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Shifting Gears: From Makerspaces to Outdoor Places

/ gravescolleen / Leave a comment

Introducing: Petite Texan: Pack, Pedal, Paddle

In 2018, my passion for blogging about makerspaces and libraries shifted my 17-year education career into crafting content strategy for innovative edtech companies like Makey Makey, Chibitronics, and Makedo. After moving to Austin and spending more time behind a desk, I craved balance—and discovered a new love (okay, obsession!) for getting outside and exploring.

Petite woman dressed in winter gear with trekking poles standing atop a rocky trail with mountains visible in the background.

Me at the top of the Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend National Park

Being petite has never stopped me from packing, pedaling, and paddling through some of Texas’s most beautiful spots. Friends call me tiny but tough, and now I’m excited to share the lessons, stories, and outdoor wisdom I’ve picked up along the way.

This blog began as a space to share library and makerspace inspiration. While I’ll keep those roots alive, I’m shifting gears to focus on my other passion: exploring the outdoors. From trails to rivers to hidden Texas gems, I’m thrilled to bring you along for the ride.

Three images and the Petite Texan logo. First image is a paddleboard in a river, the second is a small woman wearing a large backpacking pack. The third image is the viewpoint of Big Bend's window. A large rocky outcropping that narrows into a window to the mountains in the distance.

I hope you’ll join me as I share the wild corners of Texas… and beyond!

Saddle up because we’ve got a lot of catching up to do.

New Booster Kits to Augment Makey Makey

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I’m so excited our team has worked on creating new booster kits to augment the Makey Makey innovation experience! You’ll have to check back often as we will have more coming out!

I’m really stoked to share these new kits and the projects we’ve written to accompany these kits that will boost student innovation with Makey Makey!

Craft + Code

I love this Craft + Code kit because it really focuses on physical invention and thinking about how craft and invention can inspire innovation!

Draw a controller!

Get Up + Go!

The Get Up + Go kit is brilliant for getting kids up and out of their seats. I love this kit because it is a great accompaniment to issuing your students a STEM in the gym type challenge!

Go BIG with the Get Up + Go Booster Kit

What projects will these kits inspire your students to create?