The Library of Things!

Our library system is located in a large DC suburb; it’s quite innovative.  There are  Maker Spaces with 3D printers, Make and Take kits, and even The Library of Things. Whenever possible I browse the local library for ideas.  Our local library has a dedicated shelf for its Library of Things.  Today, the shelf has crochet, bocce, a thermal detector, and air quality kit.  Next summer, I plan to borrow several kits for Science Camp.  I want to borrow the radon kit, thermal sensor, and air quality sensor.  Your library may have similar devices to loan.  Check and see!  If you want to borrow environmental devices, see if you have a NASA Outreach Center.  I’ve used the center in Katherine Johnson Center located in Fairmont WV.  These centers have an assortment of tools, such as GPS devices or IR thermometers to loan.  Check with the local Soil and Water Conservation District to see if there is an educator.  Usually, Soil and Water acts as a clearinghouse for resources from several agencies.  

Ionic Blocks Update

 I posted here about nomenclature quizzes with blocks.  Last week I had an epiphany; I already have wooden blocks.  My husband spray painted them for me.  Below are the completed blocks.  The foam blocks are tiny and hard to read.  These blocks are much easier to read.

Family Science: STEM Kits!

Our little family does a lot of science on the side.  Our son-in-law is a software engineer who loves to buy fancy kits.  Ken drops off Paul and the complicated kit for us to navigate. Have you considered buying a STEM kit for Christmas?   Good Will online has a LEGO Boost, Snap Circuits, and Makey Makey kits available.  Makey Makey is a simple circuit kit.  However, this kit has clear instructions and fun ideas; kids use play doh and bananas to complete circuits.  LEGO Boost and LEGO Droid Commander are much more complicated.  First, the LEGO kits must be assembled. (You need to like building with LEGOS.  I mention this because our little family is NOT fond of building with LEGOS.) The controller needed to program the assembled robot can be tricky to insert.  (Ask me how I know.)  Our little family made the LEGO Boost kits family projects.  Programming the assembled robots was intuitive for Paul; but his daddy is a software engineer.  Paul was coding at seven.  I could understand the coding instructions from the LEGO Boost app.  I have no background or seemingly any aptitude for coding.  Look for sealed, used sets or kits.  Check at your library, too.  Ask if they have a Makey Makey kit, Snap Circuits, or other stem kits available.  Libraries with Maker Spaces often have these kits to try.  See if your kids even like Snap Circuits.