Libraries are all about sparking creativity and providing learning opportunities, and our Take-and-Make wooden rocket ship project during the past summer was a perfect example of this.
Participants were encouraged to take home kits that had been created by the MakerLab team. The kit contained a wooden rocket ship to be assembled and decorated, participants were then invited to submit their creations for a chance to win a prize!
Each kit came with wooden pieces, paints, and stickers. The simple instructions gave room for creative freedom. Participants turned their rocket ships into unique works of art, with vibrant colours, intricate designs, and innovative themes. We were amazed by the level of detail and creativity, showing just how much fun families and individuals had putting these kits together.Beyond being a fun craft, the project was an opportunity for hands-on learning. Assembling the rocket ship required participants to follow instructions, practice problem-solving, and exercise fine motor skills - especially for younger children. Decorating allowed them to think about design and aesthetics. This project became a perfect bonding activity, bringing parents and kids together in a creative space at home, inspired by library resources.
It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and amazing images that were submitted. A virtual gallery of rockets showcased our community's diverse talents.
To add a little extra motivation, a draw was held for everyone who submitted a photo. The prize—a basket full of STEM-related goodies—generated excitement and encouraged participants to put their best artistic foot forward. In the end, every participant walked away with more than just a prize: they gained the satisfaction of creating something special.
An Ongoing Initiative
Due to the overwhelming success of the wooden rocket ship project, we’re already planning more Take-and-Make activities! This initiative showed that simple, at-home projects can foster creativity, learning, and community engagement in unique ways. Our participants had a blast, and so did we. It was a reminder that libraries are not just about books—they’re about building connections, nurturing creativity, and inspiring minds, no matter where those minds are.
Stay tuned for our next Take-and-Make event, and until then, keep exploring, creating, and learning!
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