steam in the library keynote
TRANSCRIPT
STEAM in the Library MASL 2016Amy Koester
A Bit About MeYouth & Family Program Supervisor at Skokie Public Library
Before that, a branch children’s librarian with St. Charles City-County Library District
STEAM trainings include articles, webinars, conference sessions, toolkit, & an online course
Our Agenda1. STEAM & the Library: Setting the
Foundation
2. STEAM for Elementary Students
3. STEAM for Teen Students
4. Major Takeaways
5. Time for Questions
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
Why STEAM in the Library?
Why STEAM in the Library?
Literacy is multifaceted.
The library is a hub for connected learning.
“Let’s find out” mindset.
Why STEAM in the Library?
Literacy is multifaceted.
The library is a hub for connected learning.
“Let’s find out” mindset.
Why STEAM in the Library?
Literacy is multifaceted.
The library is a hub for connected learning.
“Let’s find out” mindset.
Why STEAM in the Library?
Literacy is multifaceted.
The library is a hub for connected learning.
“Let’s find out” mindset.
Why STEAM in the Library?
STEAM success isn’t about aptitude. It’s about:
Preparation
Access
Motivation
Why STEAM in the Library?
STEAM success isn’t about aptitude. It’s about:
Preparation
Access
Motivation
Why STEAM in the Library?
STEAM success isn’t about aptitude. It’s about:
Preparation
Access
Motivation
Why STEAM in the Library?
STEAM success isn’t about aptitude. It’s about:
Preparation
Access
Motivation
Why STEAM in the Library?
STEAM success isn’t about aptitude. It’s about:
Preparation
Access
Motivation
Quick Thoughts About Where & How
A repurposed office space is great, but not necessary. All you really need is a table.
Let me tell you a story.
You don’t need to be an expert.
You need to be an advocate.
You don’t need to be an expert.
You need to be an advocate.
STEAM for Elementary Students
Why?
‣ Deepen concept knowledge.
‣ Promote the collection.
‣ Facilitate interest.
‣ Engage “reluctant” readers.
Where?
‣ Class activities
‣ “Station” activities
‣ Take-home activities
Elementary Science
Deepen concept knowledge Demos & hands-on are key Test & observe Tie to resources
Elementary Technology
Provide equipment with basic instruction Give space & parameters to create Encourage peer-learning Show off creations
Elementary Engineering
Pose a challenge (that’s maybe a bit hard) Provide space, materials, & time Test & show off creations
Elementary Arts
Infuse arts with STEM Include a brief concept introduction Leave room for creativity
Elementary Math
Make math part of a project or activity Make it visual & interactive Scaffold across abilities
BIG IDEA:Family STEAM events!
BIG IDEA:Family STEAM kits!
STEAM for Teen Students
Why?
‣ Deepen concept knowledge.
‣ Promote the collection & resources.
‣ Encourage personal interest.
‣ Enable seeing themselves as scientists.
Where?
‣ Class activities
‣ “Station” activities
‣ Afterschool activities & clubs
Teen ScienceReinforce concept knowledge Hands-on with resources is optimal Test & observe Tie to resources Bring in guest experts
Teen Technology
Provide equipment with basic instruction Emphasize opportunities to use technology for a goal Encourage peer-learning & community Show off creations Bring in guest experts
Teen Engineering
Pose a challenge (that’s maybe a bit hard) Provide space, materials, & time Be open to providing real tools—safely Test & show off creations Bring in guest experts
Teen ArtsInfuse arts with STEM Include a brief concept introduction Leave room for creativity Encourage discussion of creations after Bring in guest experts
Teen MathMake math part of a larger project/challenge Visual and hands-on is vital Be ready to modify across abilities Bring in guest experts
BIG IDEA:Tap into teens as mentors!
Major Takeaways1. Provide preparation,
access, & motivation 2. Support a culture of
learning by trying 3. Emphasize out-of-
school STEAM
Major Takeaways1. Provide preparation,
access, & motivation 2. Support a culture of
learning by trying 3. Emphasize out-of-
school STEAM
Major Takeaways1. Provide preparation,
access, & motivation 2. Support a culture of
learning by trying 3. Emphasize out-of-
school STEAM
Major Takeaways1. Provide preparation,
access, & motivation 2. Support a culture of
learning by trying 3. Emphasize out-of-
school STEAM
Questions?
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
‣ “How Minecraft & Duct Tape Wallets Prepare Our Kids for Jobs That Don’t Exist Yet” from Zach Klein on EdSurge
‣ “Improving STEM Curriculum and Instruction: Engaging Students and Raising Standards” from Successful STEM Education Initiative, a National Research Council report funded by the National Science Foundation
‣ “Students Learn STEM Subjects Better When They’re Taught This Strange Detail in the Process” from Kathleen Wong on Mic.com
‣ “Why Kids Need to Tinker to Learn” from Katrina Schwartz, on Mind/Shift