2026 Summer Library Workshops
Unearth a Story — Dino Machines and Circuits! 🦖
Create a Cranky Dino Automaton!
Learn about simple machines, cams, and cranks as you build a paper dinosaur automaton that moves when you turn the handle! In this workshop you will make a model Jurassic-era creature looking for a meal. Choose from:
a pterodactyl that flaps its wings as it soars above its habitat, scanning for prey (easiest, 90 minutes)
a brontosaurus that munches on leaves from the highest trees (intermediate, 90 minutes)
or a Tyrannosaurus rex that opens its mouth to roar and scare away its rivals! (most complex, 2 hours).
Decorate the beast and its base, then put the model and the mechanism together and watch how it works! The Cranky Automaton is one of over 30 projects in Kathy’s new book, Paper Inventions 2nd Edition. The project is good for ages 10 and up as well as teens.
Other Dino-Themed Workshops for 2026
Dino Shadow Squeeze card!
Younger kids can learn the basics of electric circuits and make a dinosaur shadow appear with a squeeze card project from Paper Inventions 2nd Edition!
Choose your favorite dino silhouette — or create your own — and decorate the frame around it.
This workshop lasts about 45 minutes and is good for ages 6 and up.
Dino Paper Circuit!
Great for teens! Learn the steps of constructing electric circuits, switches, and sensors with a dino-themed Light-Up Creature activity from Paper Inventions 2nd Edition. This workshop is good for ages 12 and up, and takes one hour.
Codable Dino Stuffies!
Ask about Kathy’s multi-session soft circuit coding workshops for teens!
Click here for Kathy’s Bio
