complex projects and probably become interested in using more exotic materials. To help you find these materials we've provided a listing of local and online suppliers. Please note that we are not able to sell materials directly to students at this time.
About
Sandbox is …
… a “free” resource for everyone on campus i.e. students, staff, faculty from all over campus
… for personal projects and development, as well as for academic development
… largely volunteer run
… moderated as safety-first
… striving to provide the widest variety of “making” resources to a diverse campus community
… part of the campus-wide “Makerspace Initiative”
Etc.
Be helpful, be courteous, make cool things.
To contribute to this wiki, please create an account. You will then need to be approved to edit by an admin. Consult the User's Guide for information on using the wiki software. Start by creating a User Page for yourself.
This is a public facing, publicly editable wiki for the Singh Sandbox makerspace, located at IRB 1231.
Under construction. Click here for an index of all pages.