Administrators play a key role in leading the charge for creativity and innovation in their schools. Find out how you can best support a makerspace initiative in your school or library from an administrator who has spearheaded new makerspaces in two different districts.
The real-world design challenge Diana Rendina gave her students resulted in a maker cart that is now manufactured by Custom Educational Furnishings (CEF) and offered through Demco. Read on to learn how you can offer your students authentic design challenges in your makerspace.
If you’re familiar with Sphero®, you know that this tiny, highly engaging robot will have kids coding and creating in no time. Get students started with four popular design challenges from Diana Rendina.
Cardboard is the perfect medium to get your kids started with making – it’s free, it’s abundant, and what kid doesn’t see potential in a cardboard box? Learn how makerspace veteran Angela Rosheim helps her students take their cardboard creations to the next level with Makedo™ tools and connectors.
Learn how you can promote creativity, teamwork and experimentation by creating a STEM club for middle-schoolers. Amanda Bressler helps you face down your fear of not being the expert, walks you through program setup and gives you a simple challenge to get kids started.
Holding a Maker Fest in your school or library is a great way to showcase all the wonderful learning taking place in your makerspace. Diana Rendina walks you through the details, gives you ideas for stations, and helps you make sure your own Maker Fest will be successful.
Ready to get kids excited about coding? Library Journal Maker Hero Alisha Wilson shares how she draws a crowd with her Coding for a Cookie event with three key steps. You’ll gain a host of coding resources, learn about setting up stations and get tips on advertising your event.
Makerspaces can get messy! Do you have a strategy to stay organized? Angela Rosheim offers ideas to keep your school or library makerspace materials in order and easy to find. You’ll also get storage tips, ideas for handling works in progress and advice on how to get students to help keep your makerspace in order.
After using their geometry skills to create string art, Winnetka fourth-graders supersized their projects using the hands-on makerspace tool Rigamajig. Learn how they created a giant-sized protractor and took their string art experience outdoors to apply engineering, math and art concepts.
There are so many great makerspace tools and supplies you could use in your unique space. But how do you choose which ones to buy on a limited budget? Expert Nick Provenzano gives you tips on what to keep in mind when figuring out the right tools for your space and shares some of his favorites.
Deciding you want to create a makerspace is easy. Figuring out what it’s going to look like can be the tricky part. Read on for tips from Nicholas Provenzano, aka The Nerdy Teacher, about how to develop your creation space. Get advice on gaining more space in your library, considering instructional needs and choosing furniture for your space.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects one in 68 children. You can use your makerspace not only to bring awareness to ASD, but also to engage children of all abilities. To celebrate Autism Awareness Month in April, Gina Seymour provides you with five maker activities and tips on how to offer programming that’s both inclusive and fun year-round.
Did you miss the Feb. 22 #DemcoMakerChat about meaningful making? No worries! You can still learn from your peers about how to promote meaningful making in your makerspace. Here are some of the great responses shared during the chat. For the full archive, search #DemcoMakerChat on Twitter.
In the second installment of the Demco Master Maker blog series, Nicholas Provenzano, aka The Nerdy Teacher, talks funding and gives you tips on how to build an engaging and educational makerspace.
What happens when you create an Innovation Lab at your library where people can explore, learn new technology and share their knowledge? Everybody wants in! Learn how Chad Mairn from the Seminole Community Library designed a Maker Boot Camp just for kids to connect them to coding, robotics, circuitry and more.
Demco Master Maker Nicholas Provenzano, aka @thenerdyteacher, talks meaningful making and how to create an inclusive learning environment that supports the Maker Mindset. Learn the different ways you can implement and diversify your makerspace to meet the needs of all students and staff.
See how Demco’s design team executed an award-winning learning commons design that meets the needs of today’s learners and educators.
In this first installment of the Demco Master Maker blog series, expert Nicholas Provenzano, aka The Nerdy Teacher, shares his background, talks about the importance of makerspaces in schools, gives a preview of the topics he’ll be addressing in future posts, and invites you to join the conversation during the monthly #DemcoMakerChat on Thursday nights.
Makerspace skills aren’t often recognized on report cards, so how can you celebrate student achievement in those areas? Nicholas Provenzano, aka The Nerdy Teacher, is using badges to acknowledge the hard work, ingenuity, critical thinking and computer skills students develop through working in their makerspace. Learn how you can develop your own badging system for your space.
Libraries are safe spaces, known for finding ways to welcome everyone, and makerspaces within libraries should be no different. Award-winning library media specialist Gina Seymour provides tips and resources for how to welcome and accommodate all users in your makerspace.
Need to add a little art to your STEAM makerspace? Looking for a way to motivate summer reading program participants? Love collaborative art pieces? Read what librarians shared about how they are using StickTogether mosaic posters for all this and more and steal some ideas for your own library!
According to teacher-librarian Angela Rosheim, “Just having students make will not automatically create deep learning — you need to have sound pedagogy to go along with it.” In this blog Angela shares how she integrates making into her curriculum, along with a fun lesson plan that combines research with design thinking.
Adding a STEAM component to a literacy assignment can encourage students to think more deeply about what they are reading and writing. Library Journal’s Maker Hero School Librarian of the Year Alisha Wilson shares three ways you can collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate robotics, circuitry and coding into English class.
Media specialist and author Diana Rendina discusses the benefits of providing guided instruction through maker workshops and shares tips and ideas you can put into practice right away.
Diana Rendina details 3 engaging makerspace projects that fit right in with the 2017 Teen Read Week (Oct. 8–14) theme: “Unleash Your Story.” Students will be eager to tell their stories with these creative activities that combine literacy and making.
You’re ready to start creating your makerspace, but what kind of furniture and seating will you need? Use this handy checklist to help you decide how you will you use your space and what you need to think about when choosing furnishings.
In this webinar, award-winning educator Mark Schreiber walks you through a step-by-step process for integrating making and maker projects throughout your library and classroom.
Find ways to promote compassionate making with makerspace projects that connect students to their school, the community, the world and the environment.
After writing grants, garnering the support of the college foundation and finding community partners, St. Petersburg College’s Innovation Lab was born.
A cardboard building project turned into a successful library makerspace and countless opportunities for students to learn through making.
Not a tech wizard? Try these 3 low-tech makerspace projects from Diana Rendina and see learning through making come to life in your library!
Too Small to Fail’s campaign “Talking is Teaching: Talk, Read, Sing” provides you with early literacy resources to help you further your goals of empowering parents and enriching the lives of young children.
Looking for the next new tech tool to add to your makerspace? See how School Librarian of the Year Todd Burleson is using drones to engage students and teach coding in his classroom.
When Massapequa school officials got an idea, they made it a reality in a big way. See how they updated 6 of their elementary libraries with modern makerspaces and started seeing positive learning outcomes as a result.
From programming to displays to makerspaces — tune in for a variety of ideas to help you engage your community without spending a fortune.
The Demco Makerspace Survey revealed the pain points many librarians have with starting and running a makerspace, but it also revealed some great advice for meeting those challenges head on. See what your peers had to say about their makerspaces and get tips and pointers.
Get the scoop on essential makerspace ideas from TeacherGeek® kits to MeeperBOTs and more to help learners build their creativity and critical thinking — two important 21st century skills.
Teen Tech Week is March 5-11 and master maker Diana Rendina has got you covered. Diana shares 5 makerspace projects that will inspire teens to become change agents in their communities while practicing the design process.
See how Holly Storck-Post, a youth services librarian at the Madison Public Library (WI), has found ways to take her LEGO programming to the next level.
Prepare to be fascinated by the 2016 Paralibrarian of the Year. Winner Brown Biggers shares how his IT role makes important connections with students and faculty at UNCG’s academic library.
Children’s Librarian Holly Storck-Post brings STEAM, making and literature together with four preschool programs for preschoolers — happy making!
Learn how you can harness new education strategies and transform your children’s library into an interactive STEAM learning environment.
The results are in and one lucky makerspace fan has won a $250 Demco gift certificate! See who the winner is and read why your peers think makerspaces are essential to libraries.
Library Journal Mover and Shaker Sharona Ginsberg highlights the benefits of makerspaces in academic libraries and gives tips to start you on your way to success.
Follow the lean startup process to makerspace success: start small, give yourself the freedom to fail and be willing to learn from your mistakes.
Looking for ways to take STEM programming to the next level? Check out MeeperBOTS! These mobile-app-controlled motorized BOTS bring LEGOs® to life. Plus get a tried-and-true program that’s sure to capture kids’ interest.
Accomplished maker and educator Heather Lister provides you with sample projects and resources to incorporate the maker movement within your school, library or classroom (or all three!), with little to no technology requirements.
Struggling to find the best tools for your library makerspace? Join expert Laura Fleming as she discusses how best to support your space.
Amy Koester, The Show Me Librarian, shares 8 exciting STEAM activities to help you celebrate Space Week (Oct. 4–10) in your library!
Want to get more buy-in from staff and added exposure for your maker programs? Children’s Librarian and maker extraordinaire Holly Storck-Post fills you in on the benefits of holding a maker program for the entire library staff.
Looking for ways to use the littleBits Synth Kit? Director Mary Glendening shows you how to emulate one of the most popular littleBits programs held at CreateSpace@MFL, located in the Middletown Free Library. Learn the step-by-step directions for running the program at your own library and encouraging kids and teens to invent music with littleBits.
Big on makerspaces, but tight on budget? Library Director Mary Glendening offers tips on how to obtain grants and other funding to bring your ideas to life!
Mover and shaker Emily Ellis offers ideas for getting the whole family involved in STEAM activities through Tinker Day at the library, plus find out how your library can can leverage the popularity of Pokémon GO!
Quicksand, black holes and tsunamis — oh my! Combine attention-grabbing topics with engaging STEM activities and books, and draw in even the most reluctant readers.
The Maker Movement has hit the library! Watch this webinar and learn how to ensure patrons can pursue open-ended maker projects and enjoy playing to learn.
A feeling of solidarity resounded at ALA 2016 with attendees focusing on new ways to serve those in need and the community at large. Read the recap.
Library Journal Mover and Shaker Colleen Graves discusses design thinking and making and provides project ideas to get started tinkering with littleBits™ in your library and creating a community of makers!
Library makerspaces come in many forms and offer places to tinker, develop work skills or invent. What are your makerspace goals? Check out 4 essential considerations and the latest products.
See an elementary school library that offers a flexible space that boosts creativity, collaboration and learning.
Browse the latest library makerspace products that are a hit with both kids and adults.
The teens involved in every step of the planning process for The Mix helped make this teen zone the place to be. Explore the results as Manager Cathy Cormier takes us on a virtual tour of the multiple areas of SFPL’s teen zone, their uses and the tools they feature.
Makerspaces in schools are becoming more popular. Hear from our expert guest blogger, Colleen Graves, on how to secure buy-in and funding.
What happened at PLA 2016 doesn’t have to stay at PLA. Read highlights, listen in on conversations with librarians and more.
Even the most reluctant readers are drawn in by the excitement of extreme sports! Discover STEM project ideas that will kick-start kids’ enthusiasm and test their engineering skills.
On the hunt for makerspace ideas? Bring on the arts! The library is the perfect place to give students valuable creation experiences and an artistic outlet.
As centers of learning, college libraries are reinventing their spaces to facilitate just about anything students may dream up. Hear from 2 academic librarians about higher education makerspaces and design labs.
Collaborating with teachers for a Mo Willems author study can help you spark a variety of engaging student projects and highlight essential skills.
What library makerspace tools and activities will be the most effective and the most engaging for your users? Get the crowd-sourced answers!
Incorporating visual art-making into your kids book club or school library program is a flexible and fun new way to connect to literature. Discover the Book to Art Club!
As 2016 winds down, what library predictions proved to be true? Get a read on the top 5 library trends and assess what will carry over into 2017.
It’s time for some back-to-school cool. See essential back-to-school supplies, products and programming ideas chosen especially for libraries.
It’s time for some back-to-school cool. Get great new ideas on collaboration, programming and essential back-to-school supplies.
Makerspaces in schools build students’ interests and competencies in STEM. See how to increase innovation and collaboration between librarians and classroom teachers.
From funding to floor pianos, programming for all ages and makerlab inspiration, read how the Barrington Area Library makes its makerspaces and digital media labs successful.
Mobile makerspaces can help resource-strapped libraries offer creative, flexible programming. See how one library system made their makerspace portable.
Makerspaces, hackerspaces, fab labs and more — different names, but similar intent. Discover potential ideas for sparking creativity and engagement in libraries.
Want to engage kids in STEAM learning at your library? In this webinar, we’ll explore a range of programming ideas that work at any library, regardless of space or budget.
Studio 300 is Fountaindale Public Library’s answer to what their community needs in a space that allows creation and collaboration. While there is never a typical day at Studio 300, there is a common theme. Patrons use lab resources to curate, create and share their own stories.
Maybe you know what a makerspace is or maybe you don’t — either way, your gears will be turning during this on-demand webinar as you hear how your library can be a place of creation, not just consumption.
Madison Public Library in Wisconsin has developed a flexible model that suits the needs of their community well and can also be deployed in their branch libraries. Tana Elias shares insights surrounding the development of their program and what they are learning from their program.
