Make:

If you've never seen a kid make a Drawdio - you're missing out. I get asked all the time what's the best kit to build with a son and/or daughter and the Drawdio is my #1 pick. Drawdio is an electronic pencil that lets you make music while you draw - it's a very simple musical synthesizer that uses the conductive properties of pencil graphite to create different sounds. The result is a fun toy that lets you "draw" musical instruments on any piece of paper. If you're old enough to remember Bill Cosby's "Picture pages" it reminds me of Mortimer Ichabod marker.

Back to Drawdio - It's less than $20 (It's $19.50) and there's one day left on our 10% sale so you can pick one up with a nice discount. Use the code 2009OX on check out to get 10% anything in the Maker Shed. Developed by Jay Silver and Adafruit it's a great kit that might spark a lifetime of science and engineering for a kid (or adult!).

I gathered up some of the links, videos and photos of Drawdio in action - check'em out and if you make one post up what you draw (and record video while you draw!). Oh, one more thing - it's an open source hardware project! Don't want to buy a kit, you can make your own!

More:

• Drawdio paint brush.
• How the Drawdio was invented.
• How-to Tuesday: Drawdio meets Unruly.
• Drawdio kit makes music while you draw.
• DIY Drawdio.

From the Maker Shed:

Get 10% off your order in the Maker Shed, use code "2009OX" at the time of checkout - Happy Chinese New Year! (Sale ends midnight, Jan 31st!)