New Jersey Makers Day is an annual statewide celebration of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and maker culture. Join us for this ALL AGES event on Saturday, March 25, 10:00am to 4:00pm at Westfield Memorial Library for interactive workshops, drop-in demonstrations, and open exploration.
Interactive Workshops (Registration required)
Light-Flashing Rolling Ball | Ages 6 and up with adult
10:00am to 10:45am | Meeting Room
Learn about parallel circuits when you build this light flashing rolling ball. The ball is powered by a parallel circuit that connects an LED and a motor to a battery. The motor vibrates and causes the ball to jiggle and roll. At the same time, the LED uses power from the battery to light and flash the bulb. While adults are welcome to join their children in the Meeting Room, please only register children for the event.
Rubber Band Helicopter | Ages 4 and up with adult
10:00am to 10:45am | Meeting Room
Building a rubber band helicopter is a fun and engaging way to learn about potential energy. Get creative and try multiple helicopter bodies. Which one flies best? How many times did you win the rubber band? How high did your helicopter fly? Collect and record observation data in the activity sheet. While adults are welcome to join their children in the Meeting Room, please only register children for the event.
T-Shirt Scarf for Adults | Ages 18 and up
10:00am to 12:00pm | 2nd Floor
Turn a plain t-shirt into a unique infinity scarf/necklace using a simple no-sew technique. Once you learn the process, you will want to use it as a great way to recycle
Light-Flashing Rolling Ball | Ages 6 and up with adult
11:00am to 11:45am | Meeting Room
Learn about parallel circuits when you build this light flashing rolling ball. The ball is powered by a parallel circuit that connects an LED and a motor to a battery. The motor vibrates and causes the ball to jiggle and roll. At the same time, the LED uses power from the battery to light and flash the bulb. While adults are welcome to join their children in the Meeting Room, please only register children for the event.
Rubber Band Helicopter | Ages 4 and up with adult
11:00am to 11:45am | Meeting Room
Building a rubber band helicopter is a fun and engaging way to learn about potential energy. Get creative and try multiple helicopter bodies. Which one flies best? How many times did you win the rubber band? How high did your helicopter fly? Collect and record observation data in the activity sheet. While adults are welcome to join their children in the Meeting Room, please only register children for the event.
Surface Tensions-Suminagashi Workshop for Tweens and Teens | Ages 8-14
2:00pm to 2:45pm | Story Room
Suminagashi, which means “floating ink,” is the ancient Japanese technique of creating artworks using oil-based ink. In this adaptation of this technique, observe the phenomenon of surface tension as you place drops of paint and soap on water and transfer the resulting patterns onto paper. Creating your work of art is also a relaxing activity that allows you to practice mindfulness.
T-Shirt Scarf for Adults | Ages 18 and up
2:00pm to 4:00pm | 2nd Floor
Turn a plain t-shirt into a unique infinity scarf/necklace using a simple no-sew technique. Once you learn the process, you will want to use it as a great way to recycle
Drop-In Demonstrations (No registration)
Artificial Intelligence Demo with ChatGPT
10:00am to 12:00pm | Gallery
ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI and launched in November 2022. Learn more about what it can do, and try it for yourself!
Artificial Intelligence Demo with ChatGPT
2:00pm to 4:00pm | Gallery
ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI and launched in November 2022. Learn more about what it can do, and try it for yourself!
2:00pm to 4:00pm | Meeting Room
Some of the participating organizations who will be providing hands-on demonstrations include:
- Urban Sewciety
- Westfield High School Robotics Club
- Westfield High School 3D Printing Club
- Union County 4H Clubs
- Code Ninjas
- Odyssey of the Mind Roosevelt Intermediate School Team
Open Exploration (No Registration)
2:00pm to 4:00pm | Meeting Room
- Foil tower building
- Geometric yarn designs
- Worry dolls
- Light and shadow learning stations
- Snap circuits
- Packing “peanut” sculptures