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In the age of technology where so many things are screen driven, the Snowflake Public Library is aiming to provide hands-on classes for kids from three to 10 years old to show the practical aspects of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
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A grant from the Franklin Institute Leap into Science program has given Librarian Cathie McDowell the opportunity to begin offering open-ended science activities to children and their families.
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According to the Franklin Institute website, “Leap into Science is a nationwide program that integrates open-ended science activities with children’s books, designed for children ages 3-10 and their families. We empower educators to offer programs in community settings like libraries, museums, and out-of-school time programs to engage underserved audiences in accessible and familiar settings.”
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“Our first workshop was in January, where we read a book on balance,” said McDowell. “From there we had the children try to balance on one foot and then the other foot and then talk about which was easier.” Other activities included walking on a line and a tabletop teeter totter made from an egg carton and funnel.
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“The children get a chance to put things in the egg carton and see what things bring balance,” continued McDowell, who said the other side of the program was to inspire parents to take things around the house and let their children experiment.
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An empty toilet paper tube and a ruler becomes another type of balance activity as the children can put objects on either side of the ruler and experiment with what brings balance.
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“It’s important that children realize that when they ask, ‘I wonder what will happen when I do this?’, they are being scientists,” shared McDowell. “And that in turn helps the parents realize that their children can be engaged in science.”
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Another program that will begin in April is Fun with Math and Science developed by the Scottsdale Library and purchased through the Library Services and Technology Act grant that was received by the Navajo County Library District in July 2018.
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The program will be held over six days in a three to six week period, in which the children along with their parents or caregivers, will listen to a story, then talk about a variety of math skills, including counting and matching, and then take part in hands-on activities that promote those skills.
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“We want to encourage the parents to support their children as they learn to explore,” said McDowell. “We don’t want the parent doing the activity for the child, but we want them there to encourage questioning and exploration.”
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McDowell went on to share for so long the career world of STEM has been dominated by men. “For too many years, girls have been limited in their exposure to STEM, thinking it was too hard. Science is a part of every day. Math is all around us. That’s what we want the children to understand when they are young.”
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The summer reading program this year is “A Universe of Stories”, which not only ties into STEM but also is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the first moon landing of the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle on July 20, 1969, with Commander Neil Armstrong and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin.
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When asked if the library is still relevant in this new age of technology, McDowell was quick to answer, “This is the one place you can come and not have to spend money. People still love coming to the library. It’s a great hangout spot for the community and we see a lot of people coming to just meet a friend and read a book.”
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The next family science event will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, at the library, located at 418 W. 4th Street S. in Snowflake.
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Library cards are still free and can be obtained by providing proof of residency and an Arizona identification card or driver’s license.
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Library hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays.
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