“Teen Librarian Toolbox” blogger and SLJTeen Live! panelist Karen Jensen shares some ideas and resources for low-budget maker spaces.
STEAM Project Recipes: Insta-Robots and Sewing Art
By on January 30, 2017
Step-by-step illustrated instructions for sewing and robot-building activities from SLJ’s 2016 School Librarian of the Year.
Hey, I Built a LEGO Wall! Here’s How.
By on September 12, 2016
An elementary school librarian quickly assembled an inexpensive LEGO wall with donated LEGO bricks, crowdsourced advice, and good humor.
String Theory: Projects Merging Math, Art, and Making
By on September 7, 2016
Recipes for large and small-scale geometric string art projects from Todd Burleson, SLJ’s 2016 School Librarian of the Year.
Yes, He Can! Todd Burleson, SLJ’s 2016 School Librarian of the Year
By on August 25, 2016
“Please keep robots out of the sawdust” is the kind of phrase heard around the library at Hubbard Woods School in Winnetka, IL, where Todd Burleson can be found leading engineering challenges, inspiring student reporters, and constantly inventing.
An Open Letter to BOEs Everywhere
By on May 23, 2016
School libraries are popping up that are fully, even lavishly, equipped, save for one thing: a certified school librarian. Here, one New Jersey librarian explains why that can never work. Ever.
SLJ Reviews the littleBits STEAM Student Set
By on May 3, 2016
Want to see your students get excited about science, technology, and art? Tell them you have the design to build a throwing arm. Our review of the littleBits STEAM kit.
Mobile Maker Spaces
By on May 3, 2016
Librarians in a Knoxville, TN school district got a grant to build four maker space carts that rotate among schools. Find out what they bought and why.
Steampunk, SLIME, and Game Design: Lead the Change Fast-Learning Sessions
By on March 31, 2016
Three rapid-fire presentations on steampunk making, organizing a regional maker expo, and digital game design wrapped up our Lead the Change Maker Workshop.
New Dremel 3-D Printer Announced
By on March 31, 2016
Intended to expand classroom opportunities for 3-D printing, the Dremel Idea Builder 3D40 features new software plus WiFi- and USB-enabled capabilities.
