STEAM & the Maker Mentality for School-Age Youth

STEAM & the Maker Mentality for School-Age

YouthAmy 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 Agenda1. 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.

What are the goals?

‣ Deepen concept knowledge.

‣ Promote the collection. ‣ Facilitate interest. ‣ Engage “reluctant”

readers.

What are the goals?

‣ Deepen concept knowledge.

‣ Promote the collection. ‣ Facilitate interest. ‣ Engage “reluctant”

readers.

What are the goals?

‣ Deepen concept knowledge.

‣ Promote the collection. ‣ Facilitate interest. ‣ Engage “reluctant”

readers.

What are the goals?

‣ Deepen concept knowledge.

‣ Promote the collection. ‣ Facilitate interest. ‣ Engage “reluctant”

readers.

STEAM Programs

School-Age ScienceSlime 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 EngineeringEgg 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 MathArt 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 SpectrumLow-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 SpectrumLow-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 & ArticlesJanice Van Cleave

Kids Can Press

Gail Gibbons

Steve Jenkins

Melissa Stewart

“Gaining STEAM” in LibrarySparks

BlogsLibrary Makers

Abby the Librarian

Read Sing Play

Library Bonanza

Never Shushed

Teach Preschool

PreKinders

So Tomorrow

Teen Librarian Toolbox

Gadgets, Gizmos, & Goo (G3): The Mad Scientists Club

The Show Me Librarian

WebsitesSteve Spangler Science

Little eLit

Family Engineering

Start With a Book

Wonderopolis

Mixing in Math

Bedtime Math

Make It @ Your Library

TinkerLab

Pinterest

Community PlayersCommunity Experts

STEM Careers

Artists

Local Businesses

Local Hobby Groups

Local Museums, etc.

Botanic Gardens

Science Centers

Children’s Museums

Let’s Chat!

[email protected]

@amyeileenk

http://showmelibrarian.blogspot.com