Genius time ideas

Here are some possibilities for Genius Time projects, but don't feel limited by this list...if you come up with your own idea, let me know! (It should have some arguable relationship to computer science.)

Random ideas for inspiration

• program an LED strip (we have 5 yards of individually addressable LED's) - maybe start by watching this Know How video Links to an external site.*
• do something with an Arduino UNO brain
• program the Apple IIc that lives in the glass-fronted cabinet
• create a (16-bit? 8-bit?) model of a computer similar to this Links to an external site. or this Links to an external site. or this Links to an external site. or this Links to an external site. 
• make something like LavaRand Links to an external site.
• SO MANY MORE ideas on Know How Links to an external site.*

*fair warning - the main presenter on Know How Links to an external site. is a Jesuit priest, but after watching a couple episodes the most religious things I can remember him saying are about designing Christmas lights and something about a special tangled 3D filament hell

Code

• coding challenges like Project Euler Links to an external site.
• make music in Sonic Pi Links to an external site. or EarSketch Links to an external site. - partner with someone making a game?
• make a game* in Stencyl Links to an external site. (find the program in Computer → Windows (C:) → Program Files (x86) → Stencyl)
• make a 3D game* in Unity (here's a preview of what the process can look like Links to an external site. and here's a tutorial series for a human character Links to an external site.)
• mod a game*
• make an app in MIT's App Inventor Links to an external site. or code.org's App Lab Links to an external site.
• make a website in HTML, CSS, Javascript... here's a tutorial Links to an external site.
• learn a new language
• use Python to control Blender

*always rated "E for everyone"...no guns, violence, etc

2D design (programs: Illustrator, Inkscape...) (machines: KNK Zing and KNK Force)

• more with the Watercolor Bot (and maybe enter the https://robotart.org/ Links to an external site. competition!)
• make a sticker or iron-on for clothing
• make a pop up card or paper cutout ornament
• make cardboard cutouts and more Links to an external site.*
  • if you start with a 3D model, you can put cutouts together to make 3D shapes like this Links to an external site. (using Slicer for Fusion 360) or this Links to an external site. (using Pepakura)
• engraving* 

*new KNK Force machine needs beta testers! Here's some tutorial videos Links to an external site. if you're interested.

3D design - 3D printing (programs: Blender, Fusion 360 Links to an external site., Inventor, Processing Links to an external site., Madeup Links to an external site., Meshmixer Links to an external site.) (machines: Lulzbot mini, whatever Ms. Gray has)

• jewelry
• phone stand
• ornament or keychain
• art piece / sculpture
• useful parts
• box with hinge
• robot with moving parts
• ...use your imagination!

3D design - 3D modeling / animation (program: Blender)

• use Python to control Blender
• make an animated short
• create a scene (photo)