STEAM-powered learning at the library
Nowadays, children are growing up in a rapidly changing world, and one of the best ways to prepare them for the constantly changing landscape is to teach them how to innovate, to experiment, to create and to question. A great way to help kids gain essential life skills is through Lethbridge Public Library’s STEAM resources, activities and events.
What is STEAM? It stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Another closely related acronym is STEM, which doesn’t include the arts component. These are subjects that permeate every part of our daily lives, and STEAM programming brings them together, demonstrating the ways they interconnect.
Best of all, STEAM doesn’t need to be complicated. There are so many fun and easy STEAM activities that you can do with the supplies you already have in your own home. You can check online for activities such as Paper Plate Marble Mazes, Coffee Filter Parachutes, and Paper Constellation Tubes. If you want something a bit more complicated, make a cardboard robotic arm or a DIY zoetrope.
The Lethbridge Public Library has plenty of resources to get you started as well. For younger kids, try out the Science Magic Digital Play Pack or one of our STEAM Family Literacy Kits. For older children, check out books including “Maker Lab” or “Maker Lab Outdoors” by Jack Challoner, the “STEM Quest” series, or any of the “Amazing Makerspace” titles.
We also host STEAM Lab for children in Grades 1–5. In this program, kids take part in STEAM activities based on a wide variety of themes, such as star science, geology, music and animation. Registration for the next session of our STEAM Lab will open Feb. 4. In addition, we run various events throughout the year based on different STEAM themes. Join us Feb. 23 when you’ll have the chance to try one of our most popular STEAM activities: making slime at Slime-a-Palooza!
We all live in a changing world, and it’s important to start teaching critical-thinking skills as early as possible. STEAM provides a solid base of knowledge in a wide range of subjects by encouraging children to ask questions and then having them experiment to find the answers they’re looking for.
So what are you waiting for? Let the STEAMpowered learning begin!