He Kākano Explore

The science and technology section of our He Kākano collection. Discover hidden worlds with a microscope or a telescope. Delve into the world of virtual reality. Experiment with building electronic devices and learn to code with robots.

These items are free to borrow for 2 weeks.
They can only be collected from and returned to Whangārei Central Library.
Holds cannot be placed on these items.
Terms and Conditions apply.

Science

Microscope

The Celestron Labs CM800 Compound Microscope is a compact, user-friendly and versatile tool that provides clear, sharp images for a broad range of applications.

Two eyepieces (10x and 20x) and 3 objective lenses (4x, 10x and 40x) allow for magnifications from 40x to 800x.

Tabletop Telescope

The simple, portable design of the Celestron Robert Reeves Edition FirstScope Tabletop Telescope is easy to use for astronomers of all levels. Just remove it from the box, insert an eyepiece and you’re ready to go star gazing.

A wide field-of-view provides bright, sharp views of the Moon’s mountains and craters in crisp detail. Use it to pan the Milky Way, explore open star clusters, marvel at Saturn’s rings, or view deep-sky objects such as the Orion Nebula.

View books about stargazing with a telescope in the library catalogue

Technology

Electronic BrainBox

The Electronic BrainBox is designed to teach the principles of electronics to children from age 7. The easy-to-handle components snap together to create different circuits on the base board. All wires are secured within the components making them safe and simple to operate. The circuits are activated by magnet, water, touch, light and sound, resulting in a flashing bulb, a motorised fan or flying disc and sound effects.

An instruction manual is included.

Batteries are not included (4 x AA required).

Makeblock Neuron Inventor Kit

Makeblock Neuron is a programmable electronic building block platform off ering all sorts of opportunities to stimulate children’s creativity and ingenuity. It contains more than 30 kinds of electronic blocks with different functions, so creators can build a variety of innovative gadgets.

The user-friendly Makeblock Neuron App includes building instructions and video tutorials, helping children create a multitude of gadgets in a short time without having to learn complicated codes.

Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset

Meta Quest 2 is the all-in-one system for exploring Virtual Reality (VR). Experience total immersion with 3D positional audio, hand tracking and easy-to-use controllers working together to make virtual worlds feel real.

A Meta/Facebook account and the Meta Horizon app is required to use this device.

Only adult library members (18 years and over), can borrow this item.

Sphero Bolt

Sphero BOLT is an app-enabled robotic ball that allows children to have fun while learning to code. It supports beginners to advanced coders.

Use your mobile or desktop device with the free Sphero Edu app to programme, create and customise games by drawing on your screen, using Scratch Blocks or writing JavaScript text programmes.

Sphero Indi

The car-shaped Indi learning robot is designed to introduce early learners (ages 4+) to the concepts of computational thinking, STEAM and computer science ideas in a fun and engaging way.

Indi offers a screenless unplugged programming experience with an onboard colour sensor and interactive colour-coded tiles. Or children can level up their skills with simplified drag-and-drop block coding options in the free Sphero Edu Jr app.

Terms and Conditions for borrowing He Kākano items

When you borrow from the He Kākano collection:

You are responsible for all items borrowed on your library card, including items borrowed by other people using your card.
Please ensure you read and follow any instructions included with the item.
Please use the item in a safe and responsible manner and only for the purposes for which it is intended and/or as set out in the instructions.
Return all items borrowed on your card by the due date in the same condition they were in when borrowed (except for fair wear and tear).

Agree to pay on demand all damages, fines, administration charges and replacement costs that are incurred as a result of failure to meet these conditions, i.e. any loss or damage occurs while an item is on loan to you.