2017 MEET UPS
"The Half Hollow Hills Community Library began working with the E-Nable Community Foundation in 2015 after being inspired by an email from a college student looking to do a volunteer project with our 3D printer. A well-attended kick off program lead to teens assembling assistive hands for community service, which are then passed along to E-Nable, and distributed where they can do the most good. The project brings together goals that Long Island LEADS holds dear: STEM education, maker skills, empathy, technology, team work, and adding value to the global community. Best of all – it’s “do-able” for librarians and teachers on a small or large scale!"
Ellen Druda
Digital Services
Half Hollow Hills Community Library
Dix Hills and Melville, NY
"I bought my daughter with me to the 3D workshop and I am so glad that I did. We both enjoyed it, but more importantly than that I think we may actually be able to bring this program into our school. Ellen was gracious with her information and inspired my daughter to take some action. It was also a chance to meet other people who share the same interests. I am so glad that I discovered this group. I am going to pass the information along to my library as well." - Leslie Sattler (http://www.greenearthcraft.com)
Ellen Druda
Digital Services
Half Hollow Hills Community Library
Dix Hills and Melville, NY
"I bought my daughter with me to the 3D workshop and I am so glad that I did. We both enjoyed it, but more importantly than that I think we may actually be able to bring this program into our school. Ellen was gracious with her information and inspired my daughter to take some action. It was also a chance to meet other people who share the same interests. I am so glad that I discovered this group. I am going to pass the information along to my library as well." - Leslie Sattler (http://www.greenearthcraft.com)
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On Monday, March 20th, member of Long Island LEADS held their monthly meeting at the Sachem Public Library in Holbrook, New York. Upon arrival, the group was given a tour of the Library’s makerspace called “The Studio” by Chris DeCristofaro, Sachem’s Technology Librarian. Sachem’s makerspace conceptually is slightly different than most library makerspaces. Sachem’s approach is to have a separate space based on age groups.
The tour started with “Studio A” (Adult Studio), which has some unique items for a public library makerspace. Chris demonstrated the DaVinci PLA filament 3D printer and the Form2 by FormLabs, which is a liquid resin 3D printer. Sachem is the only public library in New York State to possess a liquid resin 3D printer. Additionally, Chris demonstrated the NextEngine 3D Scanner, which is extremely accurate (but still there is no scanner on the market that is perfect). Additionally, Sachem’s Studio A has a laser engraver/cutter by Epilog. This device will engrave anything except hard metals. It will even engrave food and round items like drinking glasses. Studio A also has a “Creation Station” that has the full Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Sketchup 3D modeling software, Audacity and many other programs that patrons can use to create. There are also two iMac computers with the same software as the Creation Station. Although not out for display, Chris explained that Sachem has the HTC Vive virtual reality gear and make it available to the public on Wednesday afternoons and Friday evenings. They also have a green screen setup with a Padcaster case for iPad to make taking photos and videos much easier. There is also an embroidery machine that is available by appointment. The tour of Studio A concluded with an exhibit called the “Computer Museum”. Every month a new piece of old technology is put on display. Chris demonstrated a Commodore 64 with a 5 ¼” floppy drive and a dot matrix printer. All of the equipment was fully functional and ran software on 5 ¼” discs.
Chris then brought the group to the Teen Department. The tour entered “DesTEENation” an area for teens to go, meet, collaborate and have a good time in a safe space. Within DesTEENation is “Studio T”. We were met by Laura Panter the head of Teen Services, along with Cara Perry, who is also a Librarian in the Department. The makerspace found within also has a DaVinci filament 3D printer along with numerous gaming computers which all have multiple gaming software titles including Minecraft. Additionally, there are X-Box systems, Playstation, Wii, and a Creation Station. Additionally, the space has a stage with lighting, a dry erase board on the stage, a green screen setup with lighting, a projector to play movies and show live TV. The making end of Studio T is mostly program based. Studio T has Lego Mindstorm robotics, Ollie robots, Raspberry Pi and Arduino kits, Osmo drawing kits, 3doodlers, art drawing tablets that connect to the gaming computers and the Creation Station for art classes. There are robotics components to Studio T along with coding software and programming. The Department also has sewing classes with sewing machines.
Next Chris brought the group to “Studio C”, the Children’s Department makerspace located in an area of the Children’s Department entitled “The Spot”. Anthony Bliss, a Children’s Librarian along with Megan McGinnis met the group and demonstrated the equipment and electronics in Studio C, which included a DaVinci filament 3D printer. Children’s, just like Teens and Adults, is geared towards kids who are not yet teens and the contents reflect that. 3D printing is more of a menu driven model. The Staff curates a menu of items that can be printed so children can order what they would like from that menu. There are kits that children can borrow for use in the Studio that are themed. Each crate has a different type of equipment (robotic arms, crocheting, strawbees, etc). Parent’s leave their adult card with the reference desk so their children can gain access to those materials. Most of the other making materials are program driven and include robotic arms, M-bots, Ozobots, drones, strawbees, electric circuitry kits and many other equally themed equipment. The “star” of Studio C is the cabinet in The Spot which contains a full compliment of hand tools and carpentry equipment. Staff set up programming that allow children to get exposure to and learn how to use hand tools. There are several stations that allow children to use these tools to drive nuts onto bolts. Under supervision, hand saws, a mitre box, and clamps are available as well. This concept is low tech but necessary to give children tangible skills with hand tools, something the new generation may not be familiar with.
It was a pleasure having Long Island LEADS visit the Sachem Public Library. As new items are developed at Sachem, it would be great to have the group return for another meeting.
The tour started with “Studio A” (Adult Studio), which has some unique items for a public library makerspace. Chris demonstrated the DaVinci PLA filament 3D printer and the Form2 by FormLabs, which is a liquid resin 3D printer. Sachem is the only public library in New York State to possess a liquid resin 3D printer. Additionally, Chris demonstrated the NextEngine 3D Scanner, which is extremely accurate (but still there is no scanner on the market that is perfect). Additionally, Sachem’s Studio A has a laser engraver/cutter by Epilog. This device will engrave anything except hard metals. It will even engrave food and round items like drinking glasses. Studio A also has a “Creation Station” that has the full Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Sketchup 3D modeling software, Audacity and many other programs that patrons can use to create. There are also two iMac computers with the same software as the Creation Station. Although not out for display, Chris explained that Sachem has the HTC Vive virtual reality gear and make it available to the public on Wednesday afternoons and Friday evenings. They also have a green screen setup with a Padcaster case for iPad to make taking photos and videos much easier. There is also an embroidery machine that is available by appointment. The tour of Studio A concluded with an exhibit called the “Computer Museum”. Every month a new piece of old technology is put on display. Chris demonstrated a Commodore 64 with a 5 ¼” floppy drive and a dot matrix printer. All of the equipment was fully functional and ran software on 5 ¼” discs.
Chris then brought the group to the Teen Department. The tour entered “DesTEENation” an area for teens to go, meet, collaborate and have a good time in a safe space. Within DesTEENation is “Studio T”. We were met by Laura Panter the head of Teen Services, along with Cara Perry, who is also a Librarian in the Department. The makerspace found within also has a DaVinci filament 3D printer along with numerous gaming computers which all have multiple gaming software titles including Minecraft. Additionally, there are X-Box systems, Playstation, Wii, and a Creation Station. Additionally, the space has a stage with lighting, a dry erase board on the stage, a green screen setup with lighting, a projector to play movies and show live TV. The making end of Studio T is mostly program based. Studio T has Lego Mindstorm robotics, Ollie robots, Raspberry Pi and Arduino kits, Osmo drawing kits, 3doodlers, art drawing tablets that connect to the gaming computers and the Creation Station for art classes. There are robotics components to Studio T along with coding software and programming. The Department also has sewing classes with sewing machines.
Next Chris brought the group to “Studio C”, the Children’s Department makerspace located in an area of the Children’s Department entitled “The Spot”. Anthony Bliss, a Children’s Librarian along with Megan McGinnis met the group and demonstrated the equipment and electronics in Studio C, which included a DaVinci filament 3D printer. Children’s, just like Teens and Adults, is geared towards kids who are not yet teens and the contents reflect that. 3D printing is more of a menu driven model. The Staff curates a menu of items that can be printed so children can order what they would like from that menu. There are kits that children can borrow for use in the Studio that are themed. Each crate has a different type of equipment (robotic arms, crocheting, strawbees, etc). Parent’s leave their adult card with the reference desk so their children can gain access to those materials. Most of the other making materials are program driven and include robotic arms, M-bots, Ozobots, drones, strawbees, electric circuitry kits and many other equally themed equipment. The “star” of Studio C is the cabinet in The Spot which contains a full compliment of hand tools and carpentry equipment. Staff set up programming that allow children to get exposure to and learn how to use hand tools. There are several stations that allow children to use these tools to drive nuts onto bolts. Under supervision, hand saws, a mitre box, and clamps are available as well. This concept is low tech but necessary to give children tangible skills with hand tools, something the new generation may not be familiar with.
It was a pleasure having Long Island LEADS visit the Sachem Public Library. As new items are developed at Sachem, it would be great to have the group return for another meeting.
As a library media specialist, I love to discover ways to make learning fun and valuable for all my students learning needs. On June 20, 2017, I attended the "Relax, Refresh, and Rejuvenate" Maker Meetup in Oceanside, NY.
I had been hearing about the concept of “growth mindset,” but was not quite sure what it meant. I thought, why not go? For me, it was an opportunity to attend another Long Island LEADS meetup, where I always learn new and exciting things. After a snack and some chat with fellow attendees, the session began. We were introduced to Dr. Kevin Sheehan, an associate professor at Molloy College and Jessica Ryan, a fourth-grade teacher in Lynbrook. Together they coauthored “Growing a Growth Mindset: Unlocking Character Strengths through Children’s Literature.
In simple terms, there are two types of mindset; fixed and growth. Fixed mindset is when you believe you are either good or not good at something and that’s just the way it is. Growth mindset is when you believe you can do anything and it is okay to fail, because failures are just a temporary setback. How many times have you heard your students say,” I just can’t do it!” Sheehan and Ryan want to help you, help them grow a growth mindset. As educators, how can we do this? Their book focuses on the areas of “growth mindset, grit, hope, character strength and happiness.” It includes lessons with picture book selections that will that will guide educators through the process of helping their students gain self-belief and motivation.
I am glad I attended this meetup. I learned a lot of new things and look forward to helping my students grow a growth mindset! For more information please visit: http://growingagrowthmindset.weebly.com/
I had been hearing about the concept of “growth mindset,” but was not quite sure what it meant. I thought, why not go? For me, it was an opportunity to attend another Long Island LEADS meetup, where I always learn new and exciting things. After a snack and some chat with fellow attendees, the session began. We were introduced to Dr. Kevin Sheehan, an associate professor at Molloy College and Jessica Ryan, a fourth-grade teacher in Lynbrook. Together they coauthored “Growing a Growth Mindset: Unlocking Character Strengths through Children’s Literature.
In simple terms, there are two types of mindset; fixed and growth. Fixed mindset is when you believe you are either good or not good at something and that’s just the way it is. Growth mindset is when you believe you can do anything and it is okay to fail, because failures are just a temporary setback. How many times have you heard your students say,” I just can’t do it!” Sheehan and Ryan want to help you, help them grow a growth mindset. As educators, how can we do this? Their book focuses on the areas of “growth mindset, grit, hope, character strength and happiness.” It includes lessons with picture book selections that will that will guide educators through the process of helping their students gain self-belief and motivation.
I am glad I attended this meetup. I learned a lot of new things and look forward to helping my students grow a growth mindset! For more information please visit: http://growingagrowthmindset.weebly.com/
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On September 25, 2017 Wantagh Schools hosted the Curriculum Connections Maker Meetup. Wantagh Elementary School Principal Dr. Randee Bonagura, Assistant Principal Jessica Zimmer (winner of the Copernicus STEM Maker Station at SLIME 2017) and STEAM teacher Colleen Conway sparked a conversation about how the school community can integrate STEAM education into the school curriculum.
You might have heard the buzzword STEM/STEAM, but what does it mean? STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Add an "A" for Art and enter creativity! This interdisciplinary method of teaching emphasizes these subjects and recognizes student’s natural talents. They become scientists, designers, engineers, creators, collaborators and critical thinkers.
The United States Department of Education reports that STEM/STEAM education is necessary, because jobs in these fields have grown and will continue to grow. As the STEAM/STEM movement grows, more schools are instilling programs and colleges are producing STEAM/STEM certified teachers.
Wantagh Schools recently expanded its STEAM program and Wantagh Elementary is now home to an engaging, well-stocked STEAM room where children can learn through active exploration, play and investigation of materials and ideas. Teachers are also encouraged to do activities that bring STEAM into the classroom. They can be as simple hands on activities, such as using Legos for fractions, or more complex activities like building robots. Meetup guests shared many great take away ideas in this fun night of learning and sharing.
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Barnes and Noble Mini Maker Faire
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On November 12, 2017 Long Island LEADS was on location at the Barnes & Noble in Carle Place, NY for the 3rd Annual Mini Maker Faire, where makers of all kinds meet, create and collaborate. Whether families had a pre-planned their day or were shopping and pleasantly surprised by the event, the tables were crowded with eager children ready to create! Long Island LEADS was proud to have three tables at the event and a Scholastic book signing with 2015 School Librarian of the Year and Long Island LEADS President, Kristina A. Holzweiss. Children enjoyed a Bloxels Video Game Design Workshop presented by Angela Abend, Gifted Educator and Students from Oceanside’s Project Extra program. Families also visited our DIY Button-Making Workshop with Anne Lundy, School Library Media Specialist. Many children enjoyed making bookmarks too! Thank you our young volunteers Anna, Tyler, Riley, Lexy and Students
of Project Extra for helping us make this a great day!
of Project Extra for helping us make this a great day!
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A perfect finish to a perfect year of meetups! Long Island LEADS Making a Difference Maker Meetup, hosted by Garden City High School took place on December 5, 2017. Garden City High School Library Media Specialist, Margaux Calemmo opened the discussion. The key question was, how can "making" be a catalyst for change? Administrators, educators, and community members came together to celebrate the spirit of giving by sharing ideas about what they are doing in school and in the community to "give back."
Some highlights included:
Bracelet Craft with Kenyan paper beads Using colorful recycled paper beads handmade in Kenya, Donna Rosenblum, Executive Director of Reason2Smile, instructed participants in the creation of a beaded bracelet. Use of the recycled beads supports Reason2Smile, a registered nonprofit whose mission is to financially assist the Jambo Jipya School
and Children’s home – providing educational opportunities to children in Mtwapa, Kenya. www.reason2smile.org
"Creation Station For Charity." Every month, Garden City High School, students make for a cause. In December they made cards to accompany the annual Key Club teddy bear drive to benefit The Inn in Hempstead.
Design Thinking allows children to use creativity to solve problems by working through them. Solving challenges boosts confidence and belief in their ability to make a difference. Makerspaces provide many opportunities for children to solve real-world problems and inspires new thinking, thus creating new ideas that help them discover what people really need. You can read more about design thinking here.
Thinking Outside of the Box. Never be afraid to try ideas, no matter how silly they might seem. Think about some of history's greatest inventions; from electricity and the light bulb to tablets and cell phones. All it took was one person to spark an idea!
After the discussion, attendees were invited by Margaux Calemmo and Kate Guinan, also a Library Media Specialist at at the high School, to participate in button-making, coloring, designing cards for children and families in need, bracelet making for a cause, learning about essential oils and more.
