STEM Unplugged

After seeing an ALSC blog post that mentioned a cool-looking unplugged coding program that used a taped grid and paper, I wanted to try a similar program at PLE to introduce the kids at ASZ to coding concepts. I chose a Mario theme for the program because all the Mario games are pretty popular at PLE and the characters and world are pretty easily recognized by most kids.

Also, there are lots of ideas and tutorials for Mario props on Pinterest. I used paper lanterns, pipe cleaners, and paper to make the Bob-ombs and the Chain Chomp. I covered the cardboard boxes with red construction paper to serve as brick walls and used cardboard for the coins and their stands. The flag is made from a cheap dowel rod and a painted Styrofoam ball. For each "playable character," I made a visor hat (or crown) from cardstock and elastic and then made a corresponding flag that attached using Velcro circles to the flag pole.

For the program, the kids partnered up, with one person being the player and the other the character. The player used the printed directional arrows and commands (start, action, stop) to create a program and then read it out loud, having the character move through the grid and interact with the different elements according to that program.

The kids really liked it, though we did run into some issues. For one, I think there were too many elements on the grid, making it too difficult. Only one person actually got their player all the way to the flag pole. The rest of the players hit the Bob-ombs (they did enjoy acting that out) or were bitten by the Chain Chomp. Because it was kind of difficult, it was also a bit time-consuming. A number of the kids got impatient and started doing other activities (video games, coloring, etc.) and lost interest. For future programs, I'm going to find ways for more kids to be involved at the same time, like having them work in teams, or having two smaller grids and having a race between two teams.

And, using the idea of the grid and the printed arrows and commands, pretty much any theme can be applied. Like Minecraft could be a cool one to use. What are some of your ideas?

- Kristin @ PLE

Catapult into FUN!

I had a lot of success with a catapult STEM program I did recently and wanted to share the fun!


There are a number of blog posts about making catapults using craft sticks and rubber bands (links below). I hot glued bottle caps at our program, but in some of the blogs they used spoons instead or even masking tape instead of rubber bands. Most of the kids made the simpler catapult I had an example of and I showed them how to make it, but I told them they could make it however they wanted or make adjustments to it, which some of them did. I also put out markers so they could write their names and decorate if they wanted to. Once the catapult was finished, they were cleared to go to the launch zone, which was a table I'd stuck printed number signs showing the number of inches and a start sign on and had fluff balls and poms for them to launch. They were all really good about only launching those items and I had kids from every age group excited about it and participating.

DIY Catapult posts & instructions:
Easy (and Fun) Catapult for Kids to Make
STEM Activity for Kids: Popsicle Stick Catapults
Popsicle Stick Catapult for Kids STEM Activity

- Kristin McWilliams @ PLE

Do you have something you'd like to share on the YS Blog? Send it to Rebecca and Sara!

STEM Program Ideas

Want to run a STEM program during ASZ or on the weekend, but forgot to request a kit in time? Want to include a STEM activity in storytime? Here's a STEM resource that I've added to the Kids, Tweens, and Teen pages: STEM In Libraries. I do love that you can filter for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or just look at all the ideas they offer.

What project do you want to try at your location? Let us know in the comments by November 1st , don't forget to include your name and location in your comment, and get a prize from the treasure chest at the next youth meeting!

Programming Resource

Have you heard of programminglibrarian.org? It's a great resource for programming ideas for everyone from kids through older adults. You can filter your searches, or browse ideas limiting by cost (there are free program ideas!), library type, topic and program type. If, for some reason, you do not have a backup program idea for SRP, you should definitely check out this site, and find a backup program idea!

Check it out, and let us know if there are any cool programs you'd like to do at your library in the comments!

Backup Program Ideas for Teens

Below are some program ideas that you can run using materials you probably have at your library. Remember - you ALWAYS need at least one backup program in place in case a performer fails to show up or you don't get specialized supplies in time.

This is What I Am by Alyssa Blando

Ransom Letter Poetry
Write an original poem (or even short story) using words cut from magazines & newspapers.

Materials:

• Paper/construction paper
• Old magazines and/or newspapers
• Scissors
• Glue sticks

Corner Bookmarks

via Red Ted Art

These bookmarks sit on the corner of pages and won't fall off or get caught on things outside of the book.

Instructions

Materials:

• Paper (6”x6”) – regular or origami
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Markers

via CZT

Negative Space Yoga Doodles
Fill in negative space with yoga doodles for an original work of art.


Materials:

• Heavy paper/cardstock cut into squares or bookmarks
• Pencils
• Markers or colored pencils

The Art of Quotes

by Courtney Zavala

Artistic interpretations of inspirational quotes.

Materials:

• Paper
• Markers, pencils, pens etc
• Books with inspirational quotes or quotes printed from Internet

Origami Boxes

Paper crafts are one of my favorite things to do  with my kids at home. You can create this box and lid  to be a card that opens out when the lid is removed. Or you can glue or hot glue the flaps to the inside of the box and have a nice sturdy little box. The box template can be printed out on 8.5x11 paper and the box itself measures about 2 inches tall when it's completed.

 I've included the instructions for both the box and the box lid above the templates for cutting out. The nice thing about that is  you can print these out and the teens or (elementary age kids)  have the instructions with pictures right in front of them so they can follow along as you all do the craft together or try it on their own. I recommend using cardstock and not regular paper. It makes for a sturdier project.

Once the box is done, they can decorate it as they like. I used heavy card stock and paper flowers in the photos you see here. But the possibilities are endless.

This could make a great card or gift  for Mother's Day or even Father's day (with the right paper choices--comic book pages glued onto cardstock?)

For anyone who replies in the comments section, I'll create a box similar to the one pictured (but with different themes and paper) so you have a sample of your own. Don't forget to put your name and location! I'll get your little boxes to you at the next Youth Services Meeting in March. 

-Michelle Johnson

If you want to conserve paper and print out the box and lid on the same page, here’s the template for that. It’s a slightly smaller box (2 inches instead of 2 ½ inches) but is a nice alternative when doing this for a larger group.

Amazing Art Resources!

If you are looking for ideas for art programs that you might want to do at your location, either for March programming or for any general time, check out the Art Lab books! They are available as ebooks (some through Hoopla!) and as physical books. What I especially like is that most of them feature 52 lessons, so you could, in theory, do a unique program every week for an entire year. Check them out!

Share your ideas for incorporating art into your library programs in the comments!

Youth Programming Resources

I am always on the lookout for youth programming resources that can make my programs fun and engaging. At least once a week I try to comb through a blog feed that I’ve created for myself using the blog feed resource FEEDLY. I have it bookmarked on my computer and during my programming or office time, I go through each of the blogs I have bookmarked and check out what’s new. This not only helps me keep up with trends that are happening in libraries around the country, but it gives me inspiration as well. Below are just a few of my favorite resources. These links include crafts, passive programming, and all the in between shenanigans librarians deal with on a daily basis.

Jbrary – If you don’t know about this resource – SHAME! Just kidding. (Not really!) Two Canadian librarians run this blog as well as a YouTube channel filled with storytime songs and early literacy tips. It’s a one-stop-shop for those times when you get tired of doing the same songs week after week. The Jbrary blog is also chock-full of information, book reviews, and general awesomeness!

Programming Librarian – This website is a great resource for finding (you guessed it) programming ideas! The handy search features make it easy to tailor it to your needs. Each program features advance prep notes, budget, marketing, a brief rundown of the activity, and then notes to live by. It’s really handy for those who like planning in advance for things!

Storytime Underground – For those passionate about early literacy, Storytime Underground is a great resource. If you were at the September youth meeting and attended Angela’s Guerilla
Storytime training, you may have heard her mention this blog.

Teen Services Underground – For those passionate about teen library services, look no further than Teen Services Underground. It’s a fairly new blog and, much like Storytime Underground, features an array of helpful tips, programming information, and a whole lot more!

Pinterest – This really needs no introduction and you may already be using this tool, but it’s so helpful when you need ideas in a crunch! Plus, it’s good for organization tool when you find yourself overwhelmed with how much amazing things people are doing in their libraries.

What are some of your favorite Youth Programming Resources? Let me know in the comments below!
- Jayla

If You Want to Throw a Star Party, Part 1 - Approximately 4 months out

Star Party!

The idea for the Star Party came out of the exhibit hall at TLA. The Lunar and Planetary Institute had their portable planetarium set up and my manager Julia and I went in and thought it was really awesome. We wanted to do the event at the end of SRP (it fit so well with this year’s theme!) but the planetarium was not available until the end of August. FYI- I made first contact with LPI in April after TLA and had the planetarium scheduled for our Star Party date in early May. The planetarium gets a lot of use from schools and other organizations, so you have to be flexible with your date until you get your reservation nailed down.

The email address to use for reserving the planetarium is: Education@lpi.usra.edu

Disclaimer: The planetarium is pretty big. I’m sorry I don’t have a picture! It took up most of Collier’s meeting room. So you will need some serious space (on the order of at least 11 feet of ceiling height, and about 21 feet by 21 feet floor space). This very dry YouTube video should give you an idea.

This is all the parts of the planetarium that will have to fit in your car.
I’m in there for scale.

I also noticed on their website that LPI loans exhibits to libraries, and I thought that setting one up in the foyer for the month leading up to the Star Party would be a cool way to tell people about it. Once I had the date set for the Planetarium, I requested the Molten Moon exhibit with LPI’s online request form: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/exploration/education/exhibits/.

When you request it, you’ll want to set the return date as a few days after your Star Party. You can return it along with the planetarium. It is a lot of stuff to have in your car all at once, but I have a little Corolla and it all fit.

The exhibit in transport mode.

The exhibit in display mode.

At around this time, I also looked into borrowing artifacts from NASA, but there were lots of shipping charges and some insurance requirements and I gave up. If you are interested in trying to book an astronaut to speak at your event, the request information can be found here: http://www.nasa.gov/about/speakers/astronautappearances.html.

They require a written request with very detailed instructions and the request must come no more than 6 months in advance and no less than 6 weeks in advance. So I would consult with programming and submit the request when you have your date set. I have to say that the planetarium itself is pretty cool and I would not have requested an astronaut speaker officially but I happen to know one personally and he happened to be free.

- Angela Barrett

Pokemon Go!

Pokemon Go! The latest craze that is actually increasing foot traffic in libraries and creating a simple opportunity for us to interact with our young and mature customers. You’ll be very surprise how talkative teenagers can be if you ask them if they are playing Pokemon Go.

Very informative articles to get you excited about what Pokemon Go can do for us (the second is a must read!):
How Pokemon Go can lure more customers to your local business via Forbes
Everything librarians need to know about Pokemon Go via Galaxybookjockey

Below are the two displays we have at Stella Link Library. Stella Link is lucky to have a GYM located virtually in the library. Some of you may have a GYM at your location or even better…a POKESTOP.

We wanted Pokemon Go players to feel welcomed and invited to play the game inside our library. This game is pulling in customers that normally do not step inside our building and this is a perfect opportunity to change their perspective of what today’s library has to offer.

As summer ends and the school year begin, I can see great opportunities for Pokemon Go as a program for After School Zone, etc. I hope in future updates of the Pokemon Go app there will be features for exchanging items/pokemons.
- Nhu @ STE

P.S. from the YS Team: The first five people to comment with ideas about using Pokemon Go at their library will get a Harry Potter and the Cursed Child standup.

Resources for Teen Services

Blogs/Websites:

Calendar of Teen Programming Ideas via YALSA's Wiki
http://wikis.ala.org/yalsa/index.php/Calendar_of_Teen_Programming_Ideas

Green Bean Teen Queen
www.greenbeanteenqueen.com

Lunanshee's Lunacy
www.lunanshee.com

Manga Bookshelf
www.mangabookshelf.com

No Flying No Tights
www.noflyingnotights.com

Reaching Reluctant Readers
www.writetoreadbooks.wordpress.com

Teen Librarian Toolbox
www.teenlibrariantoolbox.com

YA Books and More
www.naomibates.blogspot.com

Young Adult Activities
www.yaprogramactivities.wordpress.com

Youth Services Corner
www.youthservicescorner.com

Pinterest Boards:

Library Stuff: Teen Program Ideas
STEM Activities: Middle School
STEM Teen
Teen Library Programs
Teen Programming in Libraries
Tween Teen Library Program Ideas

Articles:

Teen Programming Guidelines