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droneseco · 6 years ago

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Learn to Program Our Future Overlords with The MotionBlock Robotics Kit

Our verdict of the MotionBlock Robotics Kit: The build quality, software, and potential of this STEAM-focused robotics kit is worth every single dollar. If your kids are excited by STEM or STEAM, the MotionBlock kit is an unmissable purchase.1010

Looking for a programmable robot to help your kids get to grips with STEM or STEAM education? Makeblock’s MotionBlock kit might just be exactly what you’re looking for—but is it just a bit too complicated for most school-age children?

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What Is STEM/STEAM?

Aimed at 14 years and above, MotionBlock is a collection of robotics components that can be programmed using Scratch and Python. A 2019 Red Dot award winner (for Programmable Robot Kit), Makeblock has specifically marketed the kit as being suitable for school-age children with an interest in robotics.

Or more specifically, Science, Technology, Engineering, (optional Art), and Math. Often, to test kits like this, we recruit someone of suitable age to help assess its suitability.

However, in this case, it has not been possible, ironically due to school exams. So, I’ve channeled my 14-year-old self to review the MotionBlock kit. This might not be as ridiculous as it first seems…

Unboxing the MotionBlock

An immense collection of 144 components can be found inside the MotionBlock box. So many, in fact, that the (pretty heavy) box is subdivided into two smaller boxes, each loaded with robotics kit.

Described as “sophisticated mechanical and electronic components” these modules can be combined using simple dovetail joints and cables. Five intelligent servo blocks are included, offering 360 degrees continuous rotation and high precision. They can be programmed using a synchronizer, motion recording, or in Scratch.

Along with the servos, cables, and dovetail joints, you’ll find wheels, a ball gun, and the central computer. This is accompanied by a simple 12×16 LED dot display (mounted on the “main brain”, known as the Master Control) which can help to add some character to your robot builds. The computer is powered by a compact rechargeable battery, which comes with its own USB charger. It’s worth plugging this in for a few hours before you get started.

There’s also a box complete with a Torx screwdriver and various screws. These are required to construct the modules. For example, the swing and clamping module segments of the robot arm and grabber need to be built.

This, really, is the basis for the age grouping. While I suspect younger children could program the robot with Scratch, building the modules is certainly for older kids with superior motor skills.

What Can You Do With the MotionBlock Robotics Kit?

[amaon id=”B07QVQC3NY”]

The MotionBlock kit comes with various designs for you to try:

Fighter

Sampling Rover

Footballer

Gorilla

Off-Road Auto

Snake

Larva

Dog

Robotic Arm

Pitching Auto

These unusual builds highlight the versatility of the MotionBlock components and utilize key modules. Among these are the acceleration module, ejection module, and rotating module, as well as the swing and mechanical claw clamping modules mentioned earlier.

Underlying each build are a collection of five high-performance intelligent servos. They’re designed to imitate the behaviors of many animals, with high stability of control and strong capacity of bearing.

Pen module, suction cups, and more can be also be employed for unique, individual builds. The main module, meanwhile, features Bluetooth, enabling you to control your MotionBlock creation remotely via a mobile app or a dedicated controller. There’s also a micro USB port for connecting the module directly to your computer to upload programs.

Meanwhile, thanks to a pair of LEGO adaptors, you can also integrate your MotionBlock build with your latest LEGO project.

Building Your First Robot

Many robotics kits come with a bunch of components and modules that just snap together. A few minutes later, you’ve got a robot moving around, a program freshly uploaded via USB.

Not so with MotionBlock.

Aiming for simplicity in the review, I opted for the Robotic Arm. Instructions for this build are included in the printed manual (others are in the mobile app for Android and iOS), so it made sense to start here.

90 minutes later I was done, having constructed every servo module. Unfortunately, I still had to build the Synchronizer, a remote unit that controls the robot arm. While this was a bit faster, the entire build time was around two hours.

It’s worth highlighting here that although the Synchronizer is a useful remote, it is limited by the 25mm cable connection to the Master Control. It’s also limited by some restrictive brackets (“Stoblocks”) that prevent full motion. They appear to be provided to prevent the cables from being stretched but have the opposite effect. Better motion can be achieved without these parts.

Also, the robot arm requires calibration when used with the remote, but this isn’t the case with app-based remote control.

Getting the Build Right

Unfortunately, I ran into a problem. It seems that early in the build, I connected a component incorrectly. While I immediately fixed the issue, the damage was done.

Four 16mm screws had penetrated the case of one of the servos, resulting in the arm being non-functional. This was the servo installed in the rotating block, a key component of the arm.

This happened thanks to a simple misreading of the instructions. No unreasonable force was used. In fact, it was tougher to screw the 16mm screws correctly.

On the plus side, if I had used the instructions in the mobile app, it would have been far clearer. Here, each step is guided, with an animated illustration and an interactive 3D graphic of the components. In short, if you’re planning to buy this kit, use the manual in the mobile app.

Seized Up Servo

Reading the instructions carefully won’t prevent manufacturing failures, however. While experimenting with the Synchronizer arm, it turned out that one of the servos—ironically the one fitted in the rotating module to repair the one I damaged—had seized up.

With all builds of the MotionBlock kit requiring four or more servos, that pretty much brought things to an end.

Fortunately, Makeblock were kind enough to forward a pair of replacement servos. A few weeks later, the robot was finally up and running.

Further investigation showed that the screws were not sorted as per the labels in the box. This resulted in me using 20mm screws instead of 16mm. That 4mm difference would probably have saved the circuit board in the servo!

Once again, the moral or the story is clear: pay close attention to every step of the instructions.

Hook Up the Mobile App to Control Your Robot via Bluetooth

With your robot built, it’s a good time to sync it to your mobile device over Bluetooth. Get started by installing the Makeblock app, available for Android and iOS. While phone versions of the apps are available, we found the tablet user interface was more usable.

Syncing over Bluetooth is handled by the app (with the usual system confirmation) and is surprisingly painless. A few moments later, you’ll be ready to control your robot project. Each supported robot build has its own control interface, enabling you to steer, guide, or otherwise manipulate the construction based on the component parts.

Additional Mobile App Features

Various extras are hidden in the mobile app that can change the way you use your robot build. For example, there’s a neat little pixel art screen that lets you alter the default LED displayed on the Master Control’s display.

There’s also the option to change some default settings. For example, with the robot arm build, you can alter the strength of the arm and grabber. Note that a different surface may be required to ensure the suction cups are properly secured. We used a varnished farmhouse-style table for this review, which has various imperfections that can weaken suction.

And if you’re looking for something new to do with your robot arm, how about mounting a pen on it? The app features a drawing tool that you can use to easily program a few words, doodles or even artwork. Watching a robot write or draw is quite a sight!

The app will also display the battery status, so you can tell when your robot will need recharging.

Programming Is Simple With Scratch and Python

When you’re done with manual control of the robot, you can begin to program it with Scratch and Python.

This is easiest via the mobile app, where you can use the Scratch software to program your robot. In the case of the arm, this could be something as simple as instructing it to pick up an object and place it elsewhere. With vehicular builds, the program might be to move around. While no standard sensors are included, this should be possible regardless if you know the distances involved.

A desktop interface is also available, called mBlock 5. This features a Scratch interface that supports the conversion of the program into Python code. A version of mBlock is also available for Android and iOS. Programming in this manner can be done live, although the best results seem to be enjoyed by uploading programs directly, as you might an Arduino.

Another, less high-tech way to program the MotionBlock robot is included. This relies on programming the Master Control module directly by recording manual servo movements. For example, you might program the arm to move around, open, and close, using your hands. This action is then saved and played back, with the robot following the steps you manually programmed by manipulating it.

Reimagine Your Robot with MotionBlock Kit

By the time you’ve reach the end of your first build with the MotionBlock kit, the truth is clear. This is a truly amazing collection of projects and activities, solidly manufactured and expertly packaged and presented.

There’s literally nothing wrong with this kit, short of the ability of a 40-something reviewer to accidentally break it. Maybe the battery could last longer, or perhaps it could feature a camera module for the vehicular builds. These are minor gripes, however.

If you have STEM or STEAM-interested kids who are in the right age group, you should seriously consider the MotionBlock kit.

Enter the Competition!

MotionBlock Robotics STEM Learning Kit Giveaway

Read the full article: Learn to Program Our Future Overlords with The MotionBlock Robotics Kit

Learn to Program Our Future Overlords with The MotionBlock Robotics Kit published first on http://droneseco.tumblr.com/

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grassroutes · 6 years ago

Text

Learn to Program Our Future Overlords with The MotionBlock Robotics Kit

youtube

What Is STEM/STEAM?

Or more specifically, Science, Technology, Engineering, (optional Art), and Math. Often, to test kits like this, we recruit someone of suitable age to help assess its suitability.

Unboxing the MotionBlock

An immense collection of 144 components can be found inside the MotionBlock box. So many, in fact, that the (pretty heavy) box is subdivided into two smaller boxes, each loaded with robotics kit.

This, really, is the basis for the age grouping. While I suspect younger children could program the robot with Scratch, building the modules is certainly for older kids with superior motor skills.

What Can You Do With the MotionBlock Robotics Kit?

[amaon id=”B07QVQC3NY”]

The MotionBlock kit comes with various designs for you to try:

Fighter

Sampling Rover

Footballer

Gorilla

Off-Road Auto

Snake

Larva

Dog

Robotic Arm

Pitching Auto

Meanwhile, thanks to a pair of LEGO adaptors, you can also integrate your MotionBlock build with your latest LEGO project.

Building Your First Robot

Many robotics kits come with a bunch of components and modules that just snap together. A few minutes later, you’ve got a robot moving around, a program freshly uploaded via USB.

Not so with MotionBlock.

Also, the robot arm requires calibration when used with the remote, but this isn’t the case with app-based remote control.

Getting the Build Right

Unfortunately, I ran into a problem. It seems that early in the build, I connected a component incorrectly. While I immediately fixed the issue, the damage was done.

Four 16mm screws had penetrated the case of one of the servos, resulting in the arm being non-functional. This was the servo installed in the rotating block, a key component of the arm.

This happened thanks to a simple misreading of the instructions. No unreasonable force was used. In fact, it was tougher to screw the 16mm screws correctly.

Seized Up Servo

With all builds of the MotionBlock kit requiring four or more servos, that pretty much brought things to an end.

Fortunately, Makeblock were kind enough to forward a pair of replacement servos. A few weeks later, the robot was finally up and running.

Once again, the moral or the story is clear: pay close attention to every step of the instructions.

Hook Up the Mobile App to Control Your Robot via Bluetooth

Additional Mobile App Features

The app will also display the battery status, so you can tell when your robot will need recharging.

Programming Is Simple With Scratch and Python

When you’re done with manual control of the robot, you can begin to program it with Scratch and Python.

Reimagine Your Robot with MotionBlock Kit

If you have STEM or STEAM-interested kids who are in the right age group, you should seriously consider the MotionBlock kit.

Enter the Competition!

MotionBlock Robotics STEM Learning Kit Giveaway

Read the full article: Learn to Program Our Future Overlords with The MotionBlock Robotics Kit

Learn to Program Our Future Overlords with The MotionBlock Robotics Kit posted first on grassroutespage.blogspot.com

0 notes

libraryresources · 7 years ago

Text

Wikispaces: Youth Services Librarianship - Makerspaces

(Wikispaces is closing down over the course of 2018. It’s not clear if the information collected there will be archived in any way, so I’m copying pages here for safekeeping! Hopefully I can make the copies interlinked the way the originals are, but it will take time. c: Be advised: Some links may lead to deleted or inactive webpages.)

Makerspaces

(Last revision: Nov 24, 2013)

Overview

What Is a Makerspace? Have you ever envisioned a library where, “Kids gather to make Lego robots; teens create digital music, movies, and games with computers and mixers; and students engineer new projects while adults create prototypes for small business products with laser cutters and 3D printers” (American Libraries, 2013, pg. 44)? Well, many libraries are offering places called “makerspaces,” which are “part of a growing movement of hands-on, mentor-led learning environments to make and remake the physical and digital worlds. They foster experimentation, invention, creation, exploration, and STEM learning” (Institute of Museum and Library Services, 2012, para.1). Makerspaces are also known as, Fab Labs, Hackerspaces, Makelabs, Digital Media Labs, DIY Spaces, Creative Spaces, or Tech Shops. Makerspaces are comprised of or include "a continuum of activity that includes “co-working,” “hackerspace,” and “fab lab”; the common thread running through each is a focus on making rather than merely consuming" (Colegrove, 2013, pg. 3). They can,“be embedded inside an existing organization or standalone on its own. It could be a simple room in a building or an outbuilding that’s closer to a shed. The key is that it can adapt to a wide variety of uses and can be shaped by educational purposes as well as the students’ creative goals” (Behen, 2013, pg. 72).

Makerspace Tools and Materials

Makerspaces can include but are not characterized by:

Workshop or Workspace

Digital Fabrication Equipment (3D Printers, 3D Scanners, Laser Cutter, Laser Engraving, Vinyl Cutter, CNC routers, etc.).

Digital Media Software and Open Source Software Applications (Adobe Photoshop, Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) Programs, etc.).

Open Source Hardware Software (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.).

Electronics and Computers (Robotics, microcontrollers, etc.).

Textiles and Fiber Arts

Different Types of Machines (Embroidery, Espresso Book, Knitting, Laminating, Milling, Sewing, Routing, Stitching, and many more types of machines).

Power Tools (Drill, Jig Saw, Orbital Sander, Table Saw, Belt Sander, Drill Press, etc.).

Metalworking Tools

Welding Tools

Woodworking Tools

3D printers -- printers which produce 3D models from a digital file, generally out of plastics (Abram, 2013).

3D scanners -- scanners which create digital models of physical objects that can in turn be "printed" using 3D printers ("Makerspace," n.d.).

Laser cutters -- machines which have the ability to accurately cut or etch materials from a digital file ("Makerspace," n.d.).

Arduino -- microcontroller boards that have the ability to read input from sensors, control outputs like lights or motors, and connect to computer software (“What is Arduino?,” n.d.).

Raspberry Pi -- affordable computers no bigger than a credit card that plug into monitors and keyboards (“FAQs,” n.d.).

The Educate to Innovate Initiative and Maker Corps

In 2009, President Obama launched the initiative, “Educate to Innovate” (Schulman, 2013). The President said, "I want us all to think about new and creative ways to engage young people in science and engineering, whether it's science festivals, robotics competitions, fairs that encourage young people to create and build and invent—to be makers of things, not just consumers of things" (Obama 2009).

From the “Educate to Innovate” initiative came, “The Maker Education Initiative’s” Maker Corps. Maker Corps was created to “empower young adults, makers themselves, to become role models and to help them inspire others in their communities to involve more children in making” (Thomas, 2012b, para.3). In the summer of 2013, The Maker Education Initiative introduced a Maker Corps pilot program. The Mission of this program is that, “Maker Corps will create teams of young makers who can share their enthusiasm for making and their love of learning with younger children and teens, offering support and encouragement that helps introduce them to science and technology in a personal way" (Thomas, 2012a, para.1).

Some of the “Maker Corps Mentors” from this year’s (2013) pilot program include: Arizona State University College of Technology and Innovation (Mesa, Arizona), Free Library of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), Girl Scouts of Central Maryland (Baltimore, Maryland), LevelUP Teen Makerspace (Chicago, Illinois), the Children’s Museum of Houston (Houston, Texas), Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI-Portland, Oregon), The Exploratory (Los Angeles, California), The Da Vinci Center for Innovative Learning (Stockton, California), the New York Hall of Science, (Corona, New York), the Henry Ford Museum (Dearborn, Michigan), and many more (Davee, 2013, pg. 1). The goals of the Maker Corps program are to:

“Provide opportunities for makers to gain leadership skills, increase confidence and build career readiness skills” (Maker Corps, 2013, pg. 1).

“Expand the network of maker mentors and community leaders” (Maker Corps, 2013, pg. 1).

“Expose more youth and families to creative problem-solving through making” (Maker Corps 2013, pg. 1).

“Expand the capacity of youth-serving organizations to serve their communities in maker-oriented projects” (Maker Corps, 2013, pg. 1).

Why Libraries and Makerspaces?

Many public, school, and academic libraries have decided to join the “Maker Movement.” By joining the movement, libraries are providing their patrons with opportunities to experience by building, constructing, developing, and working on projects with others in their community and with those who share similar or mutual interests. Makerspaces in libraries can:

“Foster play and exploration” (Britton, 2012, para. 3).

“Facilitate informal learning opportunities” (Britton, 2012, para. 3).

“Nurture peer-to-peer training” (Britton, 2012, para. 3).

“Work with community members as true partners, not as users or patrons” (Britton, 2012).

“Develop a culture of creating as opposed to consuming” (Britton, 2012, para. 3).

“Reorient the library towards greater user engagement, collaborative creative activity, and participatory learning” (Bailey, 2012, para. 4).

“Position the library as a place of building, inventing, and doing instead of a static location of consumption and acquisition” (Bailey, 2012, para. 4).

“Cater to a particular type of library patron: inventors, artists, entrepreneurs, crafters and youth groups. The technology used in these workshops can revolutionize the manufacturing process, allowing designs and creations that can be modified to suit individuals in ways not possible with mass production” (Newcombe & Belbin, 2012, para.5)

“Help cultivate creative interests, imagination, and passion by allowing students to draw upon multiple intelligences” (Wong, 2013, pg. 35).

“Embrace tinkering, or playing, in various forms of exploration, experimentation and engagement, and foster peer interactions as well as the interests of a collective team” (Wong, 2013, pg. 35).

Examples of Makerspaces in Academic Libraries:

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh- The Labs (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

North Carolina State University- Open Hardware Makerspace (Raleigh, North Carolina)

North Carolina State University- The Hunt Library Makerspace (Raleigh, North Carolina)

Stanford University- FabLab@School (Stanford, California)

Stanford University- Transformative Learning Technologies Lab (TLTL) (Stanford, California)

The Library As Incubator Project (Madison, Wisconsin)

The University of Mary Washington- ThinkLab (Fredericksburg, Virginia)

The University of Michigan- 3D Lab (Ann Arbor, Michigan)

Valdosta State University- Odum Library MakerSpace (Valdosta. Georgia)

Examples of Makerspaces in Public and School Libraries:

Allen County Public Library- The Maker Station (Fort Wayne, Indiana)

Chattanooga Public Library- 4th Floor Makerspace (Chattanooga, Tennessee)

Chicago Public Library- CHIPUBLIB MAKER LAB (Chicago, Illinois)

Cleveland Public Library- TechCentral (Cleveland, Ohio)

David C. Burrow Elementary School Media Center- Makerspace (Athens, Georgia)

Detroit Public Library- HYPE Makerspace Teen Center (Detroit, Michigan)

Fayetteville Free Library- FFL Fab Lab (Fayetteville New York)

Madison Public Library- Library Makers (Madison, Wisconsin)

New York Public Library- NYPL Labs (New York, New York)

Northern Onondaga Public Library- LibraryFarm (Cicero, New York)

Oak Park Public Library- Idea Box (Oak Park, Illinois)

Rangeview Library District: The Studio at Anythink Brighton (Brighton, Colorado)

Rangeview Library District: The Studio at Anythink Wright Farms (Thornton, Colorado)

Sacramento Public Library- I Street Press (Sacramento, California)

Salinas Public Library- Digital Arts Lab (Salinas, California)

Skokie Public Library- The Digital Media Lab (Skokie, Illinois)

St. Louis Public Library- Creative Experience Digital Makerspace (St. Louis, Missouri)

Tacoma Public Library- StoryLab (Tacoma, Washington)

Westport Public Library-Makerspace (Westport, Connecticut)

YOUmedia Lab-Chicago Public Library (Chicago, Illinois)

YOUmedia, Learning Labs, and Anythink Library District

Some makerspaces simply provide a space for people to come and tinker. Others provide digital media equipment for people to utilize in the creation of a variety of projects. One example of this is the YOUmedia network (www.youmedia.org). “YOUmedia are spaces where kids explore, express, and create using digital media. YOUmedia’s core philosophy is that youth are best engaged when they’re following their passions, collaborating with others, and being makers and doers, not passive consumers…YOUmedia are transformative spaces—and catalysts—for new kinds of thinking about libraries, museums, and community centers. The sites are open, flexible, and highly creative, with inspiration zones, production zones, and exhibition labs where youth ‘hang out, mess around, and geek out.’ YOUmedia connects three realms of learning—peer groups, interests, and academics—in deliberate ways. One of the most important aspects is that they connect learning directly back to school, careers, and other realms” (“About”).

YOUmedia started in Chicago, and is expanding in different ways across the country. One branch of YOUmedia is the Learning Labs Project, which began in September 2010. It is “an initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation...in answer to President Obama’s ‘Educate to Innovate’ campaign, which called on public and private sector partners to work together to improve America’s student participation and performance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)” (“Locations”). With a series of grants, the IMLS and the Foundation are working to set up 30 Learning Labs in libraries and museums across the country.

The Studio at Anythink Wright Farms (www.anythinklibraries.org/thestudio), a branch with the Rangeview Library District in Thornton, CO, is a recent addition to the Learning Lab initiative. In 2012, Anythink was awarded a $100,000 grant from IMLS and the MacArthur Foundation to build a digital lab. Built in the spring of 2013, The Studio has three sound-proof rooms (one of which is a recording studio), a green screen, video equipment, and the full Adobe Creative Suite. The idea behind The Studio is to fill teen’s technological needs and help them become contact creators. “At The Studio, it’s not just about what you do, but who you will become. We partner creative community members with teens to help push their creativity to new bounds. These creation labs are places where teens are connected with tools to express their creativity – whether they want to be performers, designers, filmmakers or sportscasters” (“The Studio”). With help from the Tween/Teen Guides (librarians), and the Artists in Residence, teens can learn 21st century technology skills, experiment with a variety of equipment, and fuel their interests.

In the recording studio, which can be used for two hours at a time, teens can record their voices and/or music, make podcasts, sports casts, voiceovers, and create their own beats. This room comes equipped with a computer with Garage Band editing software, a MIDI keyboard, microphones, and a guitar.

The recording studio

Next to the recording studio is a green screen, where teens can experiment with lighting techniques, and take pictures or record images with digital cameras available for check out. There is a nearby editing station where they can upload their videos or images, and substitute the green screen with whatever background they want – stationary or animated. Editing software available to them includes the Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, and the iLife Suite. They can also incorporate their creations from the recording studio into their final product.

Green screen

Computers for editing photos and videos

The Studio also includes graphic design and photo editing software, and two other sound-proof rooms, which can be spaces for video gaming, karaoke, and quiet places for studying. There is also an extra large Windows Surface that teens can use for web browsing, music, news feeds, and apps.

Surface Pro table top

Sound proof study rooms

Anythink, along with libraries and museums across the country, applied for this grant in a nationwide competition, and was one of the first 12 recipients of the grant. The other 11 locations (four museums and seven libraries) for learning labs included:

San Francisco Public Library (San Francisco, California)

Howard County Public Library (Columbia, Maryland)

St. Paul Public Library (St. Paul, Minnesota)

Kansas City Public Library (Kansas City, Missouri)

New York Hall of Science (New York, New York)

Columbus Metropolitan Library (Columbus, Ohio)

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (Portland, Oregon)

Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science and Technology (Allentown, Pennsylvania)

Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Nashville Public Library Foundation (Nashville, Tennessee)

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (Houston, Texas) (Institute “21st Century”)

A second round of grants added learning labs to:

Dallas Museum of Art (Dallas, Texas)

Madison Children’s Museum (Madison, Wisconsin)

Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, California)

Science Museum of Virginia Foundation (Richmond, Virginia)

University of Alabama/Alabama Museum of Natural History (Tuscaloosa, Alabama)

Rochester Public Library (Rochester, New York)

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

City of Lynn, Massachusetts (Lynn, Massachusetts)

Las Vegas-Clark County Library District (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Parmly Billings Library Foundation, Inc. (Billings, Montana)

Pima County Public Library (Tucson, Arizona)

Poughkeepsie Public Library District (Poughkeepsie, New York) (Institute “New Grants”).

The Maker Movement

Even if a library can’t afford or doesn't have room to have a designated “makerspace,” there are other ways to get involved in the Maker movement. The Maker movement doesn't just include makerspaces, but all kinds of maker opportunities.

When looking into the Maker movement, Maker Media is a good name to know. Maker Media has been the driving force behind the Maker movement, beginning with the first publication of MAKE Magazine in 2005 (“Maker Media,” 2013). Maker Media produces the Maker Faire and Makezine, an online zine that offers makers project ideas, as well as Maker Shed, an online store that sells kits and other supplies for makerspaces.

Not having a “space” for your “Makerspace” doesn’t mean you can’t contribute to the Maker movement. For instance, a “Pop up Makerspace” is a temporary makerspace set up in an alternative location, like a classroom (Houston, 2013). Mobile makerspaces, which are able to be moved easily to and from a space and probably lower tech, are always an option (“Teen Makerspaces,” 2013). Makerspaces don’t have to have high tech tools like 3D printers. They can get started with as little as a few craft supplies and a rolling cart.

Another alternative is for a library to get involved in a Maker Faire. Touted as the “Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth,” the Maker Faire is an annual celebration of the Maker movement (“Maker Faire,” 2013, para. 1). Maker Faires allow makers to share their creations and let others know about the Maker movement. Traditionally, the main Maker Faire is located in the Bay Area, as that is where the Faire started in 2006 (“Maker Faire,” 2013). But since the Maker movement has spread, so have Maker Faires, with a “World Maker Faire” taking place in New York City and “Mini Maker Faires” popping up around the world (“Maker Faire,” 2013). Mini Maker Faires are getting more popular as the Maker movement spreads. Even Urbana-Champaign, IL holds its own Mini Maker Faire to showcase makers in the community.

It is also possible to involve a local maker group, many of which have popped up around the country (i.e., Makerspace Urbana in Urbana, IL). Getting a community group involved in the library’s efforts may draw in extra interest, especially if they are well known.

Resources

Directories of Active and Operating Makerspaces Throughout the World

Hackerspaces Meetup Groups List

Hackerspaces Wiki

Labs, Fab Foundation Directory

Maker Community Groups

Maker Education Initiative Directory

Maker Faires Around the World List

Makerspace Directory

Makerspaces Meetup Groups List

MIT Fab Lab List

Mobile Makerspace Directory

National Tool Library Google Group

TechShop Locations

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation- Learning Labs Project Location Directory

The International Fab Lab Association: List of Fab Labs

The Maker Map- Find or Locate Maker Resources

The National After School Science Directory

Tool Lending Libraries Directory

YOUmedia Location Directory

Makerspace Project Ideas, Videos, and Tutorial Sites

Adafruit Learning Systems has tutorials on topics such as, how to use “Arduino,” and “Raspberry Pi.” It also provides project ideas, tools, trinkets, and so much more.

DIY.org allows members to share with others what they create. It also contains a variety of different projects and challenges.

FabLab@School Blog provides makerspace and project photos, videos, project ideas, tutorials, resources, and more.

Howtoons- “D.I.Y. Comic Website.”

Instructables has illustrated “DIY” guides on a variety of topics, such as, “Make an Electronic Music Box Powered by Arduino.”

K-12 Digital Fabrication Labs Discussion Group is a K-12 forum that discusses different “Digital Fabrication” topics.

Make It @ Your Library provides librarians with “Maker” project ideas.

Make It @ Your Library in partnership with the American Library Association and Instructables has launched a new website makeitatyourlibrary.org, which provides librarians with project ideas and resources.

Make: Makezine.com-"Contains a collection of projects, video, blogs, and so much more for makers and hackers."

Make: Projects contains a collection of different project ideas, such as “Make a Disney- Inspired Changing Portrait With a Raspberry Pi.”

Make: Videos contains a collection of how to make videos, such as “Star in a Jar.”

Makerspace.com contains a collection of how to make projects.

Sparkfun contains tutorials on many different categories, as well as, curriculum pages that presents educators, parents, students, etc. with curriculum “presentations and handouts.”

Teens Turning Green contains DIY programming ideas created by teens to encourage sustainable, healthy living.

The Exploratorium (San Francisco, California) provides different activities, videos, and more.

The Exploratorium’s Tinkering Studio contains different project ideas and a listing of past “events, workshops, and more.”

How to Start a Tool Lending Library

Tool Library Toolkit via Sharestarter provides a how-to guide on starting your own tool lending (or any other lending) library.

Grants, Scholarships, and Crowd-Sourced Fundraising Sites For Makerspaces and Makers

Grant Sites

Cognizant Technology Solutions- Making The Future U.S. After-school and Summer Program Grants

DARPA

Lego Children’s Fund

GCAA Makerspace Grant Program

Grants for Makerspace Schools

PG&E- Bright Ideas Grant

STEMgrants.com

STEM Grants and Resources

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)- Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Grant

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation-Learning Labs In Libraries And Museums Grant

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)- List of Grant Applicants

Scholarship Sites

Cognizant Technology Solutions- Making the Future U.S. College Scholarship Program for MakersING Unsung Heroes: Education scholarship for innovated classroom projects

Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity

MindGear Labs

Crowd-Sourced Fundraising Sites

Crowdfunder

Crowdrise

GoFundMe

Indiegogo

Kickstarter

RocketHub

Budget and Funding Articles and Blog Links

Garcia, L. (2013). 6 Strategies for Funding a Makerspace. Edudopia.

Hlubinka, M. B. (2013). Funding School Makerspaces. Make.

Hlubinka. M. B. (2013). Stocking up School Makerspaces. Make.

Mt. Elliott Makerspace. (2013). "Make A Makerspace".

Print and Electronic Resources

Books on Makerspaces

Anderson, C. (2012). Makers: The New Industrial Revolution. New York: Crown.

Frauenfelder, M. (2005). Make: Technology on Your Time. Sebastopol, CA: Dale Dougherty/O'Reilly Media.

Gabrielson, C. (2013). Tinkering: Kids Learning by Making Stuff. Sebastopol, CA : Maker Media

Hatch, M. (2013). The Maker Movement Manifesto: Rules for Innovation in the New World of Crafters, Hackers, and Tinkerers. New York: Mcgraw-Hill.

Honey, M., & Kanter, D. (2013). Design, Make, Play: Growing the Next Generation of STEM Innovators. New York, NY: Routledge.

Kemp, A. (2013). The Makerspace Workbench: Tools, Technologies, and Techniques for Making. Sebastopol, CA : Maker Media, Inc.

Lang, D. (2013). Zero to Maker: Learn (Just Enough) to Make (Just About) Anything. Sebastopol, CA : Maker Media, Inc.

Martinez, S. L., & Stager, G, (2013). Invent To Learn: Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom. Torrance, CA: Constructing Modern Knowledge Press.

Preddy, L. (2013). School Library Makerspaces: Grades 6-12. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.

Roberts, D. (2010). Making Things Move : DIY Mechanisms for Inventors, Hobbyists, and Artists. New York : McGraw-Hill

Roslund, S., & Rodgers, E.P. (2013). Makerspaces. Ann Arbor, MI: Cherry Lake Publishing.

Books on Arduino and Raspberry Pi

Baichtal, J. (2013). Arduino for Beginners: Essential Skills Every Maker Needs. [S.l.] : Que Publishing.

Margolis, M. (2011). Arduino Cookbook. Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly Media.

McComb, G. (2013). Arduino Robot Bonanza. New York : McGraw-Hill.

Monk, S. (2013). Raspberry Pi Cookbook. Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly Media.

O’Neill, T., & Williams, J. (2013). Arduino (21st Century Skills Innovation Library: Makers As Innovators). Ann Arbor, MI: Cherry Lake Publishing.

Partner, K. (2013). Raspberry Pi for Beginners. [S.l.] : Dennis Publishing.

Richardson, M., & Wallace, S.P. (2012). Getting Started with Raspberry Pi (Make: Projects). Sebastopol, CA : O'Reilly Media.

Severance, C. R., & Fontichiaro. (2013). Raspberry Pi (Makers As Innovators: 21st Century Skills Innovation Library). Ann Arbor, MI: Cherry Lake Publishing.

Electronic Resources

Makerspace. (2012). High School Makerspace Tools & Materials. O'Reilly Media.

Makerspace (2013). Makerspace Playbook. O'Reilly Media.

Makerspace. (2013). Makerspace Playbook: School Edition. Maker Media. CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 US.

Young Makers. (2012). Maker Club Playbook. O'Reilly Media.

Additional Web Resources

ACRL TechConnect Blog

Arduino.cc

ALA Online Community- Digital Media Labs

ALA Online Community- Makerspaces

Creative Commons

Digital Media: New Learners of the 21st Century

Fab Central

Hackerspaces Wiki

Institute of Museum and Library Services- Learning Labs in Libraries and Museums

Learning Labs In Libraries and Museums Resource Information

Library as Makerspace Blog

Libraries & Maker Culture: A Resource Guide

MAKE magazine

MakerBot.com

Maker Faire.com

Maker Media.com

Maker Shed

Makered.org

Makerspace.com

Makerspaces and the Participatory Library- Facebook group

Makezine.com

Mt. Elliot Makerspace

Open Education Database (OEDb)- “A Librarian’s Guide to Makerspaces: 16 Resources”

Raspberry Pi.org

ShopBot Tools

SparkFun Electronics

Spotlight on Digital Media and Learning Blog

Teen Makerspaces @ Your Library

The MakerBridge Blog

Thingiverse- "Digital Designs for Physical Objects"

Young Makers.org

YOUmedia Network: Reimagining Learning in the 21st Century

References

Abram, S. (2013). Makerspaces in Libraries, Education, and Beyond. Internet@Schools, 20(2), 18-20.

“About.” The YOUmedia Network. Web. 14 Nov. 2013 www.youmedia.org/youmedia-network

Anythink: A Revolution of Rangeview Libraries. (2013). Anything Brighton Awarded Grant to Design Teen Makerspace. Retrieved on November 8, 2013 from http://www.anythinklibraries.org/news-item/anythink-brighton-awarded-grant-design-teen-makerspace

Bagley, C. (2012) What is a Makerspace? Creativity in the Library. ALATechsource. Retrieved on November 10, 2013 from http://www.alatechsource.org/blog/2012/12/what-is-a-makerspace-creativity-in-the-library.html

Bailey, J. (2012). From Stacks to Hacks: Makerspaces and LibraryBox. Metropolitan New York Library Council (METRO). Retrieved on November 8, 2013 from http://metro.org/articles/from-stacks-to-hacks-makerspaces-and-librarybox/

Batykefer, E. (2013). The Youth Maker Library. Voice Of Youth Advocates, 36(3), 20-24.

Behen. L.D. (2013). Recharge Your Library Programs with Pop Culture and Technology: Connect with Today’s Teens. Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited.

Britton, L. (2012). Making Space for Creation, Not Just Consumption. Library Journal. Retrieved on November 8, 2013 from http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2012/10/public-services/the-makings-of-maker-spaces-part-1-space-for-creation-not-just-consumption/

Colegrove, T. (2013). Editorial Board Thoughts: Libraries as Makerspace?. Information Technology & Libraries, 32(1), 2-5.

Davee, S. (2013). Celebrating Our Maker Corps Mentor Class of 2013. Maker Education Initiative: Every Child A Maker. Retrieved on November 8, 2013 from http://www.makered.org/tag/maker-corps/

Education Innovator. (2013). Maker Education Initiative. Retrieved on November 9, 2013 from http://blog.nwp.org/educatorinnovator/partners/maker-education-initiative/

FAQs. (n.d.). Retrieved November 24, 2013, from Raspberry Pi website: http://www.raspberrypi.org/faqs

Garcia, L. (2013). 6 Strategies for Funding a Makerspace. Edudopia. Retrieved on November 11, 2013 from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/6-strategies-funding-makerspace-paloma-garcia-lopez

Graham, R. (2013). Bring Back Home ec! The Case for a Revival of the Most Retro Class in School. Boston Globe. Retrieved on November 19, 2013 from http://www.bostonglobe.com/ideas/2013/10/12/bring-back-home/EJJi9yzjgJfNMqxWUIEDgO/story.html?s_campaign=sm_tw.

Hlubinka, M. B. (2013). Funding School Makerspaces. Make. Retrieved on November 11, 2013 from http://makezine.com/2013/09/05/funding-school-makerspaces/

Hlubinka, M. B. (2013). Stocking up School Makerspaces. Make. Retrieved on November 11, 2013 from http://makezine.com/2013/08/21/stocking-up-school-makerspaces/

Houston, C. (2013). Makerspaces @ your school library: Consider the possibilities!. Kentucky Libraries, 77(3): 26-28.

Institute of Museum and Library Services. “National Competition Selects 12 Libraries and Museums to Build Innovative Learning Labs for Teens.” IMLS. Institute of Museum and Library Services, 17 Nov. 2011. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. www.imls.gov/national_competition_selects_12_libraries_and_museums_to_build_innovative_learning_labs_for_teens.aspx

Institute of Museum and Library Services. “New Grants Help Museums and Libraries Connect Youth with Friends, Learning, and Mentors to Link Their Passions to Future Success.” IMLS. Institute of Museum and Library Services, 8 Nov. 2012. Web. 14 Nov. 2013 www.imls.gov/new_grants_help_museums_and_libraries_connect_youth_with_friends_learning_and_mentors_to_link_their_passions_to_future_success.aspx

Institute of Museum and Library Services. (2012). Talking Points: Museums, Libraries, and Makerspaces. Retrieved on November 8, 2013 from http://www.imls.gov/assets/1/AssetManager/Makerspaces.pdf

Kroski, E. (2013). A Librarian’s Guide to Makerspace: 16 Resources. Open Education Database (OEDB). Retrieved on November 8, 2013 from http://oedb.org/ilibrarian/a-librarians-guide-to-makerspaces/

“Locations: Learning Labs Project.” The YOUmedia Network. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. www.youmedia.org/locations/learning-labs

Maker Corps. (2013). Maker Education Initiative: Every Child A Maker-Maker Corps. Retrieved on November 8, 2013 from http://www.makered.org/makercorp

Maker Faire: A Bit of History. (2013). Retrieved November 24, 2013, from Maker Faire website: http://makerfaire.com/makerfairehistory/

Maker Media (2013). Retrieved November 24, 2013, from http://makermedia.com

Makerspace. (n.d.). Retrieved November 24, 2013, from NSCU Libraries website: http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/spaces/makerspace

Manufacturing MAKER SPACES. (2013). American Libraries, 44(1/2), 44.

Markham, D. (2013). Kids' Museum Challenges Throwaway Mentality with Repair Exhibition. Tree Hugger. Retrieved on November 19, 2013 fromhttp://www.treehugger.com/gadgets/kids-museum-challenges-throwaway-mentality-repair-exhibition.html.

Mt. Elliott Makerspace. (2013). Make A Makerspace. Retrieved on November 11, 2013 from http://www.mtelliottmakerspace.com/makeamakerspace/

National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future (2007). Committee on Prospering in the Global Economy of the 21st Century: An Agenda for American Science and Technology. Washington D.C.: National Academies Presses.

Newcombe.P., & Belbin, N. (2012). Fab Labs at the Library: Community ‘Makerspaces’ Give Access to Cutting-Edge Tools. Government Technology. Retrieved on November 9, 2013 from http://www.govtech.com/e-government/Fab-Labs--at-the-Library.html

Obama, B. Remarks by The President at The National Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting. The White House Blog. Retrieved on November 8, 2013 from http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-at-the-National-Academy-of-Sciences-Annual-Meeting

Plemmons, A. (2012). Opening the Space: Making the School Library a Site of Participatory Culture. Knowledge Quest, 41(1), 8-14.

Schulman, K. (2013). White House Hangout: The Maker Movement. The White House Blog. Retrieved on November 8, 2013 from http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/03/27/white-house-hangout-maker-movement

Stoll, C. (2013). Makerspaces: Surveying the Scene in Illinois. ILA Reporter, 31(2), 4-9.

Teen makerspaces @ your library. (2013). Retrieved November 24, 2013, from Teen Librarian Toolbox website: http://www.teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2013/08/teen-makerspaces-your-library.html

“The Studio.” Anythink Libraries. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. www.anythinklibraries.org/thestudio

Thomas, A. (2012a). Introducing: Maker Corps. Maker Education Initiative: Every Child A Maker. Retrieved on November 8, 2013 from http://www.makered.org/introducing-maker-corps/

Thomas, A. (2012b). Maker Corps Empowers The Next Generation of Innovators. Maker Education Initiative: Every Child A Maker. Retrieved on November 8, 2013 from http://www.makered.org/maker-corps-empowers-the-next-generation-of-innovators/

What is Arduino?. (n.d.) Retrieved November 24, 2013 from Arduino website: http://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/Introduction

Wong, T. (2013). MAKERSPACES TAKE LIBRARIES BY STORM. Library Media Connection, 31(6), 34-35.

[Tumblr Transcriber: Camilla Y-B]

#library resource #makerspace #STEAM #Wikispaces #STEM education

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