Celebrate STEAM at your libraries

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By now, everyone is in agreement that STEAM is good for kids - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.

Multiple studies across the globe have shown how skills in these areas not only allow children to perform better in school and on standardized testing, but also can lead to the kind of high-paying jobs that were not available even a generation ago, preparing kids and teens for roles that are unique to the world today.

Since 2015, November 8 has been celebrated as National STEM/STEAM day, encouraging curiousity and learning in these fields through fun activities and games.

Whether you're a parent or an educator, you may be looking for good materials on these topics and your library is here to help.

Check out a STEAM kit at your library. Purchased in 2019 thanks to a grant from the Jasper Newton Foundation, these backpack-sized kits can spend a week at your home for hands-on play. Each library has six kits that can be checked out again and again:

• Marble Run
• Dash Robot
• Code and Go Robot Mouse
• Firstscope Telescope
• Snap Circuits
• Mindware Imagination Magnets

Or attend a STEM/STEAM program. Offered since 2017 at each library, these monthly programs include hands-on activities on different themes. Activities can vary from using household items such as soap and glue to illustrate scientific principles, to working with 3d printing, electronics, programable robotics and more. Check our events calendar for the latest programs.

Looking for STEM/STEAM books? In addition to books and other items in the library catalog, you can also check Hoopla's STEAM Collection, or search for STEM at OverDrive.

STEAM is important throughout the year, but sometimes it's fun to spend a special day talking about the benefits that it can bring. Check out this article - What is STEM/STEAM Day? from Sphero.com for some ideas of how you can celebrate at home all year long.