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