LIBRARY AS MAKERSPACE

I was inspired when I saw this month's School Library Journal article about "hacking your notebook" with conductive tape, LEDs and 3V batteries. Last year I used littleBits on my annual summer reading poster that we bring to schools to advertise upcoming programs. This was before I bought "shoes" to adhere the littleBits to the poster without damage so the scotch tape I used (with our building temperature) kept falling down. Also worth noting when I forgot to turn it off I went through quite a few 9V batteries.  This year I went simple using chibi circuits and conductive tape.  My goal was when the superhero book is pressed, the skyscraper windows light up.  I have previously done this with 4th and 5th graders as an e-card program during the holidays so I still had leftovers. Hiding beneath the building are 2 lines of conductive tape, one positive, one negative to match the direction of the positive and negative side of the chibi LED hidden in t...

BEFORE  So I've 3D printed my earrings , now what? I decided to try enamel painting with very small model micro brushes. I bought a Testor starter set at Michael's Craft Store (with a coupon of course) for under $20. I will warn you there are a multitude of flammable and "cancer causing" chemical warnings on the front. Maybe OK for teens and up only? I'm sure spray paint has the same warnings but we still use it in moderation so I'll leave that call up to you. Upon further research, you can also use acrylic based paints on 3D plastic with a primer and sealant. The good thing about the enamel is I didn't do either of those things in an effort to save time. I'm sure primer and sealant have a bunch of warnings on them too. AFTER The strong smell is that of industrial nail polish so have LOTS OF OPEN WINDOWS. I still wouldn't consider this quick drying unless you are really precise with the small amount you put on. I wasn't delicate wi...

Today I'm experimenting with making jewelry accessories on the Cube 2 3D printer with tinkercad software.  If you know nothing about the tinkercad software, this brief video will get you through the basics. You can also see an earlier post on our blog. One thing to note is there's already a bunch of creations from other makers on the site. If you are having trouble designing something from scratch or want to add onto a design, it's an easy search away.  Find the magnify glass on the top right of the screen. That is what makes the maker community great. They are willing to share! For summer, I'll be making superhero emblems with the 3D printer with grades 5 & 6. This allows for both boys and girls to get in on the action. They can make them pendants, earrings, or just plain magnets. I have to admit I'm having a tough time with everything in MM. I've been Googling it to convert into inches! Here are the goals of the program: 1. Set up a tinker...