Our library has recently put together a collection of STEAM kits. If you are not familiar with STEAM, it is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. This is a very popular after-school program at our library.
We hold STEAM programs for 8-16 year-olds and they really love it. It is probably our most popular program in this age range. The kids have done everything from creating slime, building cardboard cities, exploding volcanoes, building catapults, and creating lava lamps. It allows them to explore different areas that they might not experience in a regular school curriculum. Sadly, all of our library programs are on an indefinite suspension right now because of Covid-19 regulations.
To fill the gap in our young patrons lives, we have purchased and put together 17 different STEAM kits that can be checked out at our library. These kits range in subject and include architecture, art, dinosaurs, astronomy, magnets, engineering, math, and logic (the kit pictured on the left).
We have tried to include at least one kit in every STEAM category and will add more kits in the future. Many of the kits include books, DVDs, games, and other learning tools. They are designed to be worked through and used without adult interaction although it is certainly encouraged! We have packaged each kit in either a clear backpack or a plastic bin, depending on the size of the contents.
As always, if you have questions about how to implement this in your library, including cataloging kits for circulation, drop me a message and I will assist you to the best of my ability! Full STEAM ahead!
Take a look at how other libraries are offering STEAM kits to the public.