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Resources for STEM/STEAM Projects and Programs

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Image courtesy Altoona (IA) Public Library on Facebook

Why STEM/STEAM?

  • Full STEAM Ahead: Injecting Art and Creativity into STEM, School Library Journal
    The article asks, “Does STEAM really belong in a library?” and then answers with an emphatic yes, adding some practical tips at the end.

  • YALSA STEAM Programming Toolkit, Young Adult Library Services Association
    This robust toolkit will convince you that there is significant value to STEM in libraries and then get you started creating or improving your STEM programs for teens.

Programming Ideas

  • 10 Tips for Adding STEM Concepts to Storytime, Saroj Ghoting
    Early literacy expert Saroj Ghoting shares her insights on how to incorporate math and science concepts into storytimes to support children’s readiness for later STEM learning.

  • All Things STEAM, Amy Koester, the Show Me Librarian
    As a Youth and Family Program Supervisor in the Learning Experience Department of Skokie Public Library (IL), Amy has built quite a collection of go-to resources, program how-tos and other STEAM and maker resources, which she shares for your convenience; includes a preschool science series.

  • Cool STEM Resources on the Web, YALSA
    This section of YALSA’s STEM Resources wiki is packed with links to resources that will help you plan your STEM programs; organized by categories –general science, astronomy, chemistry, computer science, physics, earth science, technology/engineering and math.

  • Make, Do, Share: Build a STEM Learning Community, Shannon Peterson, Youth Services Manager and Seth Ciotti, BiblioTEC Program Manager, Kitsap (WA) Regional Library
    Webinar recording presenting a ready-to-use system that empowers libraries of all sizes to become community STEM leaders. See also How to Create a Robust STEM Library Program, a recap of the "Make, Do, Share: Build a STEM Learning Community" Webinar.
  • STARnet
    This online community is for library staff who want to provide STEM programs in public libraries and for STEM professionals who want to help them. Check out the teaching Guides that will help you implement projects on a variety of STEM topics. Registration is free.

  • STEAM Learning Resources, Idaho Commission for Libraries
    The state library in Idaho has compiled a solid list of “Activities,” which include links to first, second and third grade science projects. There’s much more – booklists, websites and iPad apps.

  • STEM in Libraries, Heather Beverly and Heather Thompson
    "The Heathers” have created a website with ideas, materials, and instructions for STEM learning in the library; organized by STEM categories.

  • WebJunction’s Social Library: STEM Edition
    Showcasing libraries who are sharing STEM-related programming on Facebook.

See also Makerspace and Digital Media Lab Resources

Image: Courtesy Altoona (IA) Public Library on Facebook

Toolkit for Creating Smart Spaces

WebJunction offers a toolkit to help you re-envision your library’s place as a center of community learning. Explore more of the Toolkit for Creating Smart Spaces.