Teen Things

Teen•Things

Look out for new weekly topics during the school holidays, from 22 November 2021!

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(Updated on 27 Dec 2021)

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Science in Ancient Egypt

It is easy to believe that ancient civilisations had little understanding of the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), when we hear stories from their time where for example, people believed the Sun moved around the Earth.

However, the wonders and impressive cultural artefacts that have been left behind show a different story, and are evidence of some great thinkers who applied strong STEM principles.

The Pyramids of Giza is one of the most impressive engineering marvels from Ancient Egypt.

Standing proudly against the sandy backdrop of the Western Desert in the city of Giza, these massive structures of limestone were assembled almost 4,600 years ago using simple machines.

Graphic of pyramids

And the wonders don’t stop there; within the pyramids are passage systems leading to chambers and grottoes that house the mummified remains of royalty, as well as priceless treasures and art.

But, you don’t have to set off on an expedition to look into the pyramids.

Take a guided trip through the twisting passageways of the Great Pyramid of Giza right from the comfort of your own home in this 360-degree video by the BBC. Click and drag the video around to check out every nook and cranny of the pyramid!

^{Source: 360° Travel inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, BBC.}

Before a body could be laid to rest in these magnificent pyramids, they needed to be mummified. To do so, embalmers in Ancient Egypt used basic scientific principles of osmosis to preserve the bodies.

After removing the internal organs and setting them aside in jars, the body was packed with natron, a salt found in dried riverbeds (Source: How STEM Built the Egyptian Empire by Xina M. Uhl). It disinfected and dried out the corpse, keeping it from decaying.

You can watch this process by conducting a similar experiment with an apple. Follow this step-by-step tutorial by Da Vinci TV to make your very own Apple Mummy.

^{Source: Make an Apple Mummy | Xploration DIY SCI, Da Vinci Kids.}

Ancient Egyptians also engineered irrigation canals to help grow a variety of plants like barley, onions, garlic, lettuce, and sesame (Source: How STEM Built the Egyptian Empire by Xina M. Uhl).

However, the most prized plant was the papyrus plant, whose fibres were used to create a type of paper. The stalk was peeled into long strips, and then pressed and dried into sheets.

Graphic of papyrus

While you may not have easy access to the papyrus plant today, you can create something similar with any clean brown paper bag you might have at home, then use it in a variety of crafts.

Make your very own sheet of papyrus! 1 clean brown paper bag, 1 A4-sized sheet of baking paper or clingwrap, 1 pair of scissors, 1 shallow bowl or tray, 2 tablespoons of white glue, 2 tablespoons of water

^{Adapted from: Paper Bag Papyrus, Fitchburg Art Museum.}

Steps:
1. Using the scissors, cut up the clean paper bag into 2cm-wide strips.

2. Mix the two tablespoons of water with the two tablespoons of white glue.

3. Dip each strip into the water and glue mixture.

4. Lay the strips down horizontally onto the baking paper or clingwrap. Make sure the strips overlap slightly. Smooth them out as you go.

5. Once the horizontal strips reach the length you want your paper to be, start laying the strips vertically on top of the horizontal strips.

6. Let dry overnight and the next day, you will have a beautiful papyrus-like sheet of paper!

The finished product! Hi friend, I will never THE NILE our friendship.

Discover more about how the Ancient Egyptians used STEM principles in their daily lives in these book recommendations!

How STEM Built the Egyptian Empire
Author: Xina M. Uhl
Publisher: The Rosen Publishing Book, 2020
Call No.: Y 609.32 UHL
Available as a physical copy only. (Find a copy at the public libraries via the NLB catalogue!)

Majestic pyramids, frightful mummies, intricate hieroglyphics, and vivid tomb paintings carry the echoes of ancient Egypt through thousands of years into the present. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematical or STEM achievements lay at the heart of the Egyptians’ grandeur. Their brilliant use of basic tools and machines in massive construction projects, the preservation of human remains, and agricultural inventions that remain useful in modern times are just some of the subjects investigated in this volume. Rich in historical context, readers are given a solid understanding of how STEM shaped one of the world’s most fascinating empires.

Synopsis from Rosen Publishing.

Craft like the Ancient Egyptians
Author: Jillian Powell
Publisher: PowerKids Press, 2018
Call No.: J 745.5 POW
Also available as an eBook on NLB OverDrive.

With a flair for fashion and a love of cats, the ancient Egyptians weren’t so different from us—except for the mummies and sarcophagi! This engaging book teaches readers about ancient Egyptian culture as they craft their way through history. Readers will love the diverse variety of activities—drawing hieroglyphics in clay, designing their own jewelry, making animal mummies, and more!

Synopsis from Rosen Publishing.

The book covers and synopses are the copyright of the respective publishing companies.

(All websites were last accessed on 11 October 2021.)

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Music X Technology

Technology permeates every part of the music industry. The advent of modern technology has completely transformed how we produce, perform, and even consume music today.

Check out these online resources to explore how the music industry consistently reinvents itself to keep up with the ever-evolving advances of technology.

A Brief Music History
“Survival of the fittest” also applies to music—it must reinvent itself with technology in order to match up to modern tastes and preferences.

This video is a crash course on the history of the music industry and its relationship with technology, dating back to the 1870s when the phonograph record player was invented.

^{Source: From Phonographs to Spotify: A Brief History of the Music Industry, Wall Street Journal.}

Check out this acapella mash-up tracing the evolution of music from the 11th century to the 2010s.

Can you identify the shifts in sound arrangements over the eras? (Please note that the video is only available for viewing on YouTube.)

^{Source: Evolution of Music, Pentatonix.}

Music & Technology

^{Source: "9 Technologies That Changed the Way Musicians Create Music Forever", Interesting Engineering.}

This listicle introduces some of the most influential inventions to impact the world of music production.

From pitch-shifting auto-tune processors to electric guitars which have pervaded modern instrumentation, these technological developments have created countless possibilities for musicians to hone their craft.

Try your hand at creating some music with technology! Loop some simple beats on this minimal beat machine.

^{Source: "108 Minimal Beat Machine", Martin Wecke.}

Social Media and the Music Industry

^{Source: "The Impact of Technology and Social Media on the Music Industry", Econsultancy.}

In the last decade, the boom of social media sites and music streaming platforms has made listening to music more accessible than ever before.

With a swipe or a click, we’re able to conveniently discover virtually any type of music we desire. Here are some of the notable changes that have happened:
For consumers: Streaming platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Music, make use of algorithms to curate personalised playlists for their consumers. These playlists help consumers to discover new music based on their preferences and listening habits.
For artists: With social media platforms connecting artists directly to their audience, artists are able to bypass music labels who traditionally manage the distribution and promotion of their music. This gives artists more freedom of control over their own craft.
For live performances: Tech innovations introduce new layers to live performances, turning the gig experience from a traditionally aural event to a multi-sensory one. This includes virtual reality concerts and livestreamed shows that you can watch from the comfort of your home.

Check out these related reads for more on music and technology!

Using Computer Science in Digital Music Careers
Author: Jennifer Culp
Call No.: Y 780.285 CUL
Publisher: Rosen Publishing, 2018
Available as a physical copy only. (Find a copy at the public libraries via the NLB catalogue!)

Creating music twenty years ago was done very differently from the way it’s created today.

Musicians can write, record, and mix their own music from a laptop, rather than waiting to make it big through more traditional means. This guide takes readers through real-world career advice, and some of the career paths that can be explored by the music and technology savvy.

Synopsis from Rosen Publishing.

Music: A Very Short Introduction
Author: Nicholas Cook
Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2021
Only available as an eBook on NLB OverDrive.

The world teems with different kinds of music—traditional, folk, classical, jazz, rock, pop—and each type of music tends to come with its own way of thinking. Drawing on a wealth of accessible examples ranging from Beethoven to Chinese zither music, this Very Short Introduction considers the history of music and thinking about music, focusing on its social and cultural dimensions.

In this new edition Cook explores the impact of digital technology on the production and consumption of music, including how it has transformed participatory music-making and the music business. He also discusses music’s position in a globalized world, from the role it played in historical processes of colonisation and decolonisation to its present-day significance as a vehicle of cross-cultural communication.

Synopsis from Oxford University Press.

The book covers and synopses are the copyright of the respective publishing companies.

(All websites were last accessed on 18 December 2021.)

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Fermentation Station: Food Around Us

Mould, yeast, and bacteria—three must-have ingredients to create a delicious meal!

Whether it’s that fragrant egg and onion thosai (savoury thin pancake) you had for supper, or a mouth-watering bowl of suan cai yu (pickled fish stew) from your favourite stall, many things we consume daily are made with the help of microorganisms.

Fortunately, these foods are perfectly safe. They’ve simply undergone a biochemical process known as fermentation.

Fermentation occurs when microorganisms react with carbohydrate sources in an oxygen-free (or anaerobic) environment (Source: Cravings of a Food Scientist, 2019).

Mould, yeast, and bacteria break sugars and starches down into acids or alcohols, creating fermented foods which have a particular taste and texture.

Glucose + Microorganisms in an environment without oxygen and acid/alcohol + carbon dioxide

^{Fermentation: Carbohydrate Source + Microorganism - Oxygen = Acid/Alcohol + Carbon Dioxide
Adapted from: "How Fermentation Makes Food Delicious", Cravings of a Food Scientist.}

Kimchi, a popular Korean side dish, is one of such foods. In particular, it’s created through a common type of fermentation known as lacto-fermentation (Source: Healthline, 2019).

With lactic acid as a byproduct, food becomes increasingly acidic, and the surrounding air more anaerobic.

Take a look at how this tangy dish is made, and try identifying the elements involved in the chemical reaction. Which microorganisms are present? What are the carbohydrate sources being broken down?

^{Source: How is Kimchi Made?, Reactions.}

You’ve probably seen many other fermented foods like kombucha and sourdough popping up on your feed. But fermentation isn’t just a fad—it’s been around since the Neolithic period, which spanned 10,000 to 4,500 BCE. (Source: Tamang, 2020).

Kombucha, for example, was first brewed by a physician in Northeast China! Popularised for its supposed medicinal benefits, the drink quickly made its way across the globe. (Source: Forbes, 2017).

Delve into the history of fermentation with this video. Discover how our tastebuds evolved through centuries to enjoy the sour and umami flavours of fermented foods.

^{Source: How We Figured Out Fermentation, PBS Eons.}

These days, the online fermentation community is huge. From the trending fermented honey garlic recipe on TikTok, to people showing off their SCOBY hotels (SCOBY stands for “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast”, a fundamental ingredient in making fermented foods like kombucha!), the experimentation with food never stops.

Ferm Friends
Brew your food knowledge with these content creators!

If you’re hungry for more, explore these food reads at the library!

Science You Can Eat
Author: Stefan Gates
Call No.: J 641.3 GAT
Publisher: Doring Kindersley, 2019
Also available as an eBook on NLB OverDrive.

This exciting kids’ book tackles all the tasty science questions you have about food, plus plenty more that you hadn’t even thought of! Science You Can Eat will transform your kitchen into an awesome lab through 20 fun food experiments.

This quest of gastronomic wonder is so much more than just another science book for kids! It explores the science of food by asking questions you’re hungry to know the answers to and putting them to the test through fun experiments. The proof is in the pudding.

Enjoy the delightful weirdness of tricking your taste buds, making slime taste delicious, investigating some of the strangest flavours around and extracting iron from your cereal!

Synopsis from Dorling Kindersley.

A Pho Love Story
Author: Loan Le
Call No.: Y LEL
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2021
Also available as an eBook on NLB OverDrive.

If Bao Nguyen had to describe himself, he’d say he was a rock. Steady and strong, but not particularly interesting. His grades are average, his social status unremarkable. He works at his parents’ pho restaurant, and even there, he is his parents’ fifth favourite employee. Not ideal.

If Linh Mai had to describe herself, she’d say she was a firecracker. Stable when unlit, but full of potential for joy and fire. She loves art and dreams pursuing a career in it. The only problem? Her parents rely on her in ways they’re not willing to admit, including working practically full-time at her family’s pho restaurant.

For years, the Mais and the Nguyens have been at odds, having owned competing, neighboring pho restaurants. Bao and Linh, who’ve avoided each other for most of their lives, both suspect that the feud stems from feelings much deeper than friendly competition.

But then a chance encounter brings Linh and Bao in the same vicinity despite their best efforts and sparks fly, leading them both to wonder what took so long for them to connect. But then, of course, they immediately remember.

Can Linh and Bao find love in the midst of feuding families and complicated histories?

Synopsis from Simon & Schuster.

The book covers and synopses are the copyright of the respective publishing companies.

(All websites were last accessed on 8 October 2021.)

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Emailing 101

So you’ve just been assigned to send an email to an organisation for a school project or a Values in Action (VIA) programme, or maybe you have to apply for an internship.

You might have crafted a couple of emails to your friends or teachers before, but you aren’t quite sure what exactly goes into such formal emails.

Well, don’t worry—we’re here to help you out! Here are some tips and tricks on writing effective emails that are sure to impress.

Part 1: Email Subject
Why it should be done well
This tells people what your email is about at a quick glance. Don’t underestimate its importance—spam filters in your inbox also use this to determine if the email is spam or not!

Tips: Clearly indicate and specify your objective. Refrain from having a long email subject, as the end may get cut off. Example: Collaboration with NLB.

Part 2: To/Cc/Bcc
Why it should be done well
This is the most important part—your emails need to be sent successfully to the correct recipients!

Tips: Double-check that all email addresses are correct! The To field is where your recipient’s email address should be. Use the CC field to keep your teachers and groupmates in the loop. If you have sensitive contact details that you do not wish to share with others in the email, use the “BCC” field to keep them unseen.

Part 3: Salutation
Why it should be done well
Always greet your recipient politely—if you sound rude from the start, your recipient may treat your email as spam.

If your recipient signs off with a particular name, do take note to address them with their preferred name in future correspondences.

Tips: Address your email’s recipient if you know their identity. If you do not know the identity of your email’s recipient, feel free to address them with Dear Sir/Mdm. Check that the recipient’s name is spelt correctly before sending your email to avoid offending them. Example: Dear Sir/Mdm,

Part 4: Introduction
Why it should be done well
Put yourself in your recipient’s shoes—if you receive an anonymous email, it is likely that you would only spare it a cursory glance, or worse, delete it.

Tips: Provide a brief introduction about yourself and the objective(s) of writing the email. Example: I am Jayden from Teens Takeover Secondary School, and I am writing on behalf of my project team regarding a collaboration with the library.

Part 5: Body
Why it should be done well
This forms the bulk of your email. Here is where you tell people the details of what you need, and how you’re proposing for it to happen.

Part 6: Conclusion
Why it should be done well
Summarise your request so that the recipient is reminded about what they can assist you with. Use this opportunity to let the recipient know how to get in touch with you if they need further details.

Part 7: Signing off
Why it should be done well
End your email politely. Some sign-offs you may use include phrases such as “Thank you”, “Regards”, “Warmest Regards”, and “Best Wishes”.

The sign off also reiterates to your recipient your preferred name to be addressed by, even if you have introduced yourself earlier.

Part 8: Attachments
Why it should be done well
Sending in a preview of your content as an attachment will help your recipient visualise your request better.

Tips: Indicate in the email that you’ve added an attachment and what it is for. Check that the attachment is correct. Try to compress your files to prevent overly large emails that would take up your recipient’s inbox space. Some email clients may not be able to deliver oversized files. Example: I’ve attached a sample of the poster in this email for your reference.

Finally, there are a couple of things to take note of:

Re-read your email before sending it. If it helps, get another person to look at your email to catch any errors.
Avoid using emojis in your initial email. While using emojis is the norm in your group chats, it may be seen as unprofessional and may cause your recipient to think you are not serious.

Once you’re done, click send! Send

While you’re waiting for a reply, check out these books from the library:
100 Ways to Improve Your Writing
Author: Gary Provost
Publisher: Berkley Books, 2019
Only available as an eBook on NLB OverDrive.

This is the one guide that anyone who writes—whether student, businessperson, or professional writer—should keep on his or her desk. Filled with professional tips and a wealth of instructive examples, 100 Ways to Improve Your Writing can help solve any writing problem.

In this compact, easy-to-use volume you’ll find the eternal building blocks of good writing—from grammar and punctuation to topic sentences—as well as advice on challenges such as writer’s block and creating a strong title. It is a must-have resource—perfect for reading cover to cover, or just for keeping on hand for instant reference—now updated and refreshed for the first time.

Synopsis from Penguin.

Getting Your First Job
Author: Roberto Angulo
Call No.: English 650.14 ANG -[BIZ]
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 2018
Also available as an eBook on NLB OverDrive.

Find—and land—your first job! Finding a job can seem daunting, especially when it’s a brand new experience. There’s a lot to know, and often a lot of pressure. In this book, you’ll discover how to identify your talents and strengths, use your network to your advantage, interview with confidence, and evaluate an offer.

Written in plain English and packed with step-by-step instructions, it’ll have you writing customized resumes, conducting company research, and utilizing online job search sites, faster than you can say ‘I got the job!’

Synopsis from John Wiley & Sons.

Eliza and Her Monsters
Author: Francesca Zappia
Call No.: Y ZAP
Publisher: Greenwillow Books, 2017
Also available as an eBook on NLB OverDrive.

In the real world, Eliza Mirk is shy, weird, and friendless. Online, Eliza is LadyConstellation, anonymous creator of a popular webcomic called Monstrous Sea. With millions of followers and fans throughout the world, Eliza’s persona is popular. Eliza can’t imagine enjoying the real world as much as she loves her digital community.

Then Wallace Warland transfers to her school and Eliza begins to wonder if a life offline might be worthwhile. But when Eliza’s secret is accidentally shared with the world, everything she’s built—her story, her relationship with Wallace, and even her sanity—begins to fall apart.

Synopsis from Harper Collins.

The book covers and synopses are the copyright of the respective publishing companies.

(All websites were last accessed on 8 October 2021.)

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Deep Dive into Marine Biodiversity

Biodiversity. It’s a term we see in our science textbooks, but what exactly is it?

We’ve put together some resources to help you understand how biodiversity is intimately related to our daily lives and learn how we can continue to care for the world around us.

Part 1: Explore biodiversity from your bedroom
Watch this animation by the Natural History Museum of London to learn what biodiversity is about.

^{Source: What is biodiversity?, Natural History Museum.}

^{Adapted from: What is biodiversity?, Natural History Museum.}

As you can see, biodiversity can be quite broad! Let’s take a closer look at coastal biodiversity, which refers to the plants and animals near or in the sea.

For a deeper dive into more information, events, and projects on biodiversity in Singapore, check out wildsingapore’s website.

Part 2: Immerse yourself in nature and get inspired
Grab a friend and take a walk along a coastal trail in Singapore! Here are some suggestions for where you can go:

^{Source: Changi Point Coastal Walk, NParks Singapore.}

^{Source: Sungei Buloh Trail, NParks Singapore.}

^{Source: Labrador Park, NParks Singapore.}

^{Source: Coast-to-Coast Trail, NParks Singapore.}

Tips for a comfortable coastal walk

Tip 1: Do your research
Before heading off, double-check the location, opening hours, and entrance fees (if any). Bring water and an umbrella, and always inform an adult of your whereabouts.

Tip 2: Be present and stay alert
Keep an eye on your surroundings—take in the ground, vegetation, and water bodies around you.

Listen for any sounds too! We often rely on our sight but the most surprising finds can come from your other senses.

Tip 3: Observe the details
If you pay attention, the small things will reveal themselves—from flowers and fruit in the bushes, the salty smell of the sea and seaweed, to even animals moving around in the trees or in the water.

All of these form Singapore’s biodiversity in one way or another!

Tip 4: Reflect and clean up
After your walk, take some time to think, discuss your observations with a friend, or take to journaling. Make sure to dispose of any trash properly before leaving.

Part 3: Get involved!
Now that you’ve learnt a bit more, get further involved and updated with biodiversity matters!

Here are some ways you can do so:

Join a citizen science programme. Participate in a community research project to observe natural spaces and collect data. The information you collect will be further studied to make an impact on conservation strategies in Singapore. Find out more about NPark’s Citizen Science Programmes.
Volunteer with non-profits. Put your skills towards a good cause with non-profit organisations that might need help with graphic design, copywriting, or running events. Some organisations you can check out are International Coastal Cleanup Singapore and Waterways Watch Society.
Reduce plastic use. Plastic pollution is a big threat to biodiversity. In the oceans, plastic poses a danger to unsuspecting wildlife. If you’re able to, bring your own reusable bags and containers, and take small steps to ensure that plastic waste is recycled or disposed of responsibly.

Part 4: Stay updated!
Social media
Here are some Instagram accounts that aren’t just about cute animals or breath-taking natural scenery – they also provide some food for thought on how we can better appreciate and help biodiversity around us, both local and globally:

If you’re interested to further engage with sustainability and local conservation efforts, these Instagram accounts may just provide that extra green on your feed:

Read more
Finally, check out these books on nature and biodiversity!

Into the Deep: Science, Technology, and the Quest to Protect the Ocean
Author: Christy Peterson
Call No.: Y 551.46 PET
Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books, 2020
Also available as an eBook on NLB OverDrive.

Containing 97 percent of Earth’s water supply, the ocean plays a huge role in regulating global temperatures, supporting plant and animal life, and contributing to the livelihoods of millions of people. But in spite of all this, the ocean remains drastically unexplored, and the details of its impact on human lives aren’t fully understood.

Every day, mysteries about the ocean are being solved, and every day, new questions come to light. The more scientists learn, the better they are able to answer these new questions.

What lies in the deep? And who is at the forefront of these exciting discoveries? The scientists and research included in this book shed light on the most pressing issues currently facing oceanographers and point us in the right direction to solving these challenges.

Synopsis from Lerner Books.

The Wonders of Nature
Author: Ben Hoare
Call No: J 508 HOA
Publisher: DK Children, 2019
Also available as an eBook on NLB OverDrive.

Explore the curiosities of planet Earth and marvel at the beauty of the natural world in a new way. From opals to orchids and tapirs to toadstools, this beautiful collection brings more than 100 incredible items from the natural world to life. Perfect for all the nature-loving readers on the planet we call home.

Every page of this reference book reveals fascinating animals, plants, rocks and minerals, and microorganisms that will wow children and adults alike.

Synopsis from DK.

The Plastic Problem: 60 Small Ways to Reduce Waste and Save the Earth
Author: Aubre Andrus
Call No.: J 363.72 AND
Publisher: Lonely Planet, 2020
Also available as an eBook on NLB OverDrive.

Look around you—plastic is everywhere! It’s in your shoes, pens, toothbrush, car, toys, TV, water bottles, food packaging… It’s so popular that it’s almost impossible to get through one day without using it. And it’s creating major problems for our planet, wildlife and ourselves.

With The Plastic Problem, you’ll discover loads of brilliant and easy ways to cut plastic out of your life! By becoming a ‘plastic patroller’ instead of a plastic polluter, your actions will help protect our world, and inspire friends and family to do the same.

Synopsis from Lonely Planet.

The book covers and synopses are the copyright of the respective publishing companies.

(All websites were last accessed on 7 October 2021.)

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Graphic Design is My Passion

Need something more than MS Paint for your projects? Get creative with five free and easy-to-use online resources for you to experiment with graphic design and web-page building.

1) Canva

^{Image source: Canva.}

A free design website offering a suite of templates, stock images and graphics, audio, and video clips. Some elements require a premium account to access, but you can still create cool designs with a basic account.

Creating simple and eye-catching designs with pre-existing templates. Templates are already sized for specific needs i.e. Instagram posts, presentations. Big library of free stock graphics, photos, audio and video clips.

2) Vectr

^{Image source: Vectr.}

A free graphics software to create and edit vector graphics online.

Vector graphics are a type of graphic that don’t lose the quality of their resolution even after scaling and resizing.

This means you can create images and elements for your designs without worrying about the vector graphics becoming blurry and pixelated when you resize them.

One-time online usage – no need to create account. Easy to freehand vector graphics and shapes. Downloadable in 3 file formats - .png, .jpg, .svg.

3) Photopea

^{Image source: Photopea.}

A free online image editor that functions similarly to photo-editing software like Adobe Photoshop.

Users can open and work on a myriad of image file formats, including Adobe files. This is a great programme for beginners, and is more than able to support advanced users with experience in using established and paid programmes.

Opening file formats that you may not have the software to open. Web-based application that you can use on your web browser. Accessible on mobile – work on the go!

4) build.mmm.page

^{Image source: build.mmm.page.}

A free platform to create personalised, collage-styled webpages.

You can create simple pages dedicated to anything – for example, you could compile a list of podcasts to check out, create a profile page with all your social media handles, or even curate a collection of your favourite books and movies.

With its easy drag-and-drop format and capacity to embed media like photos and YouTube videos, mmm.page is great for creating simple scroll pages you can view on both desktop and mobile.

Simple scroll webpages, adaptable for mobile dimensions. Easy to embed your own .gifs, images, and YouTube videos. Drag-and-drop builder is intuitive for new users.

5) Pixilart

^{Image source: Pixilart.}

A free web-based app to create cool pixel art, which is digital art made up of many tiny squares to form an image.

The site provides a canvas for users to create and export illustrations for use, and even share creations with the Pixilart community.

Gallery with pre-made stamps available for use. Resizing your image after you already completed it. Community-created pixel art tutorials to guide fellow users.

Learn more
Library members have free access to the electronic database, LinkedIn Learning for Library. This is an online learning platform that helps users learn skills in creative design, business, software, etc. through video courses taught by recognised industry experts.

^{Image source: LinkedIn Learning for Library.}

You may access the platform with your myLibrary account, and explore the suite of graphic design and illustration courses on it!

For more reads on graphic design, check out these titles!

Creative Pep Talk
Author: Andy J. Miller
Call No.: English 741.60922 CRE -[ART]
Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2017
Also available as an eBook on NLB OverDrive.

Every artist needs a little pep talk now and then. An inspiring tool and beautiful art book in one, Creative Pep Talk offers illustrated words of wisdom from 50 of today’s leading creative professionals.

Synopsis from Chronicle Books.

Graphic Design for Everyone
Author: Cath Caldwell
Call No.: English 741.6 GRA -[ART]
Publisher: DK Publishing, 2019
Available as a physical copy only. (Find a copy at the public libraries via the NLB catalogue!)

Students, entrepreneurs, community groups, social media influencers, bloggers or campaigners: this practical guide is for you, and everyone else who wants to learn how to communicate visually, combining the building blocks of type, photography, illustration, and colour to create designs that inform, influence, and enthrall.

If you’re ready to use the power of design to take your personal project or burgeoning business to the next level, Graphic Design for Everyone is a one-stop resource to becoming an effective, inspirational visual communicator.

Synopsis from DK.

The book covers and synopses are the copyright of the respective publishing companies.

(All websites were last accessed on 5 October 2021.)

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