Ideas

Self-directed programming can be as simple as a table with coloring sheets and wildlife livecams or as in-depth as a complex scavenger hunt.

With a clean, enticing layout; simplicity of navigation; and a significant database of projects linked to a range of content areas, Lerner Maker Lab is a useful resource for elementary classroom teachers and subject specialists.

Active nonfiction books, a category of titles that help kids make and do things, are inspirational and interactive, and can aid with students' writing and cross-curricular learning.

Meet Collaboration Awards finalists Hillary Marshall and Brenda Hitchins of Washougal (WA) High School.

A brief history of doughnuts, tips for burgeoning bread bakers, and more inspirations to get kids cooking.

Things to bear in mind when your library re-opens for programming: Opportunities for self-expression, games, and makerspaces are a draw. Anything school-like is not. 

The partnership benefits the New Jersey students, who are learning accessible design and to create with empathy and imagination, as well as the blind and visually-impaired kids, who not only get to play the games but have a voice in the process.

As part of SLJ’s Tech Trends series of webcasts in cooperation with ISTE, a panel of experts discussed makerspace learning and offered guidance on how to create and design an effective program. 

Largely rooted in STEM, high school makerspace CTE programs are fueled by new job opportunities that students can dip into before college or career training.