Making & STEAM: Informal Learning & Discovery in Public Libraries

If Not for the LibraryMaking & STEAM:

Informal Learning & Discovery in Public Libraries

Ottawa Maker Faire November 7, 2015

Sue ConsidineExecutive Director

Fayetteville Free Librarysconsidine@fflib.org

• Suburban Library• School district highly

ranked in science and math

• Supportive Community• Active Volunteer base

Fayetteville Free Library

Why Making at the Library?

Importance of Informal Learning• Self-motivated• Voluntary•Guided by interest• Lifelong

Libraries can and should provide fun informal STEAM learning opportunities because:

• Early interest in STEM is more of an indictor than academic performance (Tai et al. 2006)

• Curiosity and enjoyment are integral to engagement with STEAM (Hidi & Renninger 2006)

Adapted from Krishnamurthi, A, Ballard, M & Noam, G. (2014)“Examining the impact of afterschool STEM programs.” Noyce Foundation. http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/documents/STEM/Rennie_Krishnamurthi.pdf

STEAM Learning Through Making

Opportunity to provide fun informal learning opportunities around STEM subjects

We use a modified version of this model in all of our maker programs and we support this type of inquiry through our spaces, collections, and services

The Engineering Design Process

Image courtesy of Museum of Science-Boston. Retrieved from http://www.eie.org/overview/engineering-design-process

Learning Outcomes

Process many kinds of information simultaneously

Organize new information into existing knowledge

Collaborate with peers and adults

Continuously engage in new learning by revisiting it at increasingly higher levels of complexity over time

Communicate effectively about science and technology.

Be responsive to accelerating change driven by new technologies

Work together to find measured yet creative solutions to problems which are today unimaginable

We Help Learners To: Thus they are able to:

Excerpted from: Lederman, L. (September, 1998). ARISE: American Renaissance in Science Education. Fermilab-TM-2051. Batavia, IL: Fermi

National Accelerator Lab.

Community-Led Programs

Case Study #1: Lego Programs

Lego Robotics Clubs

More LEGO!•LEGO Build This: Grades 5-8

•LEGO Laboratory: Children up to grade 4

•LEGO Extravaganza: All ages!

Case Study #2: Geek Girl Camp

Expanding Opportunities

Questions?

FAYETTEVILLE FREE LIBRARYHOMEPAGE: WWW.FFLIB.ORGFAQS FOR LIBRARIANS: WWW.FFLIB.ORG/MAKERFAQS MAKING! WWW.FFLIB.ORG/MAKE TWITTER: @FAYETTEVILLELIB

SUSAN CONSIDINEEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SCONSIDINE@FFLIB.ORG