I just spent way more time than I have absolutely riveted to this site: Instructables. As the name implies, it instructs readers, but not on how to know stuff, but on how to make stuff. In the virtual age we have adapted to, actually doing something sticks out like a flashing neon sign.
What can you make? Thousands of things. What kinds of things? You name it. Cool clocks, cheap robots, plastic from scratch—even brain controlled wheelchairs. And before you say to yourself, "these people have too much time on their hands," check it out. I see dozens if not hundreds of cool, low cost school projects here. This is a genuinely user-driven site aimed at educating and empowering the innovator within on a limited budget.
I love the instructions for silencing an annoying toy by installing a switch (could be handy around Christmas time). But that can't compare with "earfingers," a gadget you can build that allows you to hear with your hands.
Instructables—My kind of encyclopedia.
.gif)
image source: http://www.craftstylish.com/item/1962/learn-robotics-baking-crafts-and-more-at-instructablescom