We had the opportunity to create a pop-up Makerspace at the OLA conference, an event attended by over 5, 000 librarians from around Ontario. The space was set up to demonstrate toy hacking, 3D design and 3D printing, and Arduino robotics. Six 3D printers were provided for the event by 3D Systems, along with six computers provided by Intel.
Andy also had the opportunity to speak at the conference with Bill Derry of the Westport library in Connecticut. Both spoke about their own respective Makerspaces as well as the beliefs behind the maker movement.
Throughout the event Andy introduced hundreds of librarians to the STEAMLabs education modules, created in conjunction with Kids Learning Code and based on the following topics:
- 3D Printing
- Toy Hacking
- Arduino Rovers
- Stop Motion Animation
- Creating YouTube Videos
- Game Design with Scratch
- Introduction to HTML & CSS
Kids Learning Code also had a table at the event, focused on the Game Design with Scratch and the Introduction to HTML & CSS modules.
These modules are currently being used to teach children in libraries throughout Ontario. STEAMLabs is currently working on new modules we hope to deliver to schools and libraries across Ontario in 2015.