Hands-on Learning: Developing a Creativity

Collection

Ted Baldwin College of Applied

Science LibraryUniversity of

Cincinnati

College of Applied Science

• Founded in 1828 as the Ohio Mechanics Institute (joined UC in 1969)

• Wide array of undergraduate engineering & technology degrees

• Close relationship with industry– Professional workforce development– Co-operative education

• Combine theory and application

College of Applied Science Library

• Outreach to students at all levels– First-year experience to senior capstone

• Reflects college learning objectives– Resources for budding engineers &

scientists• Trade journals, handbooks, career resources

– Adapting for current needs of industry

• Technology-rich environment– Information Commons– Wireless access– Multimedia equipment

Why develop a Creativity Collection ?

• Promotes individual & group ingenuity

• Connects to classroom experience• Expands beyond traditional

boundaries• Give students a break from studying!

Student benefits

• Gain insight into ‘real world’ of the practicing engineer or scientist

• Introduction to professional ‘soft’ skills – e.g. inventiveness and discovery

• Gain a different perspective on the role of an academic library

I hear and I forgetI see and I rememberI do and I understand -- Chinese Proverb

Sources of inspiration

• Olin College of Engineering (Needham, MA)• Focus on innovation• Realia collection in Library

• Law libraries & chess games• Toy stores & technical bookstores• Hands-on museum displays

Modeling Kits

Construction & Building Kits

Creativity Collection Contents

Zome Tools

K’NEX

Creativity Collection Contents

Physics Toys Games

Whiteboard

Klein Bottles

Bobile

Student Perceptions

• They like it! Play chess between classes

• Shy about displaying their creations • First-year student competition

designs

Faculty Perceptions

• Pedagogical uses, i.e. problem-based learning

• Creative Problem Solving course• LEGO sets recently traveled to Brazil!

Future Plans

• More integration into the classroom• Evaluate use

– Include with library space survey

• More toys?– On the lookout for new additions

Engineers & Scientistsof the 21st Century

Thank You!