San Rafael Public Library started offering STEM programs for preschoolers on Saturdays after finding weekday programs were poorly attended due to parents' work schedules. The programs were very popular, filling to capacity with repeat participants. Families commented that the programs helped spark their children's interest in science. Moving forward, the library plans to allow more freedom of movement in programs to keep children engaged and incorporate different activity stations related to topics. The goal is to nurture curiosity and a love of learning in children.
A Collaborative Model to Enhance STEM in Libraries with a Focus on Reaching U...NCIL - STAR_Net
Hall M. K., Mayhew M. A., Madrid T. M. (2015)
A Collaborative Model to Enhance STEM in Libraries with a Focus on Reaching Under-served Groups
The Teen Science Café Network
Libraries are places of exploration and a natural place to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). In this webinar, students will explore ways to incorporate STEM into school and public library programming. We use a variety of tools and kits in our library for exploration, such as LEGOs, Arx 2.0, Joinx, KEVA planks, and Snap Circuits, Jr.
Shaping STEM Learning Experiences Through Community Partnerships and Staff Ed...NCIL - STAR_Net
Yang G., Jenner F., Noomnam P. (2015)
Shaping STEM Learning Experiences Through Community Partnerships and Staff Education
The Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library
A Collaborative Model to Enhance STEM in Libraries with a Focus on Reaching U...NCIL - STAR_Net
Hall M. K., Mayhew M. A., Madrid T. M. (2015)
A Collaborative Model to Enhance STEM in Libraries with a Focus on Reaching Under-served Groups
The Teen Science Café Network
Libraries are places of exploration and a natural place to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). In this webinar, students will explore ways to incorporate STEM into school and public library programming. We use a variety of tools and kits in our library for exploration, such as LEGOs, Arx 2.0, Joinx, KEVA planks, and Snap Circuits, Jr.
Shaping STEM Learning Experiences Through Community Partnerships and Staff Ed...NCIL - STAR_Net
Yang G., Jenner F., Noomnam P. (2015)
Shaping STEM Learning Experiences Through Community Partnerships and Staff Education
The Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library
Making a lasting connection with your school communitySenga White
Workshop presentation given at the SLANZA (School Library Association of New Zealand Aotearoa) in Wellington, July 2013 looking at What are the effective ways to promote library services and programmes to your wider school community?
How do you market these to your teachers or your parent community?
When you've created the opportunity, what should you tell them?
And once you've made those precious connections, how do you build on them and water the seeds you've planted?
Evaluation of Library STEM Programs: Learning from the BISE ProjectNCIL - STAR_Net
Teasdale R. M., Grack Nelson A. (2015)
Evaluation of Library STEM Programs: Learning from the BISE Project
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Science Museum of Minnesota
Presentation slides from the opening of the K-12 Library Managers Congress at EduTech 2014. Covers eg, emerging technologies, digital literacy, global citizenship, engaging programs, hybid collections, digital curation etc
CILIP Cymru Wales Conference 2019: Off The Shelf – Reading For Wellbeing at U...CILIP
Research shows that reading for pleasure reduces stress and depression, lowers the risk of dementia and leads to a stronger sense of identity and social inclusion. Taking inspiration from the global ‘Book Fairy’ phenomenon, our ‘Off The Shelf’ outreach campaign has been designed to stimulate the emotional and physical wellbeing of our students and staff through access to fiction and non-fiction texts, for pleasure, via a series of themed campus book-drops. This paper will examine the research and outline the details of our campaign from inception to delivery, reflecting on the wider impact we hope to achieve within the HE wellbeing agenda.
The 23 Sustaining Leaders of the 2016-17 LSTA-funded leadership academy presented their year-long Personalized Learning Experiences in a poster session at the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Conference on April 1, 2017.
Good reporting for School Libraries
Reporting to your Board and Principal- How is it important?
Why is it important?
What formats are there...
What info to put in, what info to leave out.
Photos, highlights, graphs Information gathering Talk it up! Tell them what you are doing well!
Use this opportunity to present needs in a positive light- give solutions, not problems.
Presented by Denise Woetzel, Anita Tarbox, Donna Coghill and Rick Samuelson at Old Dominion University's Summer Institute for School Librarianship students on 7/19/2017.
Trailblazer! Driving STEM Success in Underrepresented Communities Through Mob...NCIL - STAR_Net
Raj S. (2015)
Trailblazer! Driving STEM Success in Underrepresented Communities Through Mobile STEM Museums
Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME)
Making a lasting connection with your school communitySenga White
Workshop presentation given at the SLANZA (School Library Association of New Zealand Aotearoa) in Wellington, July 2013 looking at What are the effective ways to promote library services and programmes to your wider school community?
How do you market these to your teachers or your parent community?
When you've created the opportunity, what should you tell them?
And once you've made those precious connections, how do you build on them and water the seeds you've planted?
Evaluation of Library STEM Programs: Learning from the BISE ProjectNCIL - STAR_Net
Teasdale R. M., Grack Nelson A. (2015)
Evaluation of Library STEM Programs: Learning from the BISE Project
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Science Museum of Minnesota
Presentation slides from the opening of the K-12 Library Managers Congress at EduTech 2014. Covers eg, emerging technologies, digital literacy, global citizenship, engaging programs, hybid collections, digital curation etc
CILIP Cymru Wales Conference 2019: Off The Shelf – Reading For Wellbeing at U...CILIP
Research shows that reading for pleasure reduces stress and depression, lowers the risk of dementia and leads to a stronger sense of identity and social inclusion. Taking inspiration from the global ‘Book Fairy’ phenomenon, our ‘Off The Shelf’ outreach campaign has been designed to stimulate the emotional and physical wellbeing of our students and staff through access to fiction and non-fiction texts, for pleasure, via a series of themed campus book-drops. This paper will examine the research and outline the details of our campaign from inception to delivery, reflecting on the wider impact we hope to achieve within the HE wellbeing agenda.
The 23 Sustaining Leaders of the 2016-17 LSTA-funded leadership academy presented their year-long Personalized Learning Experiences in a poster session at the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Conference on April 1, 2017.
Good reporting for School Libraries
Reporting to your Board and Principal- How is it important?
Why is it important?
What formats are there...
What info to put in, what info to leave out.
Photos, highlights, graphs Information gathering Talk it up! Tell them what you are doing well!
Use this opportunity to present needs in a positive light- give solutions, not problems.
Presented by Denise Woetzel, Anita Tarbox, Donna Coghill and Rick Samuelson at Old Dominion University's Summer Institute for School Librarianship students on 7/19/2017.
Trailblazer! Driving STEM Success in Underrepresented Communities Through Mob...NCIL - STAR_Net
Raj S. (2015)
Trailblazer! Driving STEM Success in Underrepresented Communities Through Mobile STEM Museums
Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME)
Aliens, Astronauts and Asteroids! Bringing Space Exploration to your LibraryNCIL - STAR_Net
Golden G., Race M. (2015)
Aliens, Astronauts and Asteroids! Bringing Space Exploration to your Library
Lafayette Library & Learning Center, Contra Costa County Library
STEM Storytime: Preschool Fun with Science, Technology, Engineering, and MathWesterville Library
With a STEM-based curriculum in place in schools, our youth services departments can play a fun and active role in helping preschoolers get ready to learn. Presented by Jen Thomas and Robin Gibson from the Westerville Public Library at the Ohio Library Council's Southwest Chapter Conference on April 3, 2013.
Virtual Night Sky Programs for "Imagine Your Story"NCIL - STAR_Net
Join STAR Net and the Lunar and Planetary Institute to hear stories about the constellations and night sky features in view this summer, and learn about ways that YOU can bring these “sky stories” to your patrons for the 2020 Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) summer reading theme, “Imagine Your Story.” We will demonstrate how to facilitate virtual programs about constellations and the night sky for your patrons using free, downloadable software (Stellarium) paired with interactive, low-material, at-home activities.
Bringing the Stories of the Skies to Your LibraryNCIL - STAR_Net
The 2020 Collaborative Summer Library Program, Imagine Your Story, provides plenty of opportunities to tie STEAM into your library’s summer programming, including any virtual or digital programs that your library may now be offering. The starry skies have plenty of fascinating stories to tell; all you need are resources and strategies for bringing them to life!
Join STAR Net, Christine Shupla (Lunar and Planetary Institute), and Elizabeth Nicolai (Anchorage Public Library) for this 1-hour webinar that will help you connect constellation legends and myths into your programs by learning about the stories – both fact and fiction! – of specific astronomical objects, constellations, and planetary bodies. We will also cover hands-on activities that your patrons can do at home and online platforms and digital resources that you can utilize to conduct virtual programs. This webinar will conclude with a group discussion (via chat) about how your library is pivoting for their summer STEAM programming.
Beg, Borrow, and Steal… Multi-generational STEAM Programming Ideas for Our Pl...NCIL - STAR_Net
This April, Citizen Science Month and the 50th anniversary of Earth day will coincide, leading to a world of opportunities for STEAM engagement at your library. By hosting Earth science programs that are age inclusive, you can help patrons see your library as a place for engaging family learning. Join the STAR Library Network and guest presenter Jenny Shonk (Finger Lakes Library System, NY) for this sixty minute webinar that will showcase hands-on, multi-generational programming ideas with an Earth science twist. In addition to going over tips, ideas, and resources, we’ll also turn to you – the audience – for a facilitated discussion so that we can all “beg, borrow, and steal” multi-generational programming ideas, resources, and expertise from each other!
April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! The STAR Net team is celebrating this momentous occasion with the Our Planet: Earth campaign, focusing on citizen science and Earth science opportunities during the whole month of April. Join us to learn about free hands-on STEM activities, programming ideas, how to harness the power of teens in environmental advocacy, and ways your library can take action for a sustainable world!
Grappling with Unconscious Bias in the Library SettingNCIL - STAR_Net
The STAR Library Network is thrilled to welcome Ava Holliday and Aparna Rajagopal, Founding Partners of The Avarna Group (theavarnagroup.com), to help us kick-off the 2020 STAR Net Webinar Series with a special 90 minute webinar on a very important topic: unconscious (or implicit) bias. No matter how good our intentions may be, we are all susceptible to forming social stereotypes about certain groups of people outside of our own conscious awareness. The library setting is a place of equitable and inclusive lifelong learning, and by better understanding unconscious bias and the role it plays in our libraries, we can better serve our communities.
In this 90 minute webinar, guest presenters from The Avarna Group will introduce the framework of unconscious bias to describe some of the challenges that well-intentioned people who are doing good JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, inclusion) work face. This webinar will examine ways that bias manifests in two lenses: our individual thoughts and actions, and also within specific aspects of your library, including programming, the built environment, collections, and more. Webinar participants will walk away with a more clear understanding of how unconscious bias functions and how to identify and mitigate it.
It’s never too early to start thinking about next summer! When designing your programming for the 2020 theme, “Imagine Your Story,” remember to look up at the night sky for inspiration. Join the STAR Net team and Luke Kralik, Organizational Coordinator for CSLP, to learn all about this year’s theme and exciting, hands-on STEAM activities that will help you bring it to life at your library. We’ll discuss programming ideas, useful resources, and tips for engaging your community!
Ready, Set, Create! How Engineers and Libraries Can Collaborate to Make a Wo...NCIL - STAR_Net
From the sidewalks that we walk on to the buildings that we work in, engineering is all around us. Libraries are a wonderful place for patrons to learn about engineering due to their inclusive nature, inquisitive staff, and informal atmosphere. Join the STAR Library Network as we go over resources, hands-on activities, and lessons-learned from Project BUILD, a collaborative project between STAR Net, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the University of Virginia (UVA).
Project BUILD engages youth, their families, librarians, and professional engineers in an informal learning environment with age-appropriate, technology-rich STEM learning experiences fundamental to the Engineering Design Process. We’ll hear from both librarians and engineers that were involved in the project, and learn how they were able to work together to show library patrons that engineering. We’ll discuss how we implemented this project on a nation-wide scale while simultaneously staying regionally relevant, and how library patrons learned that failure is OK – and encouraged! – when using the Engineering Design Process.
What do you think of when you hear the term, “Computational Thinking?” It’s more than just working with computers! Computational Thinking is a mindset and a way of approaching critical thinking that can be used to solve problems across every aspect of our lives. In this modern age, it is more and more important for all community members to develop these pivotal thinking skills – that’s where libraries come in!
What do you think of when you hear the term, “Computational Thinking?” It’s more than just working with computers! Computational Thinking is a mindset and a way of approaching critical thinking that can be used to solve problems across every aspect of our lives. In this modern age, it is more and more important for all community members to develop these pivotal thinking skills – that’s where libraries come in!
With summer right around the corner, this webinar will showcase several hands-on STEM activities about Earth’s red neighbor. Join the STAR Net team to discuss programming ideas, NASA resources, and, of course, fun, hands-on STEM activities that will surely be a crowd-pleaser at your library. We’ll also check in on the progress of NASA’s InSight mission, which was launched in May 2018.
Is your library interested in reaching out to the community to gain new patrons? Or in better understanding the needs of your current (or potential) patrons? Join us to learn more about Community Dialogues, designed by the STAR Net team to help libraries learn more about their patrons, potential community partners, and how to more effectively serve underrepresented audiences. These Dialogues have been conducted more than 150 times at over 90 libraries across the country. Hear results and pitfalls to avoid from the libraries who have conducted them. This webinar is appropriate for any interested library staff, but please also share this announcement with your outreach librarians, directors, or anyone that is interested in reaching out into the community.
Exploring Lunar Phases: How Your Library Can Support Science LearningNCIL - STAR_Net
Please join us to explore lunar phases through hands-on activities and discussion! The moon has held our imaginations captive and sparked our curiosity since prehistoric times. Its changing appearance influences calendars, myths, and cultures around the world. Hear from middle school teachers about the needs and challenges of teaching lunar phases, and discover ways that library programs can help prepare participants in building critical knowledge and skills.
A Night Sky Viewing is a great way to bring local science enthusiasts and library patrons together for an astronomy-based community event. Before your library launches a Night Sky Viewing or Star Party this year, there are a few things to know that can help take your event into orbit! We’ll take a look at the best practices for finding and working with an astronomy club, how to choose the right activities and promotional strategy, and other tips and tricks for keeping everyone warm, happy, and awe-inspired!
Infiniscope and STAR Net: Bringing Teachers and Library Staff Together!NCIL - STAR_Net
Please join the Space Science Institute and Arizona State University in a special webinar opportunity, featuring Infiniscope. Librarians from the STAR Library Education Network, and librarians, teachers, and other educators from the Infiniscope Network are welcome to join us for this opportunity. Teachers interested in working with libraries can learn more about this summer’s Universe of Stories summer reading theme, and librarians interested in learning more about Infiniscope's visualizations and learning experiences are welcome to join. Participants will also learn how they can partner with each other for the 2019 Summer Learning event and beyond.
Craft, Engineer, and Make & Take Activities for “A Universe of Stories”NCIL - STAR_Net
Looking for cheap, easy, accessible, and FUN hands-on experiences for your patrons this summer? Are you trying to spice up your normal craft and make and take activities with a space science theme? If so, then this is the webinar for you! Join us as we take a look at several different activities from the STEM Activity Clearinghouse Universe of Stories Collection that are hands-on, easy to facilitate, and sure to inspire curiosity.
Resource Overview for “A Universe of Stories”NCIL - STAR_Net
Looking for activities, websites, how-to videos, training, and more for the 2019 Summer Reading Theme? Join the STAR Library Network for an overview of vetted, free resources available through NASA, the STAR Library Network, and the STEM Activity Clearinghouse. Presenters will walk you through how to find, access, and sort through – remember, availability doesn’t always equal accessibility! – these resources and offer guidance on how your library can best utilize them!
Cataloging STEM Materials, Kits and Curriculum Resources
Presented at the 2017 Association for Rural and Small Libraries conference
Cynthia Hughes, Metadata Librarian
Technical Services
University of Wyoming, Coe Library
As libraries across the country prepare to implement space science-themed programs in summer 2019, the Space Science Institute and Lunar and Planetary Institute are partnering with state libraries to deliver training on NASA science learning experiences.
This effort is part of the SMD Science Activation program and the STAR Library Network-Collaborative Summer Library Program partnership.
As libraries across the country prepare to implement space science-themed programs in summer 2019, the Space Science Institute and Lunar and Planetary Institute are partnering with state libraries to deliver training on NASA science learning experiences.
This effort is part of the SMD Science Activation program and the STAR Library Network-Collaborative Summer Library Program partnership.
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
How to Create Map Views in the Odoo 17 ERPCeline George
The map views are useful for providing a geographical representation of data. They allow users to visualize and analyze the data in a more intuitive manner.
Students, digital devices and success - Andreas Schleicher - 27 May 2024..pptxEduSkills OECD
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Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology:
Ethnobotany in herbal drug evaluation,
Impact of Ethnobotany in traditional medicine,
New development in herbals,
Bio-prospecting tools for drug discovery,
Role of Ethnopharmacology in drug evaluation,
Reverse Pharmacology.
The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve ThomasonSteve Thomason
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The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve Thomason
Growing Scientists: Community Engagement for Preschoolers and Families through STEM
1. Growing Scientists:
Engagement for Preschoolers and Families through STEM
By Margaret Stawowy
Children’s Librarian, San Rafael Public Library
margaret.stawowy@cityofsanrafael.org
(
Abstract
San Rafael Public Library's children's services librarians became enthusiastic about presenting STEM programs for
preschoolers after attending an Association of Library Services for Children (ALSC) conference in 2014. In the San Rafael
community, due to hectic schedules, families with preschoolers are a challenging demographic to significantly engage in
recurring library programs. STEM programs (also referred to as STEAM) have proven successful right from the start.
When designing programs for preschoolers, it is imperative to consider best practices for preschool learning by
incorporating age appropriate education elements, such as stories, songs, games, experiential activities, and
experiments. Families responded to the programs enthusiastically as reflected in attendance statistics and a mention on a
local mother’s website. The program was also covered in a local newspaper feature article. San Rafael Public Library will
continue to present preschool STEM programs, both staff-developed and in partnership with local organizations such as
the Bay Area Discovery Museum.
To raise the next generation of innovators, thought leaders and problem-solvers, we must provide children rich activities,
risk-friendly challenges, and positive messages to intentionally boost creative development.
Bay Area Discovery Museum, The Center for Childhood Creativity
http://www.centerforchildhoodcreativity.org/about-us/
Libraries are trusted, welcoming places where children make discoveries, deepen common interests, expand words and knowledge,
and connect their natural curiosity to the wider world. Neuroscientists tell us that the type of learning that occurs in libraries —
self-directed, experiential, content-rich — promotes executive function skills that can shape a child's future. The experiences,
resources, and interactions provided by libraries build brains and fuel a love of learning.
ELF 2.0 website, sponsored by the California State Library
http://elf2.library.ca.gov/why/learning.html
How to Get the Attention of a Busy Family with Preschoolers?
The Situation:
We wanted to revitalize our programming for preschoolers. Our weekday preschool storytime had been losing
attendance.
In a high cost-of-living area, both parents usually work and are not available during weekdays. Evenings also proved to
be problematic.
What kind of programming would capture the interest of families? What day would bring in the most families?
Learning from Others
While attending the Association of Library Services to Children (ALSC) Professional Institute 2014 and the Early Literacy with Families
(ELF) 2.0 Summit (2014), librarians had opportunities to attend various sessions where speakers presented experiences with STEM
programs in their libraries:
At the ALSC Professional Institute, Amy Koester of Skokie Public Library reminded us that we have competency greater than or equal
to a preschooler, and that librarians are the experts when it comes to resources. She then presented numerous program possibilities
that would engage children in technology, math, art, and engineering, to name a few areas.
At the ELF 2.0 Summit 2014, Bridget Alexander of ArtBeast in Sacramento brought numerous art/science projects which attendees
could test drive, inspiring us to “try this at home.”
Finally, this past summer, San Rafael Public Library partnered with the Bay Area Discovery Museum and were able to observe and
learn from their format.
Starting Out
Scheduling is important. Previously, preschool programs were
presented on weekdays. Many program-attending children came
with caregivers. To attract families, we tried switching to Saturdays,
late morning.
Space Considerations: We have a very small meeting space with
no child-sized tables and chairs.
Librarians designed 5 initial programs for 3rd quarter 2014, 5 for 1st
quarter 2015.
Programs included: Tool Technology, Earth Science, Water Ways,
Winter Solstice, Gravity, Dinosaurs, Fun in the Pond, Music and
Sound, Smell, and Light/Darkness.
Bringing It Together
When designing programs for preschoolers, how can we ensure maximum engagement? How can we demonstrate to families that
libraries have the resources to assist in raising children ready to read, learn, and go on to become creative problem solvers in
tomorrow’s world.
Design programs with the understanding that children’s primary mode of learning is through play and exploration.
Incorporate pre-literacy building skills: read, write, talk, sing, play.
Since programs are offered to 3 - 6 year olds, and because every child is an individual with his/her own unique abilities, create
programs that are flexible and open-ended, regardless of where a child is in his/her development. Include sensory experiences to
reach children with learning differences and/or who are on the autism spectrum.
Use STEM to introduce new vocabulary. Close the 30 million word gap for all children!
Support parents in their roles as their children’s first teachers.
Create positive experiences so that children view learning and science as interesting, fun activities.
At San Rafael Public Library, we include songs, games, movement, books, stories, and experiments/activities for parents and
children to enjoy together. We strive to choose topics that appeal to a preschooler’s curiosity. We make every effort to present in
such a way that children feel free to engage at whatever level they feel comfortable. If possible, materials that can’t be re-used are
sent home to continue the fun, such as playdough, water beads, etc.
Comments from Participants
“A lot of older kids don’t like science because they think
it’s dry and boring. Getting them at an early age keeps
them interested and shows them how the world works.”
Skip Sauls, Parent
“We were really excited to see this was happening (on
Saturday) because she (my daughter) wants to be an
environmental scientist. She wants to help nature.”
Nicole Nelson, Parent
Excerpted from the Marin Independent Journal
March 7, 2015
How Did We Do?
Children and families were receptive and appreciative of
STEM programs. Our autumn and spring sessions were
consistently filled to capacity. We had many repeat participants
and enthusiastic feedback. We were also designated as an
editor’s pick on a local family website. All to the good!
Moving Forward
In the next series of programs, follow the example of my
colleague and fellow STEM presenter Jill Harris, and avoid seating
participants at tables as much as possible. Our event space is
quite small and children need to move freely. Give them space!
Learning from the example of our summer STEM partner, The Bay
Area Discovery Museum, consider having stations with separate
activities, so that children can move about and engage with various
aspects of a scientific concept.
Library staff can inspire and nurture a sense of wonder, discovery and self-efficacy that encourages families and their
children to become life-long learners and library users.
ELF 2.0 website, sponsored by the California State Library
http://elf2.library.ca.gov/what/goalsvalues.html