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Digital Resources for School Makerspaces. Three STEM Ideas to Grow On. PBL Your STEM Projects. The Dump Truck Incident: An Elementary Problem-Solving Challenge. The Dump Truck Incident (also known as the Pumpkin Push) is a problem-solving challenge that can get your elementary students excited and thinking about engineering concepts in a new way.

The Dump Truck Incident: An Elementary Problem-Solving Challenge

With an inexpensive set-up and a fun problem to solve, let your students loose to figure out the best way to clean up a mountain of gourds from a busy roadway. Reporting Live from the Scene. Linking Literature to Makerspaces. Libraries seem to be the space where makerspaces are taking off. The library is a place of engagement, learning, discovery, belonging, community, creativity and innovation. A makerspace is a place of engagement, learning, discovery, belonging, community, creativity and innovation. In schools, the library is the only learning space not limited by curriculum; it is an open learning space, which can be interpreted in many ways, and I suggest that this is why so often makerspaces find their place there. Outside of schools, public libraries are increasingly one of the only ‘3rd places‘ where people can feel free to meet, collaborate and learn, without the pressure to spend (even coffee shops move you along if you linger without a coffee in front of you).

Not to mention that library staff are often the most open to new, exciting and innovative ways of interacting and engaging with learning and technology! There are several types of ‘maker’ books, and this blog will look at each in turn. How to Be Brave: The Year of the Makerspace. Lego Club Challenge–Secret Zoo – The Lego Librarian. This one turned out pretty interesting.

Lego Club Challenge–Secret Zoo – The Lego Librarian

After setup and rules, I introduced our theme as “Secret Zoo.” Lego Club Challenge–Size Matters – The Lego Librarian. This is the first time that I changed the theme AFTER the challenge was already over.

Lego Club Challenge–Size Matters – The Lego Librarian

After we did rules, I explained that the theme was “Giant Monsters,” so kids would make a giant version of a monster, animal, or pet to destroy buildings. Kids were happy with that idea, but they didn’t seem as into as usual, it didn’t seem like that unique of a challenge. Lego Challenge–Disaster Island – The Lego Librarian. Believe it or not, I got the idea for this one from “Oregon Trail.”

Lego Challenge–Disaster Island – The Lego Librarian

Only this time, there’s no dysentery After we went over the rules of Lego Club, I started talking about the theme. I told my kiddos that they would be building their own deserted island for about 20 minutes. And they can build it however they want. After 20 minutes of a free build everyone pulled a Disaster Card: I have a Publisher file at Teachers Pay Teachers for free if you want to use these cards.

Resources. The Tinkering Studio Projects. Projects for grades K-12. Our projects are tried and tested in grades K–12 in the Creativity Lab at Lighthouse Community Public Schools, a family of public K–12 schools in Oakland, CA.

Projects for grades K-12

Collapse AllExpand All Recently Posted One-Sheeter Guides Space Guides. Projects Gallery - Maker Camp. STEM Education: Over 25 STEAM Links Filled With Resources and Information. Instructables - How to make anything. The Best Web Resources for Makerspace Project Ideas. Makerspace Managed. Origami Diagrams for Download. Resources for STEAM. The Benefits of STEAM STEM to STEAM: Art in K-12 is Key to Strong Economy: Learn how adding art and design elements to STEM approaches may help students be better prepared to solve the creative problems of the future.

Resources for STEAM

(Edutopia, 2012) The Art of Thinking Like a Scientist: Read about the links between the arts and STEM. (ASCD Express, 2014) Creativity is the Secret Sauce in STEM: Learn about the critical role creativity plays in science, technology, engineering, and math. (Edutopia, 2013) At the Crossroads of STEM, STEAM, and Arts Integration: Understand how interdisciplinary approaches can be pivot points across multiple content areas. 5 Reasons Why Origami Improves Students' Skills. What do pizza boxes, paper bags, and fancy napkins have in common?

5 Reasons Why Origami Improves Students' Skills

Well, you might have guessed it -- origami. Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, is making a comeback. While some of the oldest pieces of origami have been found in ancient China and its deepest roots are in ancient Japan, origami can make an impact in today's education too. This art form engages students and sneakily enhances their skills -- including improved spatial perception and logical and sequential thinking. An Art Form for All Subjects. Cardboard Challenge. 30 traditional K'NEX challenges. Challenge Card Template - Google Slides. Free Printable LEGO Challenge Cards! Do you have a LEGO fanatic at your house?

Free Printable LEGO Challenge Cards!

I sure do! For those kids that eat, sleep, and breathe all things LEGO, this fun set of free printable LEGO Challenge Cards will be just the perfect fit! LEGO Challenge Cards This set of free printable LEGO Challenge Cards are similar to writing prompts, in that they give your child an idea for a build. The beautiful part is that the challenge cards provide the idea, and then your child can take the idea and run with it! LEGO Challenge Cards {Printable} Ideas - Birdville ISD Makerspace. Mapping Makerspace Environments to Curriculum Content. Youth Makerspace Playbook FINAL. Professional Development. STEM Tools, DIY Projects, and Toys. Bloxels - Build Your Own Video Games. A Guide to Help School Librarians Build Makerspaces. Makerspaces: Updating Our Vision. The makerspace movement has been a part of our landscape for years.

Makerspaces: Updating Our Vision

With a Google search you can find a range of information from supporting maker initiatives to critical think pieces on the nature of the makerspace. What You Really Need to Create a Makerspace. I’ve been on this MakerEd journey since late 2013.

What You Really Need to Create a Makerspace

Since then, I’ve seen the movement change dramatically. What started out as a few educators tinkering with the idea of hands-on activities that promote creativity and allow an avenue for students to learn about STEAM has exploded. Mainstream vendors by and large now all have makerspace sections of their sites. A Librarian's Guide to Makerspaces: 16 Resources. "There were more than 135 million adult makers, more than half of the total adult population in America, in 2015.

" What is a makerspace? You've no doubt been hearing that word more than a few times over the past several years. Makerspaces, also called hackerspaces, hackspaces, and fablabs, are collaborative spaces where people gather to get creative with DIY projects, invent new ones, and share ideas. Since the first official makerspace convened six years ago in a library in upstate New York, libraries have remained an ideal setting for makerspace events across the country.

Maker & DIY Programs - YALSA. Maker enthusiasts: anyone can edit this page. Please share your resources here! You may also be interested in our STEM Resources page and our Teen Programming Guidelines from YALSA (.pdf) Activities Congressional App Challenge (for teens)Digital Learning DayDo Now (weekly activity for teens to do via social media from KQEDHour of CodeMaker Party (hosted by the Mozilla Foundation)6 Second Science Fair (create a Vine video showing off your science project & use the hashtag #6secondscienceTeen Read WeekWeek of Making, June 17 - 23 (sponsored by the White House)

DIY Morse Code Bracelets – Honestly WTF. I’ve been meaning to put my collection of Miyuki seeds beads to good use. Tinkering Project: Paper Circuits. No-Sew 10 Minute T-Shirt Tote. Step 1: No-Sew 10 Minute T-Shirt Tote Did you know that about 100 billion plastic bags are used annually in the US alone and only about 2% of them are recycled? Check it out at www.droptheplasticbag.org. It's a scary statistic but we can all do small things to help our earth!

Using reusable bags or totes is a very easy way to do your part. It is a great alternative to buying reusable bags or taking merchandise home in plastic bags from stores and much more fashionable! Make a Button Bracelet. Q&A: Makerspaces, Media Labs and Other Forums for Content Creation in Libraries. A Librarian's Guide to Makerspaces: 16 Resources. "There were more than 135 million adult makers, more than half of the total adult population in America, in 2015. "