An elementary school librarian quickly assembled an inexpensive LEGO wall with donated LEGO bricks, crowdsourced advice, and good humor.
SLJ Reviews LEGO WeDo 2.0
By on April 5, 2016
The second-gen robotics system teaches STEM concepts to elementary students.
Big Cash Prizes for Maker Spaces Up for Grabs
By on March 11, 2016
Enter your dream maker space in the Department of Education’s CTE Makeover Challenge. You may just snag the money to make it happen. But hurry; the deadline is April 1.
The Best of Toy Fair 2016 for Maker Spaces
By on March 2, 2016
Our fearless reviewer—who just happens to be SLJ’s Librarian of the Year and a maker queen—canvassed the entire Javits Convention Center in Manhattan to find the most exciting innovations coming out this year.
Resources from Mobile MegaShare | ISTE 2015
By on June 30, 2015
The free exchange of resources and tips was fast and furious at the Mobile MegaShare, an ISTE 2015 preconference, held June 27 in Philadelphia.
SLJ Reviews LEGO StoryStarter: Using the classic brick, plus software, to foster narrative skills
By on September 8, 2014
Is there a student on Earth who doesn’t love LEGO? StoryStarter, from LEGO Education, taps into that enthusiasm with a language and literacy product that combines an inviting tub of LEGOs with thoughtful lessons and user-friendly writing and comics software.
Build Better Robots with LEGO Mindstorms Education EV3 | SLJ Review
By on February 24, 2014
“The EV3 is one of those toys that transcends consumerism and becomes a pathway into new kinds of hands-on production and learning for kids and adults alike,” writes Chad Sansing in our review of LEGO’s latest version of the popular Mindstorms robotics platform.
Low Tech, High Gains: Starting a Maker Program Is Easier Than You Think
By on October 10, 2013
Has the maker movement taken hold in your library yet? Starting a maker space is easier—and less costly—than you may think. Technologies such as robotics, digital video production, computer coding, and 3-D printing may garner the most attention, but traditional activities instill the same spirit of invention, collaboration, and critical thinking of the maker phenomenon.
Life with Raspberry Pi: Sparking a School Coding Revolution
By on August 19, 2013
A $25 computer that fits in the palm of your hand, the Raspberry Pi has the potential to challenge the digital divide and make coding in schools as commonplace as textbooks. Computing could truly become about what kids can make rather than what schools can buy. Teacher Chad Sansing explains it all, with resources for digging in and getting started.
CES 2013 Top Trends for Schools: From adaptive ebooks to crowd-funded technology, products to look out for
By on January 23, 2013
Grumbling about the relevance of CES notwithstanding, several standout products are set to impact K–12 education. SLJ columnist Jeff Hastings taps the highlights, including one overarching trend that’s bound to affect a wide range of devices for all users.
