
Seventy-five public libraries will receive NASA STEM kits, a tablet with STEM videos and games, and more.
Public libraries are invited to apply for NASA@ My Library, a STEM education initiative that will increase and enhance STEM learning opportunities for library patrons throughout the nation, including geographic areas and populations currently underserved in STEM education.
The project is offered by the National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL) at the Space Science Institute (SSI) in partnership with the ALA Public Programs Office, the Pacific Science Center, Cornerstones of Science, and the Education Development Center. Support comes from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
- Two NASA STEM Facilitation Kits (total value: $750) designed for use in hands-on STEM programming facilitated by library staff or outside groups, such as NASA subject matter experts. The kits will include STEM tools and hands-on activities based on the following themes: “Sun-Earth-Moon Connections” and “Expanding Your Senses.” The kits’ contents are being finalized based on feedback from three NASA@ My Library pilot libraries; sample contents may include a telescope, binoculars, a microscope, a “green screen” backdrop, robotics and coding activity sets, and more.
- A tablet computer, pre-loaded with how-to videos, apps, educational games and visualizations relevant to the kit materials.
- A $500 programming stipend
- Participation for one library staff member in a required two-day orientation workshop in Denver in February/March 2018
- An $800 stipend for travel costs for the orientation workshop
- Promotion to NASA subject matter expert networks for potential program partnerships
- Training webinars about using the NASA STEM Facilitation Kit materials in programming
- Ongoing networking opportunities with participating libraries
- NASA STEM backpacks designed for circulation (total value: $200)
- Two additional NASA STEM Facilitation Kits (total value: $750)
- An additional $500 programming stipend