Hands-on Learning: Developing a Creativity Collection Ted Baldwin College of Applied Science Library University 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 forget I see and I remember I 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 & Scientists of the 21 st Century

Thank You!