Technology is transforming the way kids play and learn. But this new sand box is a complete revelation: using Kinect to gather depth information it teaches kids about topography and can even simulate water without making a mess.
Some people go to the beach but eschew going into the water because it’s “gross”. If that’s you, then you are a sucker. According to a new EPA study, playing in the sand more than doubles your chances of getting sick.
Welcome to The Gizmodo Shooting Challenge, where Giz readers get to pit their photographic skills against each other for the admiration of their editors on a dedicated theme each week. This week’s challenge: Sand.
An imagination is no longer required to enjoy a sandbox, thanks to some Czech students, who use a Kinect sensor and a projector to map interactive animations of hills and rivers based on how deep the sand is.
Markus Kayser – Solar Sinter Project from Markus Kayser on Vimeo.
After starting off with what looks like a jaunt through the dunes of Tatooine, this video from Markus Kayser will eventually bring you to a 3D printer that uses the immense power of the sun to turn sand into glass.
When I think of sand I think of dirt, and when I think of dirt, I don’t think of clean water. But sand’s used to filter water in lots of places. This “coated sand” developed by Rice researchers? It’s like a super filter.
Don’t ask me what voodoo they used but scientists have created dry water. Well, they originally invented it back in 1968 but they’ve recently re-discovered it and this time, found an actual use for it.
