SPLAT Archive

Rube Goldberg Machines: Low-Tech Making at its Best

And now, for something completely different (which isn’t quite accurate, as we will still be dealing with STEAM principles, and libraries, so it would probably be more accurate to say, something somewhat different). Rube Goldberg was an American cartoonist, engineer, and inventor, who is best known for his illustrations of simple actions being carried out

We did Ani-May-tion Month…and it was great!

For the month of may we decided to do four different kinds of animation with our maker space.  Our first day was flip books. This showed the kids how we use sequencing and steps as we animate.  How we need to go step by step in creating a stop motion animation.  The next step was

SWILA (still) on my mind

I had the great pleasure of getting to attend, and co-facilitate a session at, the Southwest Idaho Library Association’s unconference in April at the Collister branch of the Boise Public Library. This was my first unconference, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. My morning started off with a crafty vibe as everyone decorated their

5 Programmable Robots by Price

Different types of robots were a large part of our last quarterly SPLAT meeting, and have also been a focus of many of my outreach programs this Spring semester. Robots have a unique ability to grab people’s attention, provide an opportunity to use 21st-century skills, and also give them a fantastic amount of coding experience. With

Why are maker spaces so important?

In the last two weeks I have been doing quite a bit of research for a project I’m working on.  It has given me a new perspective and renewed sense of urgency about the maker movement and the libraries role in it.  But first, I have a confession to make: I became a librarian by mistake.  After becoming

Library Space is a Premium: How will we use it effectively?

http://makezine.com/2011/03/10/is-it-time-to-rebuild-retool-public-libraries-and-make-techshops/

A what-y what-y?

I’m excited to share Makey Makeys with you today! Makey Makeys can be used to turn anything conductive into a button for your computer. You can use them with bananas, carrots, water, tinfoil, the list goes on! I’ve used them to teach people about basic circuits, and to get them thinking about how they might

iPads: more than just games and the internet

I’m excited to share the iPad from the SPLAT Idea Lab with you today! The iPad can do a lot, from connecting patrons with e-resources to playing games to facilitating art and creation. Below, I’ll be covering a couple different uses for the iPad: as a tool for coding, as an interface for robots, and

Chromebooks vs. iPads: What’s best for the classroom?

There is much discussion about technology in education.  The general consensus is that technology is a great idea for the classroom.  It is a tool that can enhance teaching and encourage learning.  We try to teach our students that nothing is free in this life, and technology in the classroom is an expense that many

Libraries with 3D printers give patrons access to the future

  January 25, 2016 Share Loveland Public Library: Empowering Patrons Through 3D Printing Whether you want to stay on the cutting edge of technology or have fun making things, Loveland Public Library, located in Loveland, Colorado, USA, has its patrons covered by offering the resource of 3D printing with LulzBot® 3D printers. “Our mission here