Research Central: STEM

Research Central

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)

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Calling all Inventors! Check out all these helpful books, websites, and databases to:

  • Spark Your Creativity
  • Refine Your Idea
  • Build, Test and Perfect Your Masterpiece
  • Protect Your Intellectual Property
  • Take Your Invention to Market

Free, customizable Legal Forms are available for patents, trademarks, and many other legal needs. Use the Legal Forms Database below.

Maker Kits

Inspire your creative thinking, innovation and collaboration! Check out a Maker Kit for some hands-on learning about science, technology, engineering, art and math. Place a Maker Kit on hold and pick one up at the Reference Desk.

Featured Database

Databases

Videos

Books & More

Web Links

Library Events

Databases

Craftsy

from Libby
Over 1,400 in-depth instructional video classes covering 20 different creative passions from a community of enthusiastic makers.
Available through Libby by OverDrive. You will need to log into the Libby app, then access Craftsy through Libby Extras.

Creativebug

More than 1,000 award-winning art & craft video classes.


LinkedIn Learning for Libraries

More than 6,600 courses! Learning paths are step-by-step courses, supported with quizzes, practice, and reminders.
Get assistance logging in via the LinkedIn Learning App.

Qello Concerts by Stingray

from Libby
The world’s largest collection of streaming full-length concerts and music documentaries.
Available through Libby by OverDrive. You will need to log into the Libby app, then access Qello Concerts through Libby Extras.

Udemy

from Gale Presents
Gain skills and earn certificates! Top-rated courses in the areas of business, tech, and personal development across 75+ different categories.
Required: Create a Gale user account, or use your Google or Microsoft account to access. Children under the age of 13 should have a parent or guardian open this account.



Videos

Maker Magazine


For other great Maker ideas check out Make Magazine's YouTube channel.

Learn the Process

United States Patent and Trademark Office
Learn basic information about the process, search for existing patents and trademarks, how to apply and get help from a local office.

Patent and Trademark Resource Center at Wright State Univerity
Wright State University Libraries maintain an official Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC).  It is available for use by the general public. Contact the Government and Legal Information Coordinator for personal research assistance.

Get Inspired

Inventions - Facts, Figures, Pictures & Stories - History.com
Find out more about the stories behind the inventions and inventors that shaped history. Explore interesting articles, facts, pictures, videos and more.

PBS Inventors
A series of portrait videos by filmmaker and photographer David Friedman, chronicling the work of contemporary inventors from all walks of life.

The Smithsonian's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation
Explores the role of invention and innovation in the United States and how that history relates to current events. Includes inspiring videos to get you started.

Coding and Building

Bridge Builder
Another bridge-building puzzler. Use beams,suspension cables, and physics to construct a bridge that will allow the truck to reach the checkered flag.

ROBLOX
Creators produce their own 3D multiplayer experiences using Roblox Studio, our intuitive desktop design tool. Any game or experience imaginable can be created.

Scratch
MIT Created program allows users to create your own interactive stories, games, and animations — and share your creations with others in the online community.

Sploder
Make your own online games for free, Sploder makes it super easy for you to make your own free games online. Make your own arcade games, platformer games, spaceship shooters, or space adventure games. Advanced game maker? Try the physics game maker for creating original minigames! You can even customize it with your own game art using our free graphics editor!

Get Started

Dayton Diode
A Makerspace, also called Hackerspace, in downtown Dayton. Members can access Hand/Power/Electronics Tools, Computers, Woodworking, CNC Equipment, 3D Printing.

FabSpace
A Digital Makerspace for Dayton. A place to play, to create, to learn, to teach, to invent.

Hive13
Hive13 was formed to provide a Hackerspace for the Cincinnati area, and we encompass many interests – computing, mechanics, artistry, chemistry, brewing, complex biochemistry, among many others.

Idea Foundry
The largest makerspace on the planet (according to TechCrunch magazine) is right here in Columbus, Ohio. Membership gets you access to all the tools you need to create - 3D printers, lasers, glass blowing, metal cutting, kilns and much more.

Instructables
Instructables is a place that lets you explore, document, and share your DIY creations. Find instructions on how to make a variety of projects, including many technology based projects.

Make It Dayton
A grassroots group of Makers interested in organizing Maker events and supporting the Maker community of Dayton, Ohio.

OK Go Sandbox
An online resource for educators that uses OK Go’s music videos as starting points for integrated guided inquiry challenges allowing students to explore various STEAM concepts.

Proto Build Bar
This amazing creative and technology experience center is part 3D printing lab, part electronic maker space, and part café. Proto is a fun, hands-on place where people of all ages and experience levels can come together around a simple, yet powerful idea: “I want to make something great."

Thingiverse
From toys to tools, this website provides access to free digital designs that can be created using a 3D printer or laser cutter.


*Many local makerspaces charge fees for membership, space rental and/or materials. Contact the makerspace directly for more details.*

Topic List

Books & More

Reference eBooks: Inventors

Adult Maker Kits


Kids Maker Kits

Events