A Very ‘Smart’ Library – Tūranga

We were privileged to host Christchurch East School for our first two-day school in Tūranga, a programme called ‘Smart’ City. Christchurch is the City Of Opportunity where new, advanced technology is helping the city use resources more efficiently.

This was the focus of our programme, looking specifically at the advanced technology in the library. Jack Hartley, the Operations Support Coordinator, gave Christchurch East students an in-depth, behind the scenes tour to discuss the range of sensors used within the building.

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Little did we know there was an enormous aquifer underneath the site heating and cooling the building, or that the solar panels angle with the sun to adjust the temperatures and automate the blinds.

Our students used Microbit electronics to create their own sensors. They then filmed each floor using a 360 degree camera to capture the variety of sensors used. The footage collected was then uploaded as a virtual tour.

https://poly.google.com/view/3uIthmT9xpa/embed?chrome=min

If you want to know more about two day school programmes please contact Christchurch City Libraries Learning Centre, phone 941 5140, email learningcentre@ccc.govt.nz

Sustainability In The Library via Minecraft

This holiday programme wasn’t a relaxed, laid back affair – this one really had children thinking. The challenge was to create an Eco-House using Minecraft.

We discussed the impact their house would have on the environment. This made the students think of the types of materials needed and how they could reduce the impact by utilizing their surroundings. Great discussions occurred, with the benefits of different materials and styles of buildings.

Many explored solar and wind power to create energy efficient houses. Others investigated the movement of water to create power.

One student harnessed the use of light sensors to store energy to allow his crops to still grow at night. Another created a wind turbine to light his house.

But the most interesting creation was an Eco Friendly Chicken House using a chickhouse nuclear reactor! See his amazing creation:

Fun Holiday Programmes

Have a look back at our April Holiday Programmes in the Learning Centres:
‘Lego Animation’ is always a good way to kick start the holidays! We had our young movie buffs directing and producing their own short animated movies over at Te Hāpua: Halwell Centre.

At Upper Riccarton, it was all about “reduce, reuse and recycle” with our new Earth Smart programme. The children loved the activity with the miniature recycling bins.

Here at South Learning Centre, the kids had fun completing challenges using the MBots in ‘Robofun’.

Kids at South also delved into 3D printing. Their challenge was to create their own desk organisers.

Everyone loves to receive positive feedback and we did for our ‘Chill Out Tunes’ programme in New Brighton.

“I’d like to provide glowing feedback. She loved it, learned a lot, and is excited and abuzz about the programme. As a parent, I loved that I got to hear the music she’d made, and got the music emailed to me. She also had a poster of herself as David Bowie, and a CD with a cover she’d made herself.  Big thanks and Kia ora to everyone involved”.

So, if you didn’t get a chance to pop in and see what was happening, then make sure to check out the ones coming up in July.  We have a few new goodies in there! So, watch this space (new holiday programmes will go live on Friday 1 June).

Tai Sila
Programmes, Design & Delivery Team

Inter Library Robotics Competition

The atmosphere was tense.
The clock ticked down.
Sumner fought hard.
South fought back.

South 1st, South 2nd, Sumner 3rd

Next competition will see Fendalton up against South. Watch this space.

Robotics

Robotics is a six week after school programme for boys and girls Year 4 to 8. Students will learn how to programme an mBot to complete a set of challenges.

• Browse our RoboClub sessions at South Learning Centre (full)
• Browse Robotics sessions at Fendalton and Papanui Libraries (spaces available – six week course starts next week. Please phone 03 941 5140 to make a booking)

Mask Making at the Makerspace Workshop

Come and check out our mask display at the South Learning Centre. Students at the Marker Space Workshop afterschool programme investigated the meaning behind masks and why people wear masks. They then researched and drafted their own mask ideas. Their brief was to incorporate an accessory that could be 3D printed.

Marker Space Workshop afterschool programme delved into the World of Wearable Arts (WOW). But it was more than just costume making – it involved a trip to Creative Junk and sewing lessons with a sewing machine – but also circuit making with LEDs and Arduino chips.

Students were asked to create an Kiwiana outfit which included an electronic circuit with flashing LEDs.

Booking and enquiries

To book a place on one of our courses please phone (03) 941 5140 or email: learningcentre@ccc.govt.nz.

Junior Robotics at the Learning Centre at Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre

The Learning Centre at Te Hāpua:  Halswell Centre recently staged the first ever junior computer science competition in Canterbury, called The Buzz Off. Students from year 1 to 3 came from a number of schools to compete in Beebot robot challenges.

This event was organised with the support from Professor Tim Bell, University of Canterbury – Computer Science guru. MTA (Modern Teaching Aids) donated a first prize of $300 to a well deserving Ladbrookes school. You would have thought we had given them a million dollars by the looks on their faces!

Two ladies from Google Australia kindly made the trip to support this venture and donated gifts for all children who participated.

The great thing about this competition was that it was run by students for students. St Margaret’s, Casebrook, St Peter’s and Kaiapoi North student helpers supported, guided and celebrated the younger students learning.

For many of the teacher/adult helpers this was their first visit to the Te Hāpua Halswell Library. They expressed lots of enthusiasm and many expressions of “This library is fabulous and we will definitely be back”.

You can experience BeeBots at the Fun Palaces at Central Library Peterborough and see more robotics related classes.

In our Learning Centre, students experience eLearning programmes aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum document. These programmes provide learning in a technology-rich environment and the teaching within these programmes keep abreast with the latest teaching philosophies and strategies.

If you are interested in working with us to tailor an existing programme or work alongside us  please contact us Tel: 941 5140 or  Learningcentre@ccc.govt.nz

Having computer problems? Tearing your hair out? We can help!

Do you feel like stamping on your phone some days? We can help.

Even if it is an iPad, tablet or smartphone. Bring it along to one of our Library drop in sessions for help.

Computer Drop in Sessions

• Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre – Tuesdays, 2pm to 4pm
• Central Library Peterborough – Wednesdays, 10 to 11am
• South Learning Centre – Wednesdays, 2.30pm to 3.30pm
• Linwood Library – Thursdays, 9.30am to 10.30am
• Upper Riccarton Library – Thursdays, 11 to 12noon
• Shirley Library – Fridays, 10 to 11am
• Aranui Library – Fridays, 10am to 11am

There are digital device drop in sessions at New Brighton and Spreydon Libraries too.

View our 1.42MB PDF of Community Connections for Adults

Learn how to use your iPad or laptop at the library – join our classes

Been given an iPad or laptop for Christmas and it’s still in the box? Well do something about it. Come to the Library and learn how to use it.

Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre  (15th Feb – 11 April)

Beginning Computer Classes
Mondays 11.00-12.30pm  $15 per term

Beginning iPads Classes
Wednesdays 11.00-12.30pm  $15 per term

South Learning Centre (16th Feb – 5th April)

Coffee & Computers (Beginning Computers)
Mondays 11 – 12.30pm  $15 per term

Introduction to iPads
Tuesdays 1 – 2.30pm $15 per term

 

Library and Learning Centre holiday programmes

Some people may be back at work, but the holidays roll on for the kids.  Want some ideas of things to do? Have a look at our list of holiday programmes, including Minecraft, Lego animation, Claymation, and more.

You can also find our holiday programmes are being advertised via www.bethere.co.nz.

Looking forward to seeing you here!

More holiday tips

• Summertime reading club – Kōrero pukapuka ā te wā o raumati
• Summertime Babytimes and Storytimes
• Holiday programmes, events, and activities
• The Parents’ Holiday Survival Guide

High Fives at South Learning Centre

A few wee things to celebrate at South Learning Centre.

HNN (Hillmorton Network News) finished off their year in style. I am so proud of their film and media progress, learning and confidence. The students presented to their Year 7/8 peer group. This was very nerve wracking for them with over 100 pairs of eyes scrutinizing them. This was followed by them presenting to school staff – who fired many questions at them ranging from their cross-over learning into other areas, what new skills they learned, and where could their skills take them?

Look out for HNN 2016!

HNN Episode 7

HNN Episode 8

HNN Episode 9

HNN Episode 10

HNN Episode 11

The second celebration is for Beckenham Centennial Film School. This was a hugely successful experience working alongside Beckenham School learning all about their 100 year history. We discovered some great stories of the past, devastating details of the fire and some exciting plans for the future of Beckenham.

Beckenham of Old

Beckenham Now

Beckenham Fire

Future Beckenham

In our Learning Centre, students experience eLearning programmes aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum document. These programmes provide learning in a technology-rich environment and the teaching within these programmes keep abreast with the latest teaching philosophies and strategies.

If you are interested in working with us to tailor an existing programme or work alongside us  please contact us Tel: 941 5140 or  Learningcentre@ccc.govt.nz