Digital Makerspace Fun!

The students have been exploring several of the digital tools that the library makerspace has to offer. Specifically, they have been learning how to use several photography and cinematography apps, as well as our new microphones and recording software in our two new recording studios. 

Students were given tips on how to take better pictures with their devices. They learned about the Rule of Thirds, and discovered how just by changing the way you take a picture (up high, down low, tilting the camera, etc.), they can become more interesting images. Then, they were able to edit and enhance their images using a free app called Snapseed. 

Here are some examples of their amazing photos:

They also tried out time-lapse recording on the free app, Hyperlapse, and stop motion movie making using the free app, Lego Movie Maker. The students worked really hard using both apps, and quickly discovered how patient you must be to be a movie maker using both techniques.

students setting up their device to record a timelapse of the traffic outside using Hyperlapse

Below is an AWESOME example of one of the stop motion movies that one of our Sappington 4th grade friends, Logan, made using the Lego Movie Maker app:

friends making stop motion movies using the Lego Movie Maker app

We also had many students interested in making short movies and movie trailers in real time using the app, iMovie. You can purchase iMovie for any Apple device by clicking here. Once again, the students found out that making a movie takes time, and it requires someone willing to stay behind the camera to play the very important role of the movie director. 

Some 5th graders from Mr.Wolf's class made a pretty amazing movie trailer! Check it out!

We also had our 2 brand new recording studios open to the students. Any student that chose to explore the recording studios were able to use our new Snowball microphones, and our new recording software, Voki.

students recording using our Snowball mics and Voki software

It's been a great couple of weeks, and we are having a great time using our new iPads to explore all the digital tools that the library makerspace has to offer!!

Looking for New Photography Apps?

If would like to see what your children are learning during their digital makerspace time, come check out the display outside the library.

   

Exploring Digital Photography and Video Production

Students are starting their next unit on digital photography and video production in the library Makerspace.  They started their lesson with our in house photography expert, Mrs. Grebe.  She gave them lots of great tips on how to take better pictures such as changing where you put your subject and how to let light in to your picture.

Students were given an opportunity to explore taking pictures with the iPads.

They also had time to explore various centers where they could learn about different apps that support digital photography and editing.

Snapseed

With this app, students had an opportunity to crop their photos, alter them in black and white, and sharpen the details of their images.

Lego Movie Maker

Students had the opportunity to explore stop motion photography to create a scene with their legos and then use the app to bring it to life.

"Electrifying" Circuits and an Exciting Introduction to the World of 3-D Design

This week the students learned about circuits. Some questions that the classes discussed were; What is a circuit? What does it do? What do you need to make a circuit? What makes a circuit complete?

The 3rd-5th grade classes used our Makey Makey circuit kits to create circuits that controlled a virtual piano and bongos on the laptops. They were able to explore different materials to determine what would and would not conduct the electricity needed to complete the circuits controlling the instruments. Some of the materials they discovered that worked were the library chairs, scissors, tools from our Take-Apart Center, and even our friends!! They discovered that wood and paper do not conduct the electricity needed to power the virtual piano.

The students in 1st and 2nd grade were also able to explore Makey Makey circuit kits that had already been set up with each kit connected to a different type of object. Some of the objects that they were able to test were bananas, popsicle sticks, corks, carrots, Lego pieces, foil, and pipe cleaners. They were very excited to learn that the fruits and vegetables were able to conduct enough electricity to power the piano keys!! The students were also able to use the Snap Circuit sets to assemble simple circuits that powered things like a miniature light bulb and toy propellers.

In addition to our lesson on circuits, all of the 2nd-5th students were able to watch a tutorial video for Tinkercad. Tinkercad is the program they will be using to design their very own creations to print on the 3-D printer throughout the year. They were able to explore the program by trying out different lessons for themselves. The lessons covered everything from personalized key chains to Minecraft party eyeglasses. The students were excited at the seemingly limitless possibilities.