davidedmondsSep 2, 2023
Steph Piper
My Skill Trees project is starting to grow! I'm building up a collection of printable open source templates that can guide and track progression in hands-on skills. Colour in the boxes as you complete each skill and get inspired to try new things. I'm seeking experts in a variety of areas to continue to grow the repository and help with translation into different languages. Check out the link for the full list: https://github.com/sjpiper145/MakerSkillTree/
GitHub - sjpiper145/MakerSkillTree: A repository of Maker Skill Trees and templates to make your own.

A repository of Maker Skill Trees and templates to make your own. - GitHub - sjpiper145/MakerSkillTree: A repository of Maker Skill Trees and templates to make your own.

GitHub
Sep 2, 2023 at 6:05amWeb
Show threadDocDooSep 2, 2023
Wow 😮 @sjpiper145 This is a great idea 👏 finding inspiration for something you are already doing a little or a lot. But it also a fun way to peek into fields/disciplines you are not familiar with to get a sense of what they are about through their achievement milestones 👌
Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@docdoo Thanks so much, and yes, I find that many technical fields need to be demystified, for sure!!
Show threadNewkSep 2, 2023
@sjpiper145 awesome!!
Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@Newk Thanks so much!!
Show threadNicolaSep 2, 2023

@sjpiper145 Why are you so cool?! 😉 These are amazing and speak to the collector in me and now I want to build skill trees for my adolescents to learn how to adult. (So I don’t have to)

Next step: make them light up when they have been completed! 😂

Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@nnye Aww thanks so much Nicola!!! Happy to chat if you have some ideas for the Cooking / Baking / Cleaning side of adulting trees if you have some ideas! We could catch up and do a brainstorm if you've got the time.
Show threadNicolaSep 3, 2023
@sjpiper145 I would really love to do that!
But I’m going to say not right now as I’m already over capacity and I’m working on doing better at recognising my limits even if the new thing is super awesome and shiny and I love it.
… but I really want to and it’s on the list once I get a few other things squared away.
Show threadSteph PiperSep 3, 2023
@nnye How very sensible of you!! No worries, and looking forward to catching up next time.
Show threadstephie wunderSep 2, 2023
@sjpiper145 @derstrudel maybe a cool concept to create a sheet for physical computing and reflect on - what to learn to be able to openly experiment with electronics and robotics? we are recently thinking a lot about -how- to teach and learn autonomous, sustainable, artistic design and production practices at @codeandcontext together
Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@stephiewunder @derstrudel @codeandcontext Yes, good thinking! I've nearly finished all the electronics related areas but haven't really touched on the software skills yet. Happy to add more topics to the list if you can think of some that might be useful! Otherwise there's some 'jack of all trades' sheets under the Explore a Makerspace section.
Show threadDocQuinnSep 2, 2023
@sjpiper145 this is an amazing idea. I can see so many opportunities for use in training, personal growth, and education. It shows the goal and a path. It’s rare to find something that opens up so many new possibilities.
Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@docquinn Thanks so much, I really appreciate it!!
Show threadMyrthosSep 2, 2023
@sjpiper145 this is amazing, what a brilliant idea and implementation. I especially like that there is flexibility in the way to reach each goal and it is up to the person to determine that they have gained a skill or not.
Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@Myrthos Thanks so much!! Yes, everyone's journey is different and the more open-ended, the better.
Show threadDerekSep 2, 2023
@sjpiper145 I love this idea and would be interested in collaborating on a website if you don't already have plans to make one.
Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@dreks Sounds cool! Others have suggested systems that make colouring in the boxes digital / filling in the template easier but all that is definitely outside my skill area.
Happy to collaborate, let me know what you have in mind.
Show threadDerekSep 2, 2023
@sjpiper145 My first thought is to take the ones you've completed and create a digital version that users can track via the website.
As an example, a user could go www.skilltree.com (or whatever url is available and on brand) and login to their account to view the skill trees they are actively working on. The website would track progress (by user input) and the user can use any color scheme they want to show progress. There could be suggestions and links for practicing and improving each skill.
Show threadDreamer RosalynSep 2, 2023

@sjpiper145

This looks awesome! I'm definitely going to use the template to make one relates to TTRPGs, though it falls outside if the scope of "hands-on skills".

Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@RosalynG This is a great idea! If you finish it, happy for you to send it through and I can polish and add it to the repository, with you listed as an author.
Show threadCanadian CurmudgeonSep 2, 2023

@sjpiper145 Fascinating project. I'd love to see some new trees:
-Baking bread
-Playing a musical instrument (e.g. guitar, ukulele, piano)
-Creating a WordPress site or blog
-Learning about civics/government

Are you looking for anyone to contribute to this project?

Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@CdnCurmudgeon These are great ideas! I'll add them to the main list, but if you're an expert in any of these, happy for you to pencil in the ideas and I can put it through the template and add it to the repository with you credited at the bottom. Anyone who can help me make the bulk of one I'd love to send a thankyou box of goodies from my etsy shop.
Show threadCanadian CurmudgeonSep 2, 2023
@sjpiper145 Thanks again. I am not an expert, but rather an experienced amateur in those areas. More of an enthusiastic aficionado. I'd be happy to contribute with others to the project without the need for any reward.
Show threadAstridSep 2, 2023
@sjpiper145 thats great! reminds me of our poster of 50 tools that is being used for years now. your skills trees take it much further, but: let me know if i can help you! https://lekkersamenklooien.nl/english/our-thoughts-and-products/
Our thoughts and products – Lekker Samen Klooien

Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@astridpoot Thanks for sharing this, I love the focus on tools and large pictures. Am taking a closer look at the booklet too! Amazing work, great to see thought into getting more young ones into making early!!
Show threadAstridSep 2, 2023
@sjpiper145 This summer we made a special edition with our Amsterdam library: 25+ projects to choose from, a custom poster and a passport to collect skills. Great fun for the kids!
Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@astridpoot Wow great, I love the passport concept too!! Such a great idea, I'm very inspired!!
Show threadSeverinNov 19, 2023
@astridpoot @sjpiper145 I love this. Reminds me a bit of the Hackerspace Passport, but for machines. Would be great to have an english version of this.
Show threadSeverinNov 19, 2023
@astridpoot @sjpiper145 Just scrolled through the website and just may need to print quite a bit of that in the coming days 😻
Show threadDave BorghuisSep 2, 2023
@sjpiper145 A nice way to up your skills, really like them. I printed them out and spread them around our #hackerspace @tkkrlab
Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@zeno4ever @tkkrlab Thanks so much for sharing! My local makerspace is considering prizes for completing x amount of tiles for new makerspace members too.
Show threadHawkmoonSep 2, 2023

@sjpiper145

I love this. Collecting the full range of sub-skills related to a job or interest has so many possibilities.

Thanks for sharing!

Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@Hawkmoon Thanks, much appreciated!!
Show threadHawkmoonSep 2, 2023

@sjpiper145

I'm a teacher-turned instructional designer, and it just resonates. I would like one for teaching, design, language, cooking, and basically every single thing that has a skillset.

Do you have a blank one on your GitHub?

Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@Hawkmoon Cheers!! And yes, there's a blank one under the template folder. If you pencil any of these in I'm happy to polish and add to the repository with you listed as an author. Some great ideas here!!
Show threadHawkmoonSep 2, 2023

@sjpiper145

Awesome!

I'll have to give it a go.

Show threadRockwell SchrockSep 2, 2023
@sjpiper145 Dibs on ham radio! I am on vacation this week but I’d love to contribute when I get back.
Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@schrockwell Awesome!! Looking forward to working with you on this. You can either have a go at pencilling in the template or we can do a brainstorm call if you like.
Show threadRockwell SchrockSep 3, 2023
@sjpiper145 Let me get a draft together first and then let’s chat!
Show threadSteph PiperSep 3, 2023
@schrockwell Awesome!!
Show threadjenifer daniels ♎ :verified:Sep 2, 2023

@sjpiper145 oooooh thank you!

this is so cool and gives me an idea to drop a field guide I want to work on in GitHub

Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@jentrification Awesome!! Looking forward to seeing it.
Show threadkimuSep 2, 2023
@sjpiper145 these are so cool! They remind me a bit of materials from 4-H when I was a kid. Love this idea.
Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@kimu Thanks so much!!
Show threadTwoowls Elt 🦉 🦉Sep 2, 2023
@sjpiper145 this is incredible! I can envisage project management as a skill tree for young people, and the application of this for Scouting too!
Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@twoowls73 Yes, definitely!! Some great ideas!
Show threadHereticPriestSep 2, 2023
@sjpiper145 im going to ready my brain-interface as soon as i can get one to upload these, by then you will have attached detailed programmed hand/brain instructions for these, yes ?
Show threadSteph PiperSep 2, 2023
@H_P Haha!!! Yes.....
Show threadmask-wearing, socially distant entitySep 3, 2023
@sjpiper145 I would very much like to boost your post. 🚀 (I ♥️ this project!) Would you be willing to add alt text to your image for my non-sighted followers? If not, no worries. 😊 💜
Show threadSteph PiperSep 3, 2023
@geekgrrl Thanks for the reminder, I've now added Alt Text. Will make sure to do this from now on! Cheers
Show threadmask-wearing, socially distant entitySep 3, 2023

@sjpiper145 Awesome! Thank you so much. 😁 If you want a reminder, I use @PleaseCaption Only helps with your posts (not boosts), but I think it’s super helpful. Thanks again!

I’m going to boost you tomorrow, when there are hopefully more folks around. 👍 💜

Show threadSeverinNov 19, 2023
@sjpiper145 I love this, might print a few of those tomorrow. Also really enjoy the idea of a book with them, something like a passport would be cool, like the Hackerspace Passport, but for skills 😍
Show threadSteph PiperNov 20, 2023
@tiefpunkt Thanks so much, I appreciate it!!
Show threadRadgrydNov 19, 2023
@sjpiper145 This is soooo coool!
Show threadSteph PiperNov 20, 2023
@Radgryd Thanks so much!!
Show threadNik | Klampfradler 🎸🚲Nov 20, 2023

@sjpiper145 Would be cool if it could be released under an open license and on an open platform!

We are thinking about making something very similar at #Teckids, and it would be better to share than to double the effort (and our primary target group and group of contributors is locked out of GitHub).

Show threadSteph PiperNov 20, 2023
@nik Cheers! Yes, it is open source and released under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, you are welcome to use for your activities. Do you have any recommendations for platform?
Show threadNik | Klampfradler 🎸🚲Nov 20, 2023

@sjpiper145

CC-BY-NC-SA is not an open source license, because it forbids commercial use. In Germany, this bans all use outside strictly private areas. The @Teckids community, a non-profit hacker and maker community for kids, cannot use or improve it. CC-BY-SA would be sufficient to prevent commercialisation, and does not have the issues of the NC license family.

A good open platform is @Codeberg.

Thanks for considering 😊!