Science the star at the Mini Maker Faire

CAPE Town’s Mini Maker Faire kicked off yesterday with tiny racing drones, ice-cream made with liquid nitrogen and the latest in 3D printing delighting Capetonians young and old.

The event, which gives inventors, techies and hobbyists the chance to show their designs to the public, continues today and tomorrow at the Cape Town Science Centre on Main Road, Observatory.

“We want to offer lots of opportunities for hands-on DIY interactions for adults as well as kids,” said Alayne Reesberg, the programme director.

At the centre of the hall is an obstacle course which will host the heats of a drone racing competition, with eight of the province’s best pilots set to take part.

Spectators will be able to watch the races live on four large TV screens, as each of the Tiny Whoop drones has been outfitted with a camera.

The pilots, meanwhile, direct the aircraft with controllers while wearing video goggles.

In all, more than 24 exhibitors from around the province have stalls a the event.

They include 35- year- old street wire artist Kewis Kaluzi, who was yesterday showing off his wire spacecraft inspired by Star Wars and other pop culture sci-fi.

Lewis is collaborating with artist and designer Ralph Borland, as part of his project African Robot. Kaluzi said his X-Wing fighter (R1 500) took four days to make, while his TIE fighter (R750) took a day and a half.

At the stand of Lance Churchman, children gathered to watch five 3D printers in action and marvel at the finished results. These included Pokemon figures and a dog wearing a rocket pack.

Churchman, the owner of O3D print in Caledon, said 3D printing let people be creative.

“For example, I love Groot,” said Churchman, pointing to a printed figurine of the Marvel superhero who resembles a tree. “I couldn’t get a Groot figure, so I made my own.”

At the N2 ice cream lab, meanwhile, Soso Dyamle and Simon Moyo were showing how quickly ice-cream can be made with the help of liquid nitrogen. Instead of churning for hours, the pair make icecream in just 60 seconds.

The event continues today and tomorrow. Tickets range from R30 for children under 12 to R120 for adults. Teens aged between 12 and 18 pay R50, as do students with student cards. There are food trucks for a bite to eat. jan.cronje@inl.co.za