STEAM Storytime, White Tank Library
2018 NACo Achievement Award Winner
Maricopa County, Ariz., AZ
Best In Category
Contacts
QUESTIONS?
Contact Awards@NACo.org
About the Program
Category: Libraries (Best in Category)
Year: 2018
STEAM Story Time is a non-traditional enrichment program for preschoolers aged 3-6 that explores concepts related to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). We introduce young children to an idea through literature; then they can visit at least three thematic activity stations. Themes have included geology, engineering, biology, arithmetic and many others. Examples of stations include geode smashing (geology), building with marshmallows and toothpicks (architecture), mixing slime (chemical reactions). These activities encourage open-ended discovery through experimentation. The goal is to introduce STEAM to children (and their caregivers, who may not have access to such resources) at an early age. Caregivers are also empowered to observe and discuss scientific concepts that exist in their daily life with their preschooler.