Thursday, December 17, 2015

Hour of Code!

This is our monthly code session where we hang out and practice coding. If you're new to coding you can dip your toe in the water by visiting www.Code.org.

We learned the basics of "block coding" and hope to move on to JavaScript very soon!

Look out for future coding programs!

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Winter 2016 Classes!

Winter is upon us!  That means it's time for a whole new batch of Technology Classes at Elmwood Park Public Library.

Project Next Generation has officially suspended all activities due to the Illinois state budget crisis.

We may not have any PNG funding, but we can still hold classes just like before (for the time-being).  We've removed PNG from the title, but if you're familiar with our previous PNG offerings then you know what to expect!

This time around however we're making one additional change.  We're going to offer 7pm classes and we're opening those classes up to 4th and 5th graders!

All classes are 1 hour long and meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Sign up online and make sure if you sign up for a multi-part class you show up for every class!

So here's what's slated for December, January and February:


7pm - 8pm classes (4th grade and up)

Google Smarty Pins - 12/3
Test your geography skills with an hour of playing Smarty Pins.  Smarty Pins is a Google Maps game that tests your geography knowledge with trivia questions.  Let's see who can get the high score!

Hour of Code - 12/17
Hour of Code - 1/7
Not only is coding massively important to the fabric of your digital world, coding can also be pretty fun!  Sign up for this quick introduction to activities on Code.org and play fun games while learning the fundamentals of basic coding!

Bristle Bots - 1/12
What happens when you combine a toothbrush, a tiny motor and an electric current?  Bristle Bots!  Sign up to construct your very own Bristle Bot and then race them against your classmates! 

Photoshop FacePaint - 1/19 - 1/21
Join this Project Next Generation class if you want to learn Adobe Photoshop basics.  We'll use a combination of cameras, tracing on paper, and Photoshop to produce a one-of-a-kind self portrait! 

Movie Making - 1/26, 1/28, 2/2, 2/4
Lights, Camera, Action!  Let's write a script, shoot some footage and edit it into a movie!

Hour of Code - 2/18
Not only is coding massively important to the fabric of your digital world, coding can also be pretty fun!  Sign up for this quick introduction to activities on Code.org and play fun games while learning the fundamentals of basic coding!


7pm - 8pm classes (6th grade and up)

Hour of Code - 12/15
Hour of Code - 1/5
Hour of Code - 2/16
Not only is coding massively important to the fabric of your digital world, coding can also be pretty fun!  Sign up for this quick introduction to activities on Code.org and play fun games while learning the fundamentals of basic coding!  If you've already mastered the basics try your hand at some more advanced stuff from Kahn Academy!


4pm - 5pm classes (6th grade and up)

TinkerCAD - 1/5, 1/7, 1/12, 1/14
Let's use the computer to create 3D models and then print them out on the Makerbot Replicator!  This 4-part class will teach you the basics of 3D design and how to use Tinkercad.com to create 3D objects that can be printed on any 3D printer!

Soldering - 1/26, 1/28, 2/2, 2/4
Join this Project Next Generation class if you want to learn how to solder!  We've got cool electronics kits that light up, drive and scurry.  When you're finished you can take your creation home with you and you'll be an expert in circuitry and soldering!

Vinyl Cutter - 2/16, 2/18, 2/23, 2/25
Learn how to compose a photograph, and how to use Photoshop along with our awesome Silhouette Cameo electronic cutting machine to add a really unique and artistic presentation to your photos!