Kids: Fun Stuff

What is a launchpad?  It's a tablet computer loaded with fun, interactive, and educational games.  Launchpads are grouped by age, grade level, subject area and theme.  Here are a couple of examples to check out from our library collection!  Click here to see all of our launchpad titles in the online catalog.

Lets Have a Little Fun! 2nd Edition - Brain Breaks - Ages 8-10, Grades 3-5

Games to Play:  Candy Drop - Fruit Quest - Bubble X Slice - Froggee - Catch the Mole - Rainbow Lines - Dolly the Sheep - Gold Miner Rescue Premium -  ApocaBLOCKolypse - Penguin Airborne

Scale Your Imagination! Dragons, Monsters & Dinosaurs. 2nd Edition - Ages 5+

Games to Play:  Dragon Maker - Apatosaurus - Gothel the Strange - Zombie Elementary - Beauty & the Beast -Daisy and the Dragons - 
Little Princess,  Little Red Riding Hood - Robot and the Dinosaur Egg - The Reluctant Dragon - DNA Play - Create Monsters

     Be an ecoEXPLORER!

Description:  ecoEXPLORE (Experiences Promoting Learning Outdoors for Research and Education) is an incentive-based citizen science program for children in grades K-8. Developed by The North Carolina Arboretum, this innovative program combines science exploration with kid-friendly technology to foster a fun learning environment for children while encouraging them to explore the outdoors and participate in citizen science.

How it works:

1. The Beaufort, Western Carteret, and Newport branches of our library system all have an ecoExplore Backpack that can be checked out!
2. Parents! Sign your child up to be an ecoEXPLORER using the form on the ecoExplorer website. Then check your email for a confirmation link. Explore the website for information on HotSpots and LoanSpots!
3. Go outside in your own backyard or at a designated ecoEXPLORE HotSpot to find wildlife species, including plants, reptiles, amphibians, insects and birds.
4. Use a device from the ecoExplore Backpack and photograph your wildlife observation, noting the data, location, time, size, and species observed.
5. Login to your ecoEXPLORE profile online and submit your observation.
6. Arboretum staff will then review your observation and submit all approved submissions to the iNaturalist Network, which is monitored by real scientists!  Earn prizes and badges!