This brief survey asked Massachusetts libraries to weigh in on what types of STEAM programming and services they have to offer as well as share their favorite resources and why STEAM programming is important in their libraries. Thanks to the 125 libraries around the state that participated!
These organizations were mentioned as partners and as resources for ideas.
3D Printer Projects for Makerspaces by
Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product. Learn To Model and Print 3D Designs―No Experience Required! This easy-to-follow guide features twenty 3D printing projects for makers of all skill levels to enjoy. Written in a tutorial, step-by-step manner, 3D Printer Projects for Makerspaces shows how to use Fusion 360, SketchUp, Meshmixer, Remake, and Inkscape to create fun and useful things. Scanning, slicers, silicone molds, settings, and build plate orientation are also covered, as well as post-processing methods that will make your prints really pop! Inside, you'll learn to model, analyze and print a: * Phone case * Coin bank * Art stencil * Cookie cutter * Cookie dunker * Personalized key fob * Lens cap holder * Lithophane night light * Pencil cup with applied sketch * Business card with QR code * Bronze pendant * Soap mold * Hanging lamp shade * Scanned Buddha charm * And more!
3D Printing Projects by
This user-friendly family guide to 3D printing is packed with exciting ideas for how to design and print your own toys, gadgets, and models, and doesn't even require any specialist software. Using freely available software, 3D Printing Projects provides inspiration and step-by-step visual instruction for both simple builds and more complicated pieces--from coat hooks and small treasure boxes to chess sets and model cars. From designing to scanning to modeling to digital sculpting to slicing to printing, this how-to guide covers it all. Information on the 3D printing revolution and the science behind how it works is also included, so kids can learn even before doing. Supporting STEAM initiatives and the Maker Movement, 3D Printing Projects is sure to get young makers creating and innovating.
150+ Screen-Free Activities for Kids by
Bring back playtime, all the time! Dive into a Bubbling Swamp World. Drum on an Outdoor Sound Wall. Explore the gooeyness of Glowing Slime. With the one-of-a-kind projects in 150+ Screen-Free Activities for Kids, your family will rediscover the spirit of imaginative play! These fun activities help develop your child's creativity and skills--all without a screen in sight. Featuring step-by-step instructions and beautiful photographs, each budget-friendly project will keep your child entertained, engaged, and learning all day long. Best of all, no one will complain about turning off the TV or computer with such entertaining activities as: Natural Dye Fingerpaints Taste-Safe, Gluten-Free Playdough Erupting Volcano Dinosaur World Fizzy Rainbow Slush Taste-Safe Glow Water
The Art of Tinkering by
This Is Not Your Average Art Book. Brought to you by the Exploratorium's Tinkering Studio, The Art of Tinkering is an unprecedented celebration of what it means to tinker: to take things apart, explore tools and materials, and build wondrous, wild art that's part science and part technology. Join 150+ makers as they share the stories behind their beautiful and bold work and use this book to do some tinkering yourself. We do mean "use this book" in a literal sense... you won't even be able to reach the first page before using it. The Art of Tinkering is a collection of exhibits, artwork, and projects that celebrate a whole new way to learn, in which people create their own knowledge through making and doing, working with readily available materials, getting their hands dirty, collaborating with others, problem-solving in the most fun sense of the word, and, yes, oftentimes failing and bouncing back from getting stuck. Each artist featured in The Art of Tinkering goes through this process, and lovingly shares the backstory behind their own work so that readers can feel invited to join in on the whimsy. Whether it's sharing their favorite tools (who knew toenail clippers could be so handy?) or offering a glimpse of their workspaces (you'd be amazed how many electronics tools you can pack into one pantry!), the stories, lessons, and tips in The Art of Tinkering offer a fascinating portrait of today's maker scene. Artists include: Learn from greats like Scott Weaver, Arthur Ganson, Moxie, Tim Hunkin, AnnMarie Thomas, Ranjit Bhatnajar and Jie Qi.
The Cardboard Box Book by
Don't throw away that box! Why not turn it into something amazing instead? This incredibly creative book shows kids that by using easy-to-find art and craft materials, the ideas, templates and stickers included in the book, and most importantly, a ton of imagination, simple cardboard boxes can be transformed into a robot costume, a princess castle, a circus, and so much more!
Full STEAM Ahead by
Written by librarians who have experience with integrating technology into all subject areas and working with teens and young adults, this book is a toolkit for youth and young adult librarians--school and public--who wish to incorporate science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) into their programs and collections but aren't sure where to begin. * Provides school and public librarians with the resources and clear guidance they need to implement STEAM programs and collections at their libraries * Places librarians in a key position--based on knowledge and ability--with STEAM initiatives in their school and community * Connects STEAM programming to national standards * Explains how to secure funding and find partners to collaborate in STEAM
The Makerspace Librarian's Sourcebook by
Library makerspaces continue to thrive, drawing new patrons in and engaging them as never before. This hands-on sourcebook technology expert Kroski includes everything libraries need to know about the major topics, tools, and technologies relevant to makerspaces today. Packed with cutting edge instruction and advice from the field's most tech-savvy innovators, this collection leads librarians through how to start their own makerspace from the ground up, covering strategic planning, funding sources, starter equipment lists, space design, and safety guidelines; discusses the transformative teaching and learning opportunities that makerspaces offer, with tips on how to empower and encourage a diverse maker culture within the library; delves into 11 of the most essential technologies and tools most commonly found in makerspaces, ranging from 3D printers, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and wearable electronics to CNC, Legos, drones, and circuitry kits; and includes an assortment of project ideas that are ready to implement. As useful for those just entering the "what if" stage as it is for those with makerspaces already up and running, this book will help libraries engage the community in their makerspaces.
Science Activities for Children 3 to 6 by
Leave your fears of science behind! Respond to children's natural curiosity with over 600 teacher-created, classroom-tested activities guaranteed to teach your children all about science while they are having fun. The result of a nationwide contest, the GIANT Encyclopedia of Science joins our bestselling GIANT Encyclopedia series.