New programs and projects for January!

Start the new year with great classes and projects!

Once again Kaleidoscope is here with details about classes we’re offering, upcoming events, fun projects, interesting news, and other information to guide your family’s science, technology, engineering, math, and maker explorations. We hope you’ll share with all your friends.

If you would like more frequent updates, please check out our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram feeds. Or bookmark our website for easy reference.

Make Stuff with micro:bit Make stuff. Learn to code. Have fun. In this class, we’ll explore, craft, and create together using the micro:bit, an easy-to-code, inexpensive microcontroller designed to introduce kids to physical computing. By using Microsoft MakeCode, young coders can transform the micro:bit into a myriad of devices from game controllers to secret message senders, robots to weather stations. Class size is limited! Hosted with a new platform for Maker Education, Maker Campus. Who: Ages 8-14 When: Thursdays, January 7-28 Time:  6:00 – 7:30 pm EST OR 3:00 – 4:30 pm PST Where: Online, via Zoom $100.00/person All materials included! Learn more and register>>> Origami Circuit Insects Combine simple electronics with the centuries-old Japanese papercraft art of Origami. By adding LEDs and self-sticking motors we’re able to create 3D papercraft projects that move, light up, and blink! Explore art, design, engineering, and basic electronics as we craft together. In this workshop, we’ll start by making a light-up firefly and butterfly as we build series and parallel circuits. Hosted with a new platform for Maker Education, Maker Campus. Who:  Ages 8-14 When: Tuesday, January 19 Time:  6:00 – 7:30 pm EST OR 3:00 – 4:30 pm PST Where: Online, via Zoom $20.00/person All materials included! Learn more and register>>>

Beginners Biohackers Unravel the secrets of DNA with REAL lab equipment. Test your food, test your school, test yourself as you hack your way through the science of life. This workshop is limited to a small group for maximum hands-on biology, unlike anything you’ll get in the classroom. Taught by an actual Biochemist. Hosted by Blairstown Recreation Department. Who: Grade 4-6 When: Tuesdays, January 26 and February 2 Time:  3:15 – 5:15 pm EST Where: Online, via Zoom Fee:  $40/resident, $45/non-resident Learn more and register>>> Coding for Good Make the world a better place by learning to code. Computer science offers many opportunities for taking on the biggest challenges and problems our planet faces while also building great career skills. In this workshop, we’ll explore algorithms and how coding works, learn about famous women in computer science, design a great game, develop our own app idea, and try our hand at bringing our ideas to life by coding them. This program is based on the Coding for Good badges offered by Girl Scouts. Hosted by the Warren County Library System. Learn more and register>>>

Looking for more fun projects on everything from crafting to coding? Check out The Big Book of Maker Camp Projects, written by Sandy Roberts and published by McGraw-Hill. With over 100 activities for all ages and all budgets, it’s sure to inspire your learner. It makes a great gift! Learn more>>

Featured Activities

Recently, for the Warren County Library System, I created a short series of STEAM activities for families to do at home over winter break. With easy to find, inexpensive materials, each challenge encourages kids to build, create, and experiment. Try them!