On October 19, 2024, the East Baton Rouge Parish Libraries hosted their annual Maker Faire, a hub for innovation and creativity where local artists, engineers, crafters, and scientists came together to share their skills with the community. This year’s event, with a music theme to MAKE some noise, highlighted the intersection of creativity and STEM, encouraging young minds to think critically and explore hands-on solutions to real-world problems. The Capital Area STEM Network Center (CASN) was represented by Natalie Ray, who engaged attendees with a project aimed at fostering both scientific curiosity and practical skill-building.
Many inspired young minds learned that anything can be an instrument if you have imagination! Natalie’s activity challenged kids to design their own harmonicas using everyday materials—popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and straws—demonstrating the basic principles of sound engineering. They learned about vibrations and the sound waves generated by the vibrations of the rubber band on the popsicle sticks. As they moved the straws closer together, creating less space, the pitch lowered. Kids of all ages had a blast making and playing their new instruments and their songs could be heard throughout the library. This hands-on approach to learning is a great introduction to the physics of sound and also a way to nurture problem-solving skills essential in today’s STEM workforce.
As participants experimented with their homemade instruments, they gained more than just musical knowledge—they were developing computational thinking and collaboration skills. These are the very skills that employers in STEM industries seek, particularly in fields like engineering, technology, and advanced manufacturing. By connecting scientific theory with practical application, activities like these offer a foundation for young learners to explore careers in STEM.
Natalie Ray, Graduate Assistant at the LSU Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy and CASN, reflected on the importance of engaging young people early. "I loved watching the kids figure out how their humming sounds were made. Some of them figured it out before their instrument was complete! It was a great way to make connections to music and science." Events like the Maker Faire are vital in preparing the next generation for the evolving workforce, sparking interest in STEM careers and equipping them with the skills to succeed in a technology-driven future.
For more information about the EBRPL Library system and their many programs, please visit: https://www.ebrpl.com/
