Builder's Club: Tween Edition
Builder’s Club: Tween Edition is a hands-on, collaborative STEAM program for children ages 9 to 14. During each session, a library facilitator introduces a new topic for tweens to explore and practice.
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Build a Better Book: Teens Using STEM to Create a User-Friendly World
“STEM is intimidating. Some teens think it’s a subject geared for students that already make straight A’s or already know that they want to go to college,” says Analiza Perez-Gomez, librarian at the Laredo Public Library in Texas. “But libraries level the playing ground. There are no obstacles to STEM here. Teens can try out STEM concepts for the first time with no added pressure.”
It's Eclipse Time! Eclipse Glasses and Training for Public Libraries
Two solar eclipses are coming to North America. An Annular Eclipse in 2023 and a Total Eclipse in 2024. Public librarians – get ready!
Navajo Astronomy
Navajo Astronomy was a hybrid program comprised of three virtual and in-person sessions presented in both the English and Diné languages during the winter months of January through early March. The program described traditional Navajo astronomy, constellations, and the unique way in which Navajo people view the cosmos. Presentations covered winter storytelling and discussions of Navajo culture and ceremonies.
Traditionally, winter stories are only told during the winter months which meant that the library was culturally not allowed to record the stories.Â
5 Tips for STEAM Success
Staff at the St. Louis County Public Library in Missouri have incorporated STEAM into their library programming for years. Desiree Schumann, project coordinator, youth services, says that the library knew from early on that STEAM would be a priority.
Plant Share and Propagation Library
The Plant Share and Propagation Library is an area where patrons can donate loose cuttings and/or small potted plants to share. This area is the first part of our makerspace that has a STEAM identity and embraces the heritage of Catawba County, one of artisans, craftsman, textiles, furniture and entrepreneurship.
Is Your Library Ready for NASA’s Upcoming Telescope Launch?
On December 22, 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope will launch into space! Using revolutionary and advanced technology, the infrared telescope will study every phase of cosmic history. Will the greatest questions on the origins of our universe finally be solved?
Get ready for this historic event at your library by directing curious patrons to reliable information. The launch also serves as the perfect opportunity to plan some fun STEAM programming virtually or in-person!
Apply Now: NASA@ My Library STEAM Initiative
Public and tribal libraries are invited to apply for NASA@ My Library, a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) education initiative that will increase and enhance STEAM learning opportunities for library patrons throughout the nation, including geographic areas and populations currently underrepresented in STEAM education.
STEAM Club at Home: Fossil Dig
The STEAM Club at Home, which focuses on science, technology, engineering, art and math, offers enrichment activities for kids in grades K-5.
This month, I created "fossil bricks" by mixing a plaster and adding real fossils that I purchased online. Participants picked up the bricks and other materials in advance, and we met virtually to learn about fossils and excavate the fossils from their bricks.
Culturally Responsive STEAM Programming: Engaging Latinx Communities in Rural Areas
In this webinar, attendees gain new ideas and understanding of how to offer culturally responsive programming to Latinx communities and build relationships safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Closing the Gender Gap: Developing Gender Equitable STEAM Programs
STAR Net is teaming up with the Emmy-award winning PBS SciGirls to explore the importance of gender equitable programs where all patrons can develop positive STEAM identities.
STEAM-y Wonderful Wednesday
STEAM-Y Wonderful Wednesday is a video series posted on the Los Angeles Public Library's North Hollywood Regional Branch's Facebook page every Wednesday.
The videos show fun science experiments using everyday household items. Kids and their parents are strongly encouraged to follow along with the videos. We have been posting these videos for 14 weeks!
3 Must-Have STEM Gadgets for Your Makerspace
Creating a makerspace can be intimidating for some library workers, especially if you’re working with a small space and small budget. When it's safe to re-open your library, where should you spend your limited dollars to ensure the best possible experience for your science learners?
What I Tell People When They Ask about Latinx Engagement
As a child, I was very curious, annoying my family with my constant questions. In adulthood, that curiosity led me to librarianship. I am constantly trying to learn new things.
Libraries are key to expanding people’s curiosity, not just about the world, but about each other. For your library to truly be open to all, a place where everyone is welcome to learn about each other, you need to engage all segments of your community — not just those that you are intrinsically a part of.
A Mystery Maker Challenge
Makerspaces foster creativity and encourage out-of-the-box thinking, but they often require physical space that a library doesn't have. But even if your library doesn't have a dedicated makerspace, you can still incorporate maker elements into your day. Our school library transforms our lunch period into maker time with STEAM activities such as our Mystery Maker Challenge.
Lessons from Totality: Learning from the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse
In September 2016, our library learned that Laurens County would be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, and that a program from the Space Science Institute (SSI) and NASA was offering free eclipse glasses for libraries to distribute to their patrons. Our director thought it might be good to plan an event, especially since we have plenty of parking and a large lawn.
Girls in Engineering, Math and Science (GEMS) Workshop
Girls in Engineering, Math and Science (GEMS) is a weekly STEM workshop series for teenage girls offered at five of our library system’s locations during the month of June. Participants get to meet influential women in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, learn about STEM opportunities and get hands-on experience with STEM technologies.
Each two-hour session consists of a presentation from a female professional in a STEM field, followed by a one-hour activity that explores and builds STEM skills among the participants.
Astronomy Week: STEM for Everyone!
By now, you’ve probably heard about the North American Total Solar Eclipse of 2017, which will take place on Aug. 21, 2017. You may be planning a trip to see the eclipse in its totality or, like me, putting together an interesting family eclipse program at your library.
Build a Better World with Magna Tiles
Build a Better World with Magna-Tiles was one session of our STEAM and community engagement-focused summer reading program. This session used Magna-Tiles (clear plastic 2-D geometric shapes that are lined with magnets and can be combined to create 2- and 3-D designs) in a hands-on, student-led program.Â
APPLY NOW: NASA@ My Library STEM Initiative
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.
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