Exciting Training Opportunity - SparkFun National Tour
Mara Siegel
Maybe you'd like to create innovative programming for next year's summer reading theme (Science). Maybe you'd like to support STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math + Art) studies. Maybe you'd like to make a Turn Signal Jacket for Biking, an Automated Gardening System, a Twitter Enabled Coffee Pot, or an Automated Cat Laser.
Join us for an exciting professional development opportunity when the SparkFun National Tour rolls into the Midstate Library Service Center in Berlin, September 27th!
What's SparkFun?
SparkFun is a Colorado based online store that sells the bits and pieces
for electronics projects. Their fabulous Department of
Education offers classes and online tutorials - they co-taught our Toy Hacking
workshop in July.
What's the SparkFun National Tour?
The SparkFun National Tour is a cross country road trip of
energetic, skilled educators sharing their passion for electronics. They’re teaching
lifelong skills like programming, soldering, and building circuits along the way.
What will I learn?
The training will use the SparkFun Inventor’s Kit for Arduino, Arduino is a little circuit board that you can program to do things. Yes, you! The kit is a box of goodies to get the very beginner (or the experienced) started creating interactive objects. The curriculum is designed so that anyone, regardless of experience, can discover the world of electronics.
Why do I want to come?
Public librarians: In 2014, the summer reading themes will be : Fizz, Boom, Read! (for children) and Spark a Reaction! (for teens). Learn skills and get ideas for hands-on multi-generational science programs. Support DIY (do-it-yourself) culture in your community. (Consider partnering with your local school librarian)
School librarians: You will be given the tools, knowledge, and skills to explore how electronics fits with STEM/STEAM. (Consider partnering with your local public librarian or a teacher)
All librarians: Learning is fun! Making is fun! You never know what might inspire invention and innovation.
Why September 27th?
September 28th and 29th is the Champlain Mini Maker Faire at Shelburne Farms. It brings together families and individuals to celebrate the DIY mindset and showcase all kinds of incredible projects. You’ll find arts and crafts, science and engineering, food and music, fire and water. Consider displaying your creations from the workshop.
Enough already, how do I register?
This full day of training will cost $35 per person. Each participant will go home with a new set of skills, a SparkFun Inventor’s Kit for Arduino (a $99.95 value), and educational materials so you can conduct electronics programming yourself in your libraries.
***Sign up for the training at http://bit.ly/14vtlC1 ***
***Send a check for $35 made out to Vermont Department of Libraries to Vermont Department of Libraries, 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05609 Attn: Mara Siegel***
Other questions? Please ask.