Reading Time: 5 minutesHow often do students unintentionally cross the line between using sources responsibly and committing plagiarism? A 2024 survey by the International Center for Academic Integrity revealed that nearly 50% of undergraduates admitted to at least one act of plagiarism during their studies. While some cases are deliberate, many arise from misunderstanding what plagiarism actually means. […]

Reading Time: 4 minutesHow do great ideas move from imagination to reality? A 2023 survey by EDUCAUSE found that more than 65% of college students believe hands-on, project-based learning improves their creativity and career readiness more than traditional exams. Yet for many, the first challenge is knowing how to take a raw idea and transform it into a […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesLoneliness is increasingly described as a “youth epidemic.” Surveys in 2023 revealed that nearly 1 in 3 young people in the UK reported feeling isolated from peers, while U.S. studies highlighted growing risks of depression among disconnected youth. Against this backdrop, creative spaces—ranging from libraries and youth art centers to grassroots festivals—have emerged as powerful […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesHow can education cultivate originality while safeguarding integrity? Creative education—spanning visual arts, music, theater, design, and digital media—places imagination at its core. Yet this imaginative space often blurs boundaries between inspiration, adaptation, and potential plagiarism. According to a 2022 TEQSA report, academic integrity in creative arts education requires a more discipline-sensitive approach than in text-based […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesHow will future students showcase the range of skills they develop both in and beyond the classroom? In 2023, the global digital badges market stood at $213.8 million and is projected to grow nearly fivefold by 2032. Unlike traditional transcripts, digital badges highlight competencies such as teamwork, coding, design, or research ethics—skills often invisible on […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesHow do you transform a community into a hub of innovation, learning, and creativity? One proven answer lies in maker fairs—dynamic local events that celebrate invention, experimentation, and collaboration. Maker fairs, sometimes described as “The Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth,” blend science, art, technology, and culture into engaging, participatory experiences. In 2024, universities, libraries, […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesWhat role do plagiarism checkers play in shaping better student writers? For many, these tools are seen merely as digital “police,” catching misconduct. Yet recent evidence paints a more complex and constructive picture. A 2024 review of university practices revealed that over 70% of students used plagiarism checkers proactively—to refine citations, check paraphrasing, and avoid […]

Reading Time: < 1 minuteAre classrooms failing students who thrive through movement and touch? Traditional education often emphasizes passive learning—reading, listening, or watching. Yet emerging research shows that kinesthetic learning, where learners engage physically with content, improves information retention, motivation, and cognitive engagement. One 2024 study showed that kinesthetic learning significantly enhanced clinical skill application and student motivation. Given […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesWhat makes stories such a powerful tool for building communities? From ancient myths around the fire to digital narratives shared across social media, storytelling has always been a way for humans to connect, reflect, and mobilize. Today, community leaders, educators, and librarians are rediscovering storytelling’s potential as a bridge for cultural participation and creative engagement. […]

Reading Time: 4 minutesWhere does inspiration end and plagiarism begin? It is a question every student, writer, and educator faces in a digital world overflowing with content. According to 2024 surveys, over 40% of students admit to being unsure whether their work crosses into plagiarism when paraphrasing or borrowing ideas. At the same time, 89% of students acknowledge […]

Reading Time: 4 minutesStories have always been central to learning. From ancient oral traditions to printed books, humans learn best through narrative. In the 21st century, storytelling has shifted into the digital realm, transforming the way knowledge is shared and remembered. Research from 2023 suggests that students retain up to 65% more information when lessons incorporate multimedia elements […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesEver wondered how a makerspace in your local library or community center could spark real change? In 2025, reports show a growing number of libraries and organizations turning to maker programs — not just for fun, but to boost local engagement, foster entrepreneurship, and create inclusive learning spaces. These creative programs bring residents together around […]

Reading Time: 4 minutesWhy does originality matter so much in both classrooms and creative industries? In many ways, originality is the foundation of progress. Without it, societies stagnate, research repeats itself, and art loses meaning. According to a 2025 study, nearly 9 in 10 students reported using AI tools for homework, with many admitting uncertainty about how to […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesDid you know that makerspaces in kindergarten classrooms can significantly boost children’s creativity and self-efficacy? A 2025 study found that kids aged 5–6 demonstrated enhanced creative thinking and confidence when engaging in makerspace activities. These creative learning hubs — full of tools, materials, and freedom — enable students to explore ideas, experiment, and learn through […]

Reading Time: < 1 minuteSpells Writing Lab hosted a lively Makey Makey workshop, where students combined creativity, technology, and teamwork to bring their games to life. The session built on the participants’ earlier work in storyboarding and designing games in Gamestar Mechanic, serving as an exciting extension of their projects. For the facilitator, it was the first large-scale workshop, […]

Reading Time: < 1 minuteMaker Celebration Brings Creativity and Community to the Free Library Philadelphia’s Free Library hosted its Maker Celebration on Saturday, the 17th, drawing youth, mentors, and community partners together for a showcase of creativity and innovation. The event, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featured final presentations from the Connected Messages project, where teens and […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesConnected Messages is a maker initiative funded by a Project:Connect grant, and developed by the Free Library of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education and School of Design (eCrafting.org). It was implemented in five library locations across Philadelphia during the summer of 2013. The goal was to introduce youth to electronics […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesAt the Kensington Library making a learning environment that is accessible, friendly, and interactive has been the most effective way of reaching the most “difficult” children. When school is over and children flock to the library, the last thing they want is to sit still and be told what to do. For some, art activities […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesMcPherson Square Library, a site that launched Maker programming just last month, held a Fall Festival this past weekend. Maker Jawn was invited to attend and host an activity table. Gavin and I went, ready for some animation with a set of iPads and a big box of Play Doh. We decided to do stop […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesSome of the most important skills we strive to teach within our space are resiliency and openness to failure. As a Mentor whose primary responsibility has been to float between our program locations as support staff and to assist in staff transitions, how can I expect that my mere presence in our space will invite […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesDrugs are a serious problem that must be solved. However, in addition to promoting information, for example order term papers with statistics and examples. Which would explain why drugs are bad and the consequences of their use, we need more centers where people can realize themselves and take part in various projects. Liam asked me […]

Reading Time: 4 minutesOne of the great things about working for Maker Jawn is watching learning happen in spontaneous, and oftentimes surprising ways. The self-directed nature of the program allows kids to take ideas further than we mentors would have ever imagined, or to totally new places altogether. But as of now, there’s been no way to officially […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesArt is a beautiful medium that transcends cultures and time, allowing individuals to express themselves creatively. At the heart of every masterpiece lies an artistic vision, a concept that is fundamental to the creation of exceptional works of art. Understanding Artistic Vision Artistic vision is the guiding force that drives artists to create, innovate, and […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesPop art, a movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, is characterized by its bold imagery, bright colors, and incorporation of popular culture elements. One of the most fascinating aspects of pop art is its exploration of celebrity culture. The Rise of Pop Art Pop art originated in the 1950s in the United Kingdom and […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesArt is a universal language, a means through which we can convey our deepest thoughts, emotions, and ideas. It takes on many forms, from the stroke of a painter’s brush to the rhythms of a musician’s composition. Let’s embark on a journey through the various artistic avenues and styles that enrich our world with creativity […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesPop Art and advertising are two cultural phenomena that emerged in the 20th century and became intertwined in a symbiotic relationship that continues to influence art, commerce, and society today. Let’s delve into the fascinating connection between Pop Art and advertising, exploring their origins, impact, and lasting legacy. The Birth of Pop Art Pop Art […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesPop art tattoos represent a fascinating fusion of contemporary art and the age-old tradition of body modification. These tattoos, inspired by the pop art movement of the 1950s and 1960s, capture the vibrancy and energy of popular culture through bold colors, iconic imagery, and clever reinterpretations of everyday objects. In this exploration, we delve into […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesPop Art, a movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, left an indelible mark on various artistic disciplines, including architecture. Its bold colors, striking imagery, and celebration of popular culture transformed not only the art world but also influenced architectural design in profound ways. The Emergence of Pop Art Pop Art originated in the 1950s […]