Colleen Graves's Blog, page 12

Author Event- Speaking and Signing at Denton Mini Maker Faire

Book Debut I’m so excited! After months of hard work, our Big Book of Makerspace Projects made it’s debut at the World Maker Faire this weekend AND is shipping out this week in the US! I’m so excited for the book to finally meet some makers, but even more excited to see what you create and … Continue reading Author Event- Speaking and Signing at Denton Mini Maker Faire

Becoming a Maker Librarian- Field Experience from Brandi Grant

Last week, I posted about my Maker Ed training on Edutopia. Then a few days later, this email came to my inbox. I love the way this teacher librarian, Brandi Grant, describes her first experience of teaching herself how to make a scribblebot without assistance and then making scribblebots alongside her students. Thank you, Brandi … Continue reading Becoming a Maker Librarian- Field Experience from Brandi Grant

Invention Literacy Research – Part Three- Sharing and Reflection

This is the third post in a series describing the Invention Literacy Research Project that I worked on collaboratively with one of my English Teachers in the 2015-2016 school year- April Feranda. About 6 months ago, I watched this video by Jay Silver defining the term “Invention Literacy.” I immediately loved this concept because it … Continue reading Invention Literacy Research – Part Three- Sharing and Reflection

Stream Demco Makerspace Projects Webinar and Make ScribbleBots

Thanks to Demco for hosting this free webinar! You can now stream anytime and take a gander at how Aaron and I went live during the webinar to showcase how easy it is to make a scribblebot.  (And somehow busted the casing off of a toothbrush motor in the process! Just goes to show that you … Continue reading Stream Demco Makerspace Projects Webinar and Make ScribbleBots

Making, Literacy, and Maker PD- Guest post on Edutopia

As an educator that taught in the English Language Arts classroom for almost a decade, I love exploring and playing with vocabulary and literacy. To me I see making as a logical blend of inquiry and literacy. That’s why I see the library as the perfect place to implement a makerspace in a school.   … Continue reading Making, Literacy, and Maker PD- Guest post on Edutopia

Paper Circuits and The Big Book of Makerspace Projects

Aaron and I are so excited that our first book will be out soon! It will be available via Amazon and Barnes and Noble. We’ll also have a free e-book for parents interested in starting a family maker time soon! Our promo video is ready to share and it showcases two paper circuit projects utilizing … Continue reading Paper Circuits and The Big Book of Makerspace Projects

Makerspace Storage

  Last year during our Invention Literacy Research, I realized that I really did need to hyper-organize my maker supplies–especially when it comes to recyclables for prototyping! I’d begun organizing our electronics and other gadgets, but it was clear that everything needs to be clearly labeled to make materials more accessible for all students. Enlisting … Continue reading Makerspace Storage

Invention Literacy Research – Part Two

This is the second post in a series describing the Invention Literacy Research Project that I worked on collaboratively with one of my English Teachers last school year- April Feranda. About 6 months ago, I watched this video by Jay Silver defining the term. I immediately loved this concept because it perfectly describes what I’ve been … Continue reading Invention Literacy Research – Part Two

Upcoming Webinar: Makerspace Projects for ALL Libraries!

Aaron and I are excited to present some makerspace project ideas for all types of libraries in an upcoming webinar through Demco! Save the date: September 15, 2016,2:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. CT  Register here!