STEAM Power Your Library
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This document discusses introducing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) programs and activities in public libraries. It defines STEAM as incorporating creativity and open-ended learning. The document provides examples of preschool and school-age STEAM programs, focusing on introducing concepts, hands-on activities, and facilitating interest in STEAM subjects. It also discusses STEAM services libraries can offer like activity stations, displays, and readers' advisory, as well as resources libraries can draw from such as books, blogs, websites, community partners, and grants.
STEAM Power Your Library
- 1. STEAM Power Your Library! Amy Koester Skokie Public Library
- 2. During this session… • What is STEAM? • Why STEAM in the library • Preschool Programs & Elements • School-Age Programs • Services & Resources
- 3. So, what is STEAM?
- 4. So, what is STEAM? • Arts ≠ Crafts • Arts = Creativity
- 5. So, what is STEAM? • Arts ≠ Crafts • Arts = Creativity “The arts and sciences are avatars of human creativity.” -Mae Jemison photo from jsc.nasa.gov
- 6. So, what is STEAM? • Arts ≠ Crafts • Arts = Creativity • Arts = Open-ended
- 7. So, what is STEAM? • Arts ≠ Crafts • Arts = Creativity • Arts = Open-ended Open-ended activities promote “the problem-solving, the fearlessness, and the critical thinking and making skills.” -John Maeda photo from wired.com
- 8. So, what is STEAM? • Everyone can STEAM. Yes, even YOU. • No content expertise necessary. image modified from “Uncle Sam pointing” by openclipart user liftarn, Creative Commons licensed
- 9. Why STEAM in a library?
- 10. Why STEAM in a library? • Literacy is multifaceted.
- 11. Why STEAM in a library? • Literacy is multifaceted. • Lifelong learning includes all ages.
- 12. Why STEAM in a library? • Literacy is multifaceted. • Lifelong learning includes all ages. • We can facilitate discovery.
- 13. Why STEAM in a library? • Literacy is multifaceted. • Lifelong learning includes all ages. • We can facilitate discovery. • Interest is a powerful motivator.
- 14. Preschool STEAM 1. Promote the collection.
- 15. Preschool STEAM 1. Promote the collection. 2. Introduce fundamental concepts & skills.
- 16. Preschool STEAM 1. Promote the collection. 2. Introduce fundamental concepts & skills. 3. Facilitate interest in STEAM.
- 17. Preschool STEAM 1. Promote the collection. 2. Introduce fundamental concepts & skills. 3. Facilitate interest in STEAM. 4. Promote love of the library.
- 18. Preschool Science • For programs & activities… • Introduce a concept. • Talk! • Offer hands-on activities. • Example: Explosions!
- 19. Preschool Science • Always… • Promote observation. • Include relevant vocabulary.
- 20. Preschool Technology • For programs & activities… • Technology = tool. • Explore & create! • Example: Digital story in storytime.
- 21. Preschool Technology • Always… • Encourage joint media engagement. • Incorporate caregivers.
- 22. Preschool Engineering • For programs & activities… • Pose a challenge. • Provide materials, space, & time. • Example: The Highest Tower
- 23. Preschool Engineering • Always… • Encourage comparing & contrasting. • Encourage modifications.
- 24. Preschool Arts • For programs & activities… • Incorporate a STEM concept.
- 25. Preschool Arts • Examples: • Gravity Painting • Pattern Necklaces • Paper Chain Measuring • Dough Sculptures
- 26. Preschool Math • For programs & activities… • Think DAP. • Offer games & activities. • Example: Measure Mania
- 27. Preschool Math • Always… • Work math in everywhere.
- 28. School-Age STEAM Programs 1. Promote the collection.
- 29. School-Age STEAM Programs 1. Promote the collection. 2. Introduce & deepen STEAM understanding.
- 30. School-Age STEAM Programs 1. Promote the collection. 2. Introduce & deepen STEAM understanding. 3. Facilitate interest in STEAM.
- 31. School-Age STEAM Programs 1. Promote the collection. 2. Introduce & deepen STEAM understanding. 3. Facilitate interest in STEAM. 4. Promote love of the library.
- 32. School-Age STEAM Programs 1. Promote the collection. 2. Introduce & deepen STEAM understanding. 3. Facilitate interest in STEAM. 4. Promote love of the library. 5. Engage “reluctant readers.”
- 33. School-Age Science Programs • For programs… • Concept learning. • Hands-on activities. • Test & observe. • Example: Airplane Science
- 34. School-Age Science Programs • Always… • Demonstrate whenever possible. • Leave time for trial & error. • Tie to resources.
- 35. School-Age Technology Programs • For programs… • Provide the equipment. • Give space to create. • Example: Create videogames
- 36. School-Age Technology Programs • Always… • Introduce how the technology works. • Encourage peer-learning. • Show off to caregivers.
- 37. School-Age Engineering Programs • For programs… • Pose a challenge. • Provide open-ended materials. • Example: Marshmallow Towers
- 38. School-Age Engineering Programs • Always… • Provide access to resources. • Encourage testing & modifying. • Talk through all creations.
- 39. School-Age Arts Programs • For programs… • Infuse a STEM concept into a creative project.
- 40. School-Age Arts Programs • Examples: • Constellation Books • Camouflage Patterns • Art Bots • Light Painting
- 41. School-Age Math Programs • For programs… • Make math an element of a larger activity. • Example: Art Market
- 42. School-Age Math Programs • Always… • Make it visual. • Be prepared to scaffold.
- 43. STEAM Services 1. Provide personal access to STEAM.
- 44. STEAM Services 1. Provide personal access to STEAM. 2. Facilitate self-paced exploration.
- 45. STEAM Services 1. Provide personal access to STEAM. 2. Facilitate self-paced exploration. 3. Highlight STEAM collections.
- 46. STEAM Services: Activity Stations • Carve out a space. • Keep it simple. • Include signage. • Change regularly.
- 47. STEAM Services: Displays • Curate intentionally. • Be liberal with formats & reading levels. • Make it visually interesting.
- 48. STEAM Services: Publicity • Make it easier to find great resources. • Be responsive to your community.
- 49. STEAM Services: Readers’ Advisory • Get to know your collections. • Get to know your readers. • Make connections across formats. • Encourage interests.
- 50. Resources to STEAM • You don’t have to go it alone. • USE YOUR RESOURCES!
- 51. Resources to STEAM: Books • Explore the stacks! • Books with experiments & activities: • Janice Van Cleave • Kids Can Press • Find go-to authors: • Gail Gibbons • Steve Jenkins
- 52. Resources to STEAM: Blogs • Library Makers • Abby the Librarian • Read Sing Play • Library Bonanza • Never Shushed • Teach Preschool • PreKinders • So Tomorrow • Gadgets, Gizmos, and Goo (G3): The Mad Scientists Club • The Show Me Librarian: All Things STEAM
- 53. Resources to STEAM: Websites • Steve Spangler Science • Little eLit • Start With a Book • Wonderopolis • Mixing in Math • Bedtime Math • Pinterest
- 54. Resources to STEAM: Partners • Community Experts • Community Businesses • Local Hobby Groups • Local Museums, etc.
- 55. Resources to STEAM: Funding • Friends of the Library • LSTA Grants • Other Grants (via LEGO Education) • Donations • Local Business Support
- 56. In Conclusion… • You CAN offer STEAM in your library. • Start with what you have. • Above all else, engage interests.
- 57. Thoughts to share? Questions? • Do you have stories to share on: • STEAM programs? • Favorite STEAM reads? • Planning resources? • Questions? Shoot me an email: • [email protected]
- 58. Further Reading • “Every Child Is Born A Scientist” from Marcelo Gleiser on NPR 13.7 Cosmos And Culture • “From STEM to STEAM: Science and Art Go Hand-in-Hand” from Steven Ross Pomeroy on Scientific American • “Full STEAM Ahead: Injecting Art and Creativity into STEM” from Amy Koester on School Library Journal • Improving STEM Curriculum and Instruction: Engaging Students and Raising Standards, Successful STEM Education Initiative, a National Research Council report funded by the National Science Foundation • “What does STEM look like in preschool and what is STEM anyway?” from Deborah J. Stewart, M.Ed., on Teach Preschool