Handout for 2013 New Jersey Library Association PreConference Program: "You've Got it Made: Exploring the Maker Culture"

1. Children’s Maker Projects and Resources:
Complied by:
Susanna Chan, Head of Children’s Services, South Brunswick Public Library, NJ
Email: schan@sbpl.info
2013 NJLA PreConference “You’ve Got it Made: Exploring the Maker Culture”
15 Easy to Make Robots – With step-by step instructions.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/15-easy-to-make-robots-instruc-143935
Evil Mad Scientist – Store for maker project components, accessories and kits.
http://shop.evilmadscientist.com/
LEGO Education – Easy to use kits for children, tweens and teens with very clear instructions on their
software. Grant information and webinars on their products available on their site.
http://www.legoeducation.us/
 LEGO WeDo (For Ages 7 & Up): Kids will be able to build LEGO models featuring working motors
and sensors; program their models; and explore different activities with the WeDo software.
The Construction Set comes with printed building instructions for 12 models and contains more than
150 elements including a motor, tilt sensor, motion sensor, and LEGO USB Hub.
 LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 (For Ages 10 & Up): With the EV3 software, it enables kids
to design and build programmable robots using motors, sensors, gears, wheels and axles, and other
technical components.
 StoryStarter (For Ages 6 & Up): Together with the StoryVisualizer software, kids can record the
stories they build with the Storystarter kit, then edit and publish their own stories.
Make: Projects – There are lots of projects for both kids and adults on this site.
http://blog.makezine.com/projects/
Maker Kids - A community for youth who make cool things. Can find a list of STEM projects including simple
robotics with instructions.
http://www.maker-kid.com/projects/
Maker Faire – Info on maker faires
http://makerfaire.com/
Maker Shed – Where you can purchase components or kits for maker projects including robotics.
http://www.makershed.com/Default.asp
Maker Space – Features maker space in different areas.
http://makerspace.com/
Makey Makey – An invention kit that can be used to do art, engineering, and everything in between. It turns
everyday objects into touchpads and combines them with the internet. Don’t miss the forums section for ideas
of how to use the makey makey kit. Suitable for both children and adults.
http://www.makeymakey.com/
Robodyssey – Robotic workshops and robotic kits available. Cater more for older tweens, teens and adults.
http://www.robodyssey.com/

2. Scratch – Scratch is a simple programming language developed by MIT Media Lab. It can be used to create
your own interactive stories, games, and animations — and share your creations with others in the online
community. It is provided free of charge.
http://scratch.mit.edu/
Simple Kids Craft – Recycled and educational craft for everyone.
http://www.simplekidscrafts.com/
Squishy Circuits - Squishy circuits are a project from the Thomas Lab at the University of St. Thomas. The
goal of the project is to design tools and activities which allow kids of all ages to create circuits and explore
electronics using play dough.
http://courseweb.stthomas.edu/apthomas/SquishyCircuits/
STEMgarden – A resource for K-12 educators and learners to be inspired to learn more in the STEM fields and
to use their knowledge to develop new ideas, businesses and economies for their communities.
http://stemgarden.net/
Teach Engineering - A searchable, web-based digital library collection populated with standards-based
engineering curricula for use by K-12 teachers and engineering faculty to make applied science and math
(engineering) come alive in K-12 settings.
http://www.teachengineering.org/