Space… The final frontier. These are the voyages of the
Contra Costa County Library’s Space Science programs. Its mission: to do space
themed STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) programs, develop
partnerships with NASA and to give librarians inspiration to boldly go where no
man (or woman) has gone before.
It’s Not Rocket Science
The program began with an introduction to doing STEAM
programs. It may seem complicated or baffling to do a STEAM program with all
these complex science concepts, yet with all things, it all begins with taking
that first step. In this case, the first step is to start small with STEAM
programming by introducing small activities or themes to your already existing
programming. For example, all libraries do storytimes, so “outer space” could
be a theme. It’s basically putting an emphasis on life long learning as
librarians to learn more about STEAM concepts and introducing them into your
already existing programs and building from there.
CAL (Community Center, Adaptable, Learning Center) STEAM
The Contra Costa Library’s CAL STEAM programs were conducted
in four phases.
Phase 1: Define mission – View the library as a learning center
This helped them develop ideas for programs, some themes
were on drones and cultural programs.
Phase 2: Develop community connections and partnerships
They partnered with many other institutions like NASA, JPL,
a science center that had traveling programs and local astronomy clubs. It was
suggested to start locally and reach out to groups in your community.
Phase 3: Prepare to Launch!
This is where they started doing STEAM programs. It first
started with STEAM storytime themes, an MIB themed program with astronaut
training activities such as how to do work in space, robotic arms, and rocket
kits. Local robotic clubs also were involved.
Phase 4: Larger programs
Astroblast Space Party
This was a larger program, akin to one of our larger
Children’s programs in Celebration Hall where they did a rocket launch, balance
boards to learn about gravity, experimented with particular space apps, had a
3D printer making a tool, and had the local robotics club out as well.
Mission: Mars
They were able to invite Pasquel Lee, the astronaut set to
go on the first manned mission to Mars at the library to give a talk and there
was a gravity workshop, a curiosity corner that emphasized informal learning
and “create your own Martian” out of recyclables that was based on the
conditions of Mars where kids had to rationalized their decisions.
The future of the manned mission to Mars
This program was a conversation between Any Weir, the author
of the Martian and Pasquel Lee and they spoke about their expectations of the
first manned mission to Mars.
Overall it was a progression from small programs like STEAM
themed storytimes, to the bigger programs.
What’s Next?
A year of STEAM programs
Scientist series
More grants
Conversation with the space station at the library!
Overall, it was an interesting program with a lot of good
ideas and inspiration. Rocket launches in the Courtyard??? We already had
aliens invade a teen program, so who knows what the future holds...