Steam & the Makerspace

STEAM & the Makerspace: Engaging Programs & Services for Youth

Amy Koester

A Bit About Me

Youth & Family Program Coordinator at Skokie Public Library

Before that, a branch children’s librarian in Missouri

STEAM trainings include articles, webinars, conference sessions, & an online course

It’s my first time in Montana!

Our Agenda

1. STEAM & the Library

2. Preschool STEAM*

3. School-age STEAM*

4. Unpacking the Makerspace

5. Maker activities*

6. Go-To Resources

7. Time for Questions

!

!

*includes hands-on component

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)

Arts ≠ Crafts

image from “Coloured Pencils” by openclipart user rewarriner, Creative Commons licensed

Arts ≠ Crafts

images from “Coloured Pencils” by openclipart user rewarriner, and “No-sign X” (modified) by openclipart user skotan, both Creative Commons licensed

No Expertise Necessary

image modified from “We Can Do It!” by openclipart user worker, Creative Commons licensed

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.

Preschool STEAM

Why?

‣ Introduce fundamental concepts. ‣ Promote collections. ‣ Facilitate interest.

Why?

‣ Introduce fundamental concepts. ‣ Promote collections. ‣ Facilitate interest.

Why?

‣ Introduce fundamental concepts. ‣ Promote collections. ‣ Facilitate interest.

Where?

‣ Existing programs

‣ Stand-alone programs

‣ Activity stations

Preschool Science

Pick a concept & explore:

book

talk & questions

hands-on activities

Promote observation

Include vocabulary

Preschool Science

Stand-alone program:

Weather science

Program modifications:

Add nonfiction component

Sub experiment for craft

Activity station:

Ant farm

Preschool Technology

Technology = Tool

Explore a range of tech

Create something

Promote joint media engagement

Preschool Technology

Stand-alone program:

Content creation

Program modifications:

Picture book apps

Simple machines to solve problems

Activity station:

Explore realia

Preschool Engineering

Pose a challenge

Give space, materials, & time to work it out

Encourage to compare & contrast

Encourage modification

Preschool Engineering

Stand-alone programs:

Sink or float boats

Block party

Program modification:

Building name game

Activity station:

Recreate a story component

Preschool Arts

Infuse STEM into art

Process vs. product

Let kids choose & explore media

Be open-ended

Preschool Arts

Stand-alone program:

Painting with forces

Program modifications:

Paper chain measuring

Pattern art

Activity station:

Play dough sculptures

Preschool Math

Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) is key

Offer games & activities

Work math in everywhere

Preschool Math

Stand-alone program:

Shape scavenger hunt

Program modifications:

Counting rhymes

Sorting activities

Activity station:

Measuring animals

image modified from “Finger pointing lady” by openclipart user liftarn, Creative Commons licensed

Food color acts like moisture in clouds

Color comes off the Skittles

Vocab: precipitation, observation

School-Age STEAM

Why?

‣ Deepen concept knowledge. ‣ Promote the collection. ‣ Facilitate interest. ‣ Engage “reluctant”

readers.

Why?

‣ Deepen concept knowledge. ‣ Promote the collection. ‣ Facilitate interest. ‣ Engage “reluctant”

readers.

Why?

‣ Deepen concept knowledge. ‣ Promote the collection. ‣ Facilitate interest. ‣ Engage “reluctant”

readers.

Why?

‣ Deepen concept knowledge. ‣ Promote the collection. ‣ Facilitate interest. ‣ Engage “reluctant”

readers.

Where?

!

‣ Stand-alone programs

‣ Program activities

‣ Take-home activities

School-Age Science

Deepen concept knowledge

Demos & hands-on are key

Test & observe

Tie to resources

School-Age Science

Stand-alone programs:

Airplane science

Slime science

Program activity:

Air ships

Take-home activity:

Nature journal

School-Age Technology

Provide equipment with basic instruction

Give space & parameters to create

Encourage peer-learning

Show off to caregivers

School-Age Technology

Stand-alone programs:

MaKey MaKey & Scratch

Squishy circuits

Program activity:

Soldering (with supervision)

School-Age Engineering

Pose a challenge (that’s maybe a bit hard)

Provide space, materials, & time

Test & show off creations

School-Age Engineering

Stand-alone programs:

Egg drop

Marble run mania

Program activity:

LEGO creations

Take-home activity:

Brown bag challenge

School-Age Arts

Infuse arts with STEM

Include a brief concept introduction

Leave room for creativity

School-Age Arts

Stand-alone programs:

Camouflage

Art aliens

Program activity:

Light painting

Take-home activity:

Constellation books

image from Brad Jones, Skokie Public Library, on LittleeLit.com

School-Age Math

Make math part of a larger activity

Be as visual as possible

Scaffold across abilities

School-Age Math

Stand-alone programs:

Art market

Life-size board games

Program activity:

Bedtime Math components

Take-home activity:

Tangrams

image modified from “Finger pointing lady” by openclipart user liftarn, Creative Commons licensed

Use washable markers to create a camo pattern, water to blur it

Vocab: concealing coloration

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

Gingerbread Houses

milk cartons

graham crackers, icing, candy decor

LEGO Club

LEGO bricks

(challenge)

(display space)

Low-Tech Making: Design Challenge

Marshmallow Towers

marshmallows

toothpicks and/or dried pasta

Mini Mazes

cardboard

drinking straws

tape & scissors

Low-Tech Making: Craft & Create

Cardmaking

paper

art supplies

papercraft books

Duct Tape Fashion

duct tape

craft books (and/or YouTube)

Low-Tech Making: Build a World

Recycled Doll Houses

cardboard

old magazines

scissors & glue

Paper Towns

town templates

scissors

Medium-Tech Making: Get Wired

MaKey MaKey

MaKey MaKey kits

computer with USB port

Snap Circuits

Snap Circuits kits

challenge projects

Medium-Tech Making: It’s Alive!

Art Bots

electric toothbrushes

pool noodles

markers & electric tape

Bristle Bots

Bristle Bot party pack

tools

race course

Medium-Tech Making: Digital Creation

Stop Motion Animation

digital camera

editing software

figurines & props

Disaster Movies

tablet with FX app

space to film

image modified from “Finger pointing lady” by openclipart user liftarn, Creative Commons licensed

Think about shapes…

Go-To Resources

Books

Janice Van Cleave

Kids Can Press

Gail Gibbons

Steve Jenkins

Melissa Stewart

Blogs

Library 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

Websites

Steve Spangler Science

Little eLit

Family Engineering

Start With a Book

Wonderopolis

Mixing in Math

Bedtime Math

Make It @ Your Library

TinkerLab

Pinterest

Community Players

Community Experts

STEM Careers

Artists

Local Businesses

Local Hobby Groups

Local Museums, etc.

Botanic Gardens

Science Centers

Children’s Museums

Funding

Friends of the Library

LSTA Grants

Other Grants (via LEGO Education)

Donations

Local Business Support

Let’s Recap

images modified from (clockwise L to R) “thinkingboy outline” by openclipart user ryanlerch, “aiga information” by openclipart user jean_victor_balin, and “Icon with question mark” by openclipart user purzen, all Creative Commons licensed

Contact Info

Amy Koester

amy.e.koester@gmail.com

http://showmelibrarian.blogspot.com

@amyeileenk

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

‣ “Why Kids Need to Tinker to Learn” from Katrina Schwartz, on Mind/Shift