News and events
Our summer in the libraries with Gadgets & Gizmos
Last month, Maker{Futures} embarked on a library roadshow! We visited 12 libraries in and around Sheffield with our ‘Gadgets & Gizmos’ events.
Some Gadgets & Gizmos created at Stockbridge Library, using problem solving and teamwork
In partnership with Libraries Sheffield our cardboard and electronics workshops for families brought the Summer Reading Challenge 2022- Gadgeteers - to life! This theme was about inspiring children to see the science and innovation around them. Our workshops provided children with the freedom to transform their ideas into 3D cardboard creations.
Workshops began with the story Izzy Gizmo by Pip Jones, about a girl who loves to invent. We then started families off with a few ideas and a demo of how to use the cardboard tools. Halfway through, families were introduced to simple electronics and we saw their creations enhanced even further with lights.
We were overwhelmed by the positive feedback from Gadgets & Gizmos. One parent said “my child really enjoyed the independence to design what she wanted” and another said they “learned to use the scoring technique to bend cardboard and use LED lights”. Makers also expressed the desire for more sessions like this at their local library and emphasised the importance of free activities for children over the holidays.
"259 of you joined us to tinker, test and make in our pop-up makerspaces"
Why create using cardboard?
Cardboard is a material we all have in abundance in our homes, mainly as a result of our huge culture of online shopping. It is also flexible and strong, so a brilliant material to build from. To reuse and repurpose cardboard is a great way of embedding sustainability into making.
In our workshops delivery boxes were transformed into light up pinball machines, electric guitars, and even a blackberry picking robot with an extendable claw (try and imagine it!). It’s amazing what packaging can turn into!
Make your own gadget or gizmo
Root around your home or recycling bin for cardboard boxes. Can you build something you can sit in, or something you can wear, or play? A new friend? Something tall? Could you make something to make music?
Use cardboard cutting tools by Makedo or if you don't have access to these, scissors or a regular butter knife will work for cutting up even thick cardboard. You will need masking tape, split pins, screws, or hot glue, and paints for decoration. See these videos for help on attaching your cardboard pieces together.