steam & the makerspace
DESCRIPTION
These slides accompanied a 3-hour workshop through the Montana State Library in Helena, MT, September 2014.TRANSCRIPT
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
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
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