making & steam: informal learning & discovery in public libraries
TRANSCRIPT
If Not for the LibraryMaking & STEAM:
Informal Learning & Discovery in Public Libraries
Ottawa Maker Faire November 7, 2015
Sue ConsidineExecutive Director
Fayetteville Free [email protected]
• 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