This year, April 15 through the 22 marks World Creativity and Innovation Week, a time where people are welcome to participate in the generation of new ideas and the making of new decisions that will make the world a better place.
This week is about the growth of the world, and happiness brought by sparks of inspiration that will lead to a brighter future for all.
The La Porte County Public Library joined in by welcoming people of all ages to their tinker time, allowing them to experiment with Korg littleBits Synth Kits.
Adult Services Librarian Pam Okosun, and Library Volunteer Earl Adams, assisted children and parents with electronic circuit boards that can be manipulated to produce different colors and sounds.
"Playing around with the circuit boards can create a spark in a person's imagination, and might leave them wanting to explore more things for themselves. This is just a little way of discovery - they might hear sounds they never have heard before, or they might learn to do something they never knew was possible for them to do," Okosun said.
Inside the synth kits are modules including oscillators, a power, a micro sequencer, a synth speaker, a filter, a delay, a split, an envelope and wires that help extend the circuit.
The circuit boards attach magnetically and may be combined in a series of ways that will produce different frequencies, tunes and pitches of sound. One may also customize the speed and volume being produced.
"This is an unstructured form of learning that is really fun for anyone. What's interesting is watching people smile once their first circuit board is put together. Their faces light up because the sound being heard is something they produced themselves," Adams said.
These circuit boards were originally invented to make electronics simpler for most people, allowing them to accomplish several tasks quicker and more efficiently.
Makerspace stations such as these are vital stepping stones for the education of students. With a hands-on experience, children can think outside the box, granting them the ability to let their minds wander beyond limits.
Keri Marrs Barron, Creative Consultant at Center for Creative Solutions, is also the Chair of the World Creativity and Innovation Week. Barron firmly believes that creativity is a critical component in the development of today's youth.
"Creativity is the spring that everyone is going to need to further their education, the society, innovation and technology. If we can teach our kids to be creative and play while they are young, they can explore different things that will give them more options for their future," Barron said. "On the flipside, being creative builds confidence and will give you a sense of accomplishment."
Children may explore more enjoyable, hands-on and educational opportunities at upcoming makerspace events at the any of the library branches.
For more activities, pick up an event brochure at the La Porte County Public Library today.