Here at the Nesmith Library in Windham, we started a Makerspace Club. We are planning to meet once a month. Our plans are to have a project the kids can complete. After the project, they can have snacks and play with the Snap Circuits and Magformers. We made this a registered program from 4-5 pm on a Thursday for ages 7 and up. There were 15 spots and they all filled. We had a waitlist also. We told parents they were welcome to stay in the program. Several parents did stay and it was really fun to see the intergenerational aspect!

This month, they made Scribble Bots. They were simple characters made with plastic cups, markers and lots of electrical tape. Once the batteries are in, they wiggled around and scribbled interesting designs. I found a tutorial online and purchased the motors and battery packs from Amazon. Everything else we either had in our craft area or purchased at the Dollar Tree.

Some of the robots made circles while others created more organic patterns. We provided large pads of paper so the kids could have several bots scribble at the same time. Two of the battery packs were faulty which was disappointing as the child’s robot stopped working. Next time, I will do more research about the battery packs to be sure they are good quality. I will also order extra motors and battery packs in case of equipment failure.

It was a very successful program! There was so much energy and excitement in the room once the Scribble Bots started moving. The kids (and parents) had a really good time! You can watch a video of the Scribble Bots in action on the Nesmith Library Facebook page.

The original blog post with directions can be found here: http://researchparent.com/homemade-wigglebot/