STAR Library Network

Citizen Science Month (and Beyond!) at Your Library
2019-11-14
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Citizen Science Month (and Beyond!) at Your Library
Citizen science can open up a world of free STEAM learning opportunities for library patrons. From identifying butterflies to measuring light pollution, citizen science offers unique ways to engage every patron and allow them to contribute to the greater scientific community. With welcoming environments and equitable access to resources, libraries can serve as a central hub for citizen science in their communities! The STAR Library Network (STAR Net) is excited to showcase impactful STEAM learning opportunities that put a focus on the Earth, such as citizen science, in 2020.
With support from the National Library of Medicine and based on feedback from the Citizen Science Association’s “Citizen Science Day” working group, SciStarter and Arizona State University are pleased to announce “Citizen Science Month” (April 2020)! Watch this webinar to discover how you can access many free resources to help introduce, shape, or support citizen science in your library.

Imagine Your Story… with a STEAM Twist!
2019-11-20
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Imagine Your Story… with a STEAM Twist!
It’s never too early to start thinking about next summer! When designing your programming for the 2020 theme, “Imagine Your Story,” remember to look up at the night sky for inspiration. Join the STAR Net team and Luke Kralik, Organizational Coordinator for CSLP, to learn all about this year’s theme and exciting, hands-on STEAM activities that will help you bring it to life at your library. We’ll discuss programming ideas, useful resources, and tips for engaging your community!

Playful Hands-on STEM Learning in UK Libraries
2019-11-22
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Playful Hands-on STEM Learning in UK Libraries
There is a tremendous need to provide young people with STEM skills for the future, but in what ways are libraries contributing? This FREE webinar will demonstrate a few ideas from across the UK for facilitating playful STEM learning in libraries through afterschool activities and family events. Share your favorite resources for increasing your own skills and for engaging library customers.
Presenter Keliann LaConte is currently based at the University of Edinburgh as a Fulbright Global Scholar to gather perspectives from UK libraries around STEM-related learning and share resources broadly. As a project leader within the STAR Library Network, she has worked with library staff in the U.S. for over a decade to develop STEM activities and facilitate training.

How Public Libraries can Bridge the Middle School STEM Gap
2019-12-12
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How Public Libraries can Bridge the Middle School STEM Gap
Note: This webinar was hosted by Urban Libraries Council (ULC)
STEM-related jobs are the fastest growing segment in our economy. Yet, many youth lack access to quality STEM programming and exposure to STEM career opportunities, limiting their opportunity to learn, explore and prepare for life. With support from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, ULC launched the Partners for Middle School STEM initiative to help public libraries build innovative STEM programs and partnerships to reach underserved youth. Join us for a webinar on December 12 to hear from the libraries in this initiative’s Learning Cohort, discover general lessons learned from this project and pick up tips for enhancing your library’s STEM programming.
Presenters
Jennifer Blenkle, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Urban Libraries Council
Brooks Mitchell, Education Coordinator, Space Science Institute
Kelsey Hughes, Adult and Teen Services Specialist, Prince George’s Memorial Library System
Kelsey Williamson, Children’s Department Manager, Pioneer Library System
Isaac Huffman, Library Director, Mount Vernon City Library

Bringing Inspiration to Multiple Generations: Apollo in Real Time
2019-12-17
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Bringing Inspiration to Multiple Generations: Apollo in Real Time
Note: This webinar was hosted by NASA’s Johnson Space Center
Join us for this FREE NASA Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) interactive webinar targeting informal educators (librarians, museum staff, Solar System Ambassadors, etc.) as they interact with Ben Feist, a Data Visualization Software Engineer working with our Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. Ben will share information about his career path to NASA as well as information about bringing inspiration to multiple generations through his work to bring together pictures, videos, transcripts and more to enable all of us to experience Apollo in Real Time. The presentation will last approximately 40 minutes followed by an optional ~15-20 minutes of Q&A.
