Library program to teach children engineering skills

The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center is launching a series of elementary programs that foster a can-do attitude while teaching kids how to think like engineers.

“I want kids to say, ‘I love engineering,’” said Lisa Jackson, head of adult and youth information services at the library. The goal is to encourage kids to pursue math and science in school.

The library is one of two institutions in the country chosen to serve as pilot sites for a new three-year study, Project BUILD (Building Using an Interactive Learning Design). It’s targeted to underserved areas.

“Project BUILD will help our patrons and our library staff — have greater access to and engagement in STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] topics,” Jackson said. “It will enable young people in our community to realize that STEM is indeed within their reach.”

Children in grades 2 to 5 and their families are invited to attend the free series in a casual setting at the library located at 2650 Sistrunk Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

“We not only want children there, but parents to work with them. Everything is handson,”

Jackson said. “Once they complete the program they’re given take-home activities to share with other members of the family that reinforce the concepts.”

Each session will feature a project for kids to build. More importantly, they’ll learn problem-solving through the “plan, build, test” cycle, Jackson said.

“The goal is not to create as much as to follow the engineering process,” Jackson said.

The two-hour Ready, Set, Create: Project BUILD classes run through December. All take place on Saturdays.

Sept. 23, 3 p.m.: Span-tastic Bridges: From Here to There.

Oct. 14, 1 p.m.: Designed to Survive: Engineering for Disasters.

Nov. 11, 1 p.m.: Clean Up Our World.

Dec. 9, 1 p.m.: Power from Nature. The pilot is part of a $1.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation. It’s partnership of the Space Science Institute’s National Center for Interactive Learning, the University of Virginia and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Project BUILD is a “wonderful example of how libraries level the playing field for all citizens and how they can truly touch and affect a child’s life,” Broward County Library publication specialist Catherine McElrath said in an email.

Space is limited; to register and for more information, call the youth services desk at 954-357-6209.

“Project BUILD will help our patrons and our library staff — have greater access to and engagement in STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] topics ... It will enable young people in our community to realize that STEM is indeed within their reach.” — Lisa Jackson, head of adult and youth information services at African-American Research Library and Cultural Center