Tag Archives: STEM

Academic, General, School Media Specialist

Having students build their own 3D printer

uZYSV4nuQeyq64azfVIn_15130980706_64134efc6e_o3D printers for libraries are on many wish lists, but could you build your own? That was the idea behind a series of weeklong workshops recently held in Pennsylvania. Joe Cilli, who runs the online school’s STEM program, turned the tables and had the students build their own 3D printer. “Each of the 24 participating students purchased entry-level 3-D printer kits for a discounted price of $200, which they assembled and were then able to keep.” The program utilized the Printrbot Play, an all-metal-body 3-D printer. Building their own tools has students using a makerspace to create a makerspace!

“The program exposes students to hands-on STEM opportunities where they meet peers from around the state with an interest in science and engineering,” Joe Cilli

Check out the whole article to learn even more!

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Best of the Best: STEM Apps

This year, we highlighted apps recommended by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).  AASL considers these to be some of the Best Apps for Teaching & Learning.  As a recap, we’ve re-sorted them into their five categories and will feature one list per week for the next five weeks. 

This week, we focus on the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) apps:

moster_physics

 

Monster Physics users play with monsters while they learn the rules of physics!

Water Cycle HD icon

 

Water Cycle HD uses videos to make learning about the water cycle more interactive.

DragonBox Algebra 5+

 

DragonBox Algebra 5+ has its users solve equations in a gaming environment.

Kodable Pro

 

Kodable teaches users how to code as they play their games!

NOVA Elements

 

NOVA Elements features a game, videos, an interactive periodic table, and a chance to build atoms and molecules.

More Best of the Best Apps: Social Science, Books, Organization & Management, and Content Creation.

General, School Media Specialist

Student-Created STEM Apps

Michael Sharnoff of eSchool News wants you to know just how creative and capable young students can be!  In October, he “had the privilege to meet with 20 student fellows, ages 15-25, selected for their video game and app prototypes that address social issues in their community.”  The students, who received a grant to continue to develop their apps, presented their projects to congressional leaders and the Obama administration in Washington, D.C.  Sharnoff put together a post seven of the apps that stood out to him – read it here!  And here’s a demo of one of the apps, Our World, an app designed to teach us about how humans effect the environment:

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

STEM Programming Specific to Libraries

Image by Chase_Elliott. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Common's licensing.
Image by Chase_Elliott. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.

Looking for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) content?

SimplySTEM has created a wiki for librarians interested in additional STEM related content. This resource provides a collection of completed program plans including activities, print materials, and suggested links. Click here to view this online resource.

To learn more about STEM, go to Why STEM Education Matters for a four page summary developed by the National Math + Science Initiative.

Tip: You can also highlight your library’s completed STEM programming by becoming a ciki contributor on this site.

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STEM Day Conference 2013 Registration

From Minitex…

Come to STEM Day Conference 2013, Building Partnerships for STEM Education, and be energized and inspired!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Registration begins at 8:15 AM with the conference ending at 3:00 PM.

Continuing Education & Conference Center, University of Minnesota – St. Paul Campus.

At this unique conference you’ll hear from a broad spectrum of STEM educators. Get a fresh take on STEM-based projects and programs, teen tech crews and labs, community collaborations, and curriculum supportive resources and technology that support and advance K-12 STEM education in Minnesota.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Anthony Murphy, newly appointed director of The GLOBE Program. Prior to his current position, Dr. Murphy served as the executive director of the National Center for STEM Elementary Education at St. Catherine University, St. Paul.

You’ll leave the conference feeling actively engaged, intrigued, and fortified by learning about new, developing, and existing programs, projects, and resources. This conference will also give you time to connect with fellow STEM educators and share ideas. Review these exciting sessions and register today.

Cost: $40.00/person

Space is limited. So, register now to secure a spot!