Monthly Archives: February 2018

Chapters 12-14

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I’m going to combine a few chapters in this post. Chapter 12, Computer Numerical Control(CNC) in the Library with Cutting and Milling Machines by Rob Dumas is a great introduction to electronic tools using computer software. I don’t believe our library is quite ready for this although it sounds great! I know that at least one other elementary school in our district has a program with 2 three D printers up and running. A group of 5th graders was able to make a hand for another student last year; it was pretty amazing. I believe that this requires financing through a grant or gift to get us started. When we are ready, and have more staff involved this chapter will be a great resource for beginning these endeavors.

Chapter 13, Robotics in Libraries by Antonia Krupicka-Smith is a bit more advanced than are makerspaces are at this point. However the LEGO MINDSTORM EV3 looked like a great way to connect LEGO’s and robotics. We have already acquired Dot and Dash robots and, with our Technology teacher’s help have introduced 3-5th graders to coding for these robots. They love it and we will continue to use these in our makerspaces. We have some attachments like the keyboard to add to them as students progress in their coding ability.

Chapter 14, Drones in the Library by Chad Mairn and Kristi Seferi gave a short history of drones, beginning in 1898 with the first radio-controlled boat (P. 265) to current drones that now require regulations. The authors give building, buying, and usage tips. My thought is that this is more advanced than I see our elementary school becoming in the immediate future; I can see drone being built in high schools and as special classes/workshops for public schools.

Chapter 11 littleBits, Makey Makey, Chibitronics, and More: Circuitry Projects for Libraries by Wendy Harrop

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This is a short chapter where circuitry products are discussed. We have added littleBits which we used for 2 days after our ice storm. In those two days the students really enjoyed discovering how to make the circuits complete although the favorite was making the buzzer go off, loud! I discovered that small parts disappear. I was disappointed to find we were missing both motormates that make it fun to add LEGO and other items. Luckily my rep from littleBits was willing to replace them this time when I asked where I could buy just parts and not pay shipping, hoping to find something local. So, I’m thinking that I will need to checkout the kits, inventory the parts, but what a hassle! However, if the expectation is to keep parts from leaving without permission, I’ll have to do that.

On the other hand, this chapter reminded me of all the possibilities that this product and others like it offer for students. After our book fair I’ll have to get them back out and begin again!