The Central Library Makerspace embodies the following quote by Mary Lou Cook, “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.”
Makerspace stations give students the opportunities to create, tinker, design, and discover with using different resources. Central students have the chance to think, share, and grow. Students in Pre K through 5th grade are be able to design original creations; build on structures created by their peers; and participate in online coding activities. Students are able to explore their own interests and create projects using their imagination.This exploration atmosphere can foster an interest in science, technology, and design. Students are the engineers of their own learning. Learning by doing will enable our students to collaborate projects that peak their curiosity and drive them to inquire, think critically and problem solve.
Since most students will be using some kind of technology in their future jobs and many of these future jobs students haven’t even been created, it’s imperative that libraries provide opportunities for students to create and problem solve using technology.
Build Stuff at Home
Instructables – DIY projects
DIY – DIY challenges and videos
MAKE: Online – DIY projects
Build with Legos Online – Build with Legos in Google Chrome
Curiosity Machine – Design challenges and videos
Kids Think Design – Ideas and resources for creative kids
Sparkfun – Tutorials for DIY projects
Wonderopolis – Questions and activities to spark discussion and promote exploration
Central Library Makerspace Rotating Stations
Creation Station
Duluxe Wooden Builder
Giant Roller Ramp – Lakeshore
Kid K’nex: group set
K’nex: Building Simple Machines
K’nex Education: Bride Building Class Set
K’nex Education: STEM: Simple Machines: Gears
K’nex Education: STEM: Simple Machines: Levers & Pulleys
K’nex Education: STEM: Simple Machines: Wheels & Axles and Inclined Planes
Lakeshore: Bridge Building Center
Lego Wall
Legos: Duplo
Legos
Magformers
Magnatiles
Marble Run
Mega Bloks
Snap Circuits
Sphero BB – 8
Sphero SPRK: Watch this video to learn more about the Sphero SPRK: Sphero SPRK
Super Spirograph
Wooden Blocks
Makey Makey is Coming Soon to Central Library Makerspace
Makey Makey – Creation Videos
Maker Videos