STEAM & the Maker Mentality for School-Age Youth Amy Koester | Demco April 2015
Hi! I’m Amy. Youth & Family Program Coordinator at Skokie Public Library The Show Me Librarian Gaining STEAM column in LibrarySparks
Our Agenda 1. STEAM at the Library 2. School-age STEAM Programs 3. The Maker Mentality in the Library 4. School-age Maker Activities 5. Go-to Resources
STEAM & the Library
What is STEAM?
Adding the “A” STEM learning emphasis (late 80s, early 90s) “The arts and sciences are avatars of human creativity.” ~Mae Jemison (early 2000s) “The problem-solving, the fearlessness, and the critical thinking and making skills.” ~John Maeda (early 2010s)
Adding the “A” STEM learning emphasis (late 80s, early 90s) “The arts and sciences are avatars of human creativity.” Mae Jemison (early 2000s) “The problem-solving, the fearlessness, and the critical thinking and making skills.” ~John Maeda (early 2010s)
Adding the “A” STEM learning emphasis (late 80s, early 90s) “The arts and sciences are avatars of human creativity.” Mae Jemison (early 2000s) “The problem-solving, the fearlessness, and the critical thinking and making skills.” John Maeda (early 2010s)
Why STEAM in the Library?
Why STEAM in the Library? Literacy is multifaceted. Lifelong learning is all ages. Interest is a powerful motivator.
Why STEAM in the Library? Literacy is multifaceted. Lifelong learning is all ages. Interest is a powerful motivator.
Why STEAM in the Library? Literacy is multifaceted. Lifelong learning is all ages. Interest is a powerful motivator.
STEAM Programs
School-Age Science Slime Science info on slugs fibrous slime info on non-Newtonian fluids water & cornstarch
School-Age Technology Scratch Games free Scratch account computer lab or classroom set game premise with sample code
School-Age Engineering Egg Drop pose a challenge: protect a falling egg lots of materials and time to build invite a local bucket truck operator to drop from high up
School-Age Arts Camouflage look at the four types of camouflage in animals explore modern camo create camo designs with background challenges
School-Age Math Art Market kids get funny money when they arrive plenty of craft supplies— each with a “ cost” talk about budgeting to build what you want
Unpacking the Makerspace
The Maker Attitude Explore new skills! Create something meaningful! could be a product… or an experience…
Why Make in the Library? A new way of offering programs & services Promote lifelong learning Facilitate community engagement The third space
Why Make in the Library? A new way of offering programs & services Promote lifelong learning Facilitate community engagement The third space
Why Make in the Library? A new way of offering programs & services Promote lifelong learning Facilitate community engagement The third space
Why Make in the Library? A new way of offering programs & services Promote lifelong learning Facilitate community engagement The third space
The Maker Toolkit Interactive activities Variety of supplies Plenty of time (Space) (Display space) image modified from “Gear tools” by openclipart user ben, Creative Commons licensed
Space is Negotiable Carve out a formal space Repurpose spaces Make it mobile image from Karen Jensen, Teen Librarian Toolbox, used with permission
The Maker Spectrum Low-tech = materials primarily on hand, minimal prior experience with the activities Medium-tech = some specialty materials, some prior experience with the activities High-tech = significant supplies investment, expertise is a huge plus
The Maker Spectrum Low-tech = materials primarily on hand, minimal prior experience with the activities Medium-tech = some specialty materials, some prior experience with the activities High-tech = significant supplies investment, expertise is a huge plus
Maker Activities
Low-Tech Making: Build Something LEGO Club LEGO bricks (challenge) (display space)
Low-Tech Making: Design Challenge Marshmallow Towers marshmallows toothpicks and/or dried pasta
Low-Tech Making: Craft & Create Cardmaking paper art supplies papercraft books
Medium-Tech Making: Get Wired MaKey MaKey MaKey MaKey kits computer with USB port
Medium-Tech Making: It’s Alive! Bristle Bots toothbrushes coin batteries vibrating motors double stick tape race course
Medium-Tech Making: Repurposed Crafting Vinyl Record Bowls old records oven oven-safe bowls cookie sheet oven mitts
Go-To Resources
Books & Articles Janice Van Cleave Kids Can Press Gail Gibbons Steve Jenkins Melissa Stewart “Gaining STEAM” in LibrarySparks
Blogs Abby the Librarian Gadgets, Gizmos, & Goo (G3): The Mad Never Shushed Scientists Club So Tomorrow The Show Me Librarian Teen Librarian Toolbox
Websites Steve Spangler Mixing in Math Science Bedtime Math Little eLit Make It @ Your Family Engineering Library Start With a Book TinkerLab Wonderopolis Pinterest
Community Players Local Museums, etc. Community Experts Botanic STEM Careers Gardens Artists Science Centers Local Businesses Children’s Local Hobby Groups Museums
Let’s Chat! amy.e.koester@gmail.com @amyeileenk http:/ /showmelibrarian.blogspot.com
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