Colleen Graves's Blog

The American Southwest Film Review

The American Southwest is a gorgeously filmed movie showcasing The Colorado River, the wildlife it sustains, and the impact humanity has had on the river. Narrated by Quannah Chasinghorse, we meet some really interesting animals like a bull elk whose call sounds like a bugle, a family of industrious beavers, the hardworking Salmon fly, and … Continue reading The American Southwest Film Review

Hiking, Paddling, & Exploring Big Bend

Big Bend season is just around the corner, so I wanted to share some of my favorite things to do in the most beautiful area of Texas! For the last few years, the Chisos Mountain Lodge has threatened to close down for renovations, but they’ve delayed the restoration until May of 2026. So you have … Continue reading Hiking, Paddling, & Exploring Big Bend

Favorite Places to Paddle in Texas

I started kayaking when I moved to Austin, but in 2021, I bought an ISLE Paddleboard, and it changed my paddling behavior FOREVER! Having an inflatable board made it so easy to travel and try out new places! I even started taking the kayak out on trips, too! Check out my list, and let me … Continue reading Favorite Places to Paddle in Texas

The Seasons at Colorado Bend State Park

When I first learned about Colorado Bend State Park, I was enraptured with the idea of a spot where I could see a 70 ft waterfall, paddle the Colorado River, swim in cold springs, and even go wild caving! It’s a lot to do in one trip- and a great reason to visit this state … Continue reading The Seasons at Colorado Bend State Park

San Marcos- Dream Paddling

San Marcos is known for this tubing spot, but it is one of my absolute favorite places to paddle. The water is clear, cold, and spring-fed. It’s a beautiful spot to paddle any time of year, but in the summertime, the water feels like the fountain of youth! It’s a constant 72 degrees no matter … Continue reading San Marcos- Dream Paddling

Shifting Gears: From Makerspaces to Outdoor Places

After years of blogging about libraries and makerspaces, I’m taking this blog in a new direction—sharing my outdoor adventures in Texas and beyond!

New Booster Kits to Augment Makey Makey

I’m so excited our team has worked on creating new booster kits to augment the Makey Makey innovation experience! You’ll have to check back often as we will have more coming out! I’m really stoked to share these new kits and the projects we’ve written to accompany these kits that will boost student innovation with … Continue reading New Booster Kits to Augment Makey Makey

Resources for teaching Makey Makey At-Home, Hybrid Models, or Remote Learning

It’s been awhile since I last updated the blog, but I’ve made a ton of new resources for Makey Makey! First up, let’s talk safety. Here is a whole post about sanitizing Makey Makey kits and sending them home for kids who are learning from home. Webinars for Professional Development I also launched a new webinar … Continue reading Resources for teaching Makey Makey At-Home, Hybrid Models, or Remote Learning

Making PPE at Home

6 weeks ago, we started our trip into self isolation to protect the immunocompromised in my family. The last month has been quite an adjustment. I saw a lot of maker friends making PPE, and I was just too exhausted from working and home schooling to even attempt something extra.  Aaron and I wanted to … Continue reading Making PPE at Home

New Instructables Projects and Classes!

Here is some new content I’ve been posting on Instructables! “Is It Conductive?” Makey Makey Experiment I made these really fun wearable projects for BETT this last January! I will be posting the tutorials for making some of the other jackets, but this wearable “Is it Conductive?” jacket is actually my favorite! You can make … Continue reading New Instructables Projects and Classes!