Librarians can jump-start the school year by setting some essential goals. Here, teacher librarian Phil Goerner tackles his top six objectives and lays out a plan for achieving these goals, which range from creating new maker space projects to engaging teachers in professional development.
Chicago High School Hosts Citywide Maker Faire, Coproduced by the School’s Library Director
By on July 10, 2015
Can you imagine having a Maker Faire at your school? That’s the case at Schurz High School in Chicago, where students are helping host the annual Chicago Northside Mini Maker Faire, which draws 2,000 attendees.
MakerBridge Site and Blog Show Diversity in Maker Movement | The Maker Issue
By on June 17, 2015
Being a maker is about independence and empowerment, says MakerBridge Project founder Sharona Ginsberg. Focused on making in libraries and schools, the site features tech tips, tool reviews, and variety of resources and profiles.
3-D Printers: Understanding Copyright, Fair Use, and More
By on May 12, 2015
An ALA information policy analyst outlines the legal issues relevant to 3-D printing in public and school libraries—and explains why librarians should lead the way in creating acceptable use policies for this technology.
Coding Skills Empower Us All |The Maker Issue
By on May 11, 2015
We’re not coding in schools so that every kid can get a tech job; we’re doing so to give all kids the chance to understand and interact with the technologies in their lives.
Ready to Learn Coding? Here are resources. Plus: Teaching with Scratch| The Maker Issue
By on May 11, 2015
Resources for learning to code online and face to face, from Khan Academy to Black Girls Code; and suggested lesson plans using Scratch.
SLJ Reviews LittleBits: These bright, appealing sets encourage tinkerers to explore electronics
By on February 11, 2015
Imagine if building a flashlight was as easy as stacking blocks, or that you could build a robot with a shoebox, nine-volt battery, and a pile of components small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Enter LittleBits, a modular, à la carte electronics prototyping platform for users of all skill levels
Westport Maker Space Expands with Robots, SolidWorks Courses, and Volunteer Training
By on October 16, 2014
The Westport Library’s ongoing efforts to support its Maker Space, including Maker in Residence programs and the recent acquisition of two programmable robots, have helped establish a virtuous cycle in which residents have begun working on their own projects and helping one another independently.
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.
Westport Library Unveils New Maker Space
By on July 3, 2012
Connecticut’s Westport Public Library (WPL) officially launched its new Maker Space with a press conference this week. Contained within a large, open metal structure modeled after early airplane hangars, the new section of the library’s great hall features cutting edge tech gadgets such as a MakerBot 3D printer, and will host presentations and participatory workshops on topics ranging from robotics, to intellectual property rights for inventors, to arts and crafts. “It’s a national trend that you’re going to see sweeping the country, and you’re seeing here in one of the very first places ever,” said WPL director Maxine Bleiweis.
