Post on 15-Jul-2015
Gaining STEAM in the Summer:
The Chicago Public Library’s
Summer Learning Challenge
How comfortable are you adding STEAM into your programming?
Based on our impact areas, we wanted a summer program that would:
• Help improve reading
• Improve technology skills
• Engage kids in out of school time learning
• Improve creativity and innovation skills
• Collaboration and communication among kids
• Foster an environment that involves multiple intelligences
STEAM: WHAT IS IT?
•Science
•Technology
•Engineering
•Art
•Mathematics
WHY IS STEAM EDUCATION IMPORTANT?
STEAM education:
• Creates critical thinkers • Increases science literacy • Enables the next
generation of innovators
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF STEAM
• Innovation leads to new products and processes that sustain our economy.
• Innovation and science literacy depend on a solid knowledge and skill base in these areas.
• It is clear that most jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of math and science.
CONSIDER THIS…
Of the 20 fastest growing occupations projected in the
next decade,
15 of them require significant science and/or
mathematics preparation.
(U.S. Dept. of Labor, 2010)
CURRENT STATE OF STEAM EDUCATION
• It is imperative that as a nation, we make STEAM education a top priority.
• U.S. student achievement in mathematics and science is lagging behind students in much of Asia and Europe (TIMSS, 2012).
• Only 29% of high school graduates are considered college-ready in science and 43% are considered college-ready in math (ACT, 2010).
• Why is STEAM important to libraries?
HOW DID WE DECIDE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
• Established a partnership between the Chicago Public Library and the Museum of Science and Industry
• Integrated STEAM learning into the Summer Reading/Learning Program
• Combined the power of both organizations to increase our reach and impact across the city
How have you added STEAM elements to your programming?
All learning counts!
AUDIENCE POLL
Take a couple minutes and think
about what you can design with
these items that would get the
goats across the river?
• Question
• Observe
• Predict
• Compare, Contrast and Classify
• Investigate
• Document and Communicate
• READ
NURTURING HABITS OF MIND
Supports hands-on and project-based activities that reinforce concepts learned in school without feeling like more school time.
Provides opportunities for children, youth and families to explore and learn STEAM concepts together.
Fosters the development of science and engineering practices that are at the core of how scientists and engineers do their work.
Allows learning to be FUN!
Summer Learning Loss
Teen Programs
Questions?
What does it look like in action?
What tracks of learning can you envision adding to your library’s summer program?
Better together: Leveraging partnerships
• Partnerships make you stronger:
– Resources
– Expertise
– Programming
– Field Trips
– Greater exposure and dosage of programs
Questions?
Chicago Public LibrarySystem Wide Children’s Services
312-747-4780story@chipublib.org
Liz McChesney, DirectorShilo Pearson, Digital Learning Specialist
Jason Driver, Early Learning SpecialistAlexa Hamilton, Tween Services
Katie Eckert, Special ProjectsJosh Farnum, Play & Active Learning Specialist