STEAM: What Does it Mean?
You’ve heard of STEM, but what is STEAM? It encompasses the same core tenets of science, technology, engineering, and math that STEM does, with the addition of an A for arts! In 2006, researcher Georgette Yakman found that the creativity and design focused thinking of the arts help contextualize STEM programs. Think of the liberal arts addition as the “who and why,” to the “what and how” of STEM.
So now that you know what STEAM entails, you may be wondering how to get started engaging your kiddos in various STEAM activities. Lucky for you, the library hosts a variety of STEAM programs, and kits for a wide range of ages! From our Family STEAM Lab to our STEAM-to-Go Kits, explore the world with your littles right here at the library.
STEAM Programs at the Handley Library Branch
Family STEAM Lab is an interactive, twice weekly program for ages 0 to 5. Each lab begins with some free play time as families filter into the program before moving into a song. Letter of the day, and a story follow to support our early literacy initiatives. The program wraps with a break out into the hands-on activity for the day. These activities can include anything from sensory bin exploration to sorting and building, or cause and effect exploration.
KidSTEAM is our monthly STEAM program for littles ages 3 to 6. During this program, kids will engage in a storytime, a song accompanied by instruments for them to play, and a STEAM activity all related to that month’s theme. Grab-and-Go kits are available to continue the exploration at home full of items that you get to keep! Lots of you have asked if younger siblings are welcome--of course! Please do keep in mind the activities in our programs are geared toward the target age groups and those outside of these ranges may need additional support and supervision.
Got a kiddo who’s a little big for Family STEAM Lab and KidSTEAM? Come join Ms. Sarah for Story Builders! This monthly program targets children ages 6 to 11 and begins with a storytime followed by an engineering or science focused STEAM activity. Each month will have a theme to tie together the hands on activities and story, as well as a Grab-and-Go kit to continue the learning at home!
Also be sure to check out our STEAM to GO! kits on the children's floor at the Handley branch, with even more located at the Bowman and Clarke County branches. Themes range from rocks and fossils to robotics. Each kit is filled with books, games, and activities relating to a specific STEAM theme, and offers kids a chance to explore, play, and get interactive with their learning.
Looking for some STEAM books? Check out these virtual book lists: #kidsteam, #kidsteamwinter, and #storybuilders in the catalog.