STAR Library Network

STAR Net Resources for your Library
2016-09-21
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STAR Net Resources for your Library
Join Anne Holland (Community Engagement Manager at the Space Science Institute) for a “Grand Opening” of the two new websites. You’ll receive a tour of the new features and resources (available at www.starnetlibraries.org and www.clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org) as well as have an opportunity to suggest new features and content. You’ll also receive information on how to register your library for the 2017 Solar Eclipse, and get some free swag!

Is Your Library Ready for the Astronomical Event of the Decade?
2016-10-19
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Is Your Library Ready for the Astronomical Event of the Decade?
On August 21, 2017, we will be treated to the first total eclipse of the Sun visible in the continental U.S. in almost 40 years. The spectacular total eclipse will only be visible in a narrow band about 60 miles across, stretching diagonally across the country from a beach in Oregon to a beach in South Carolina. However, everyone in North America will see a partial solar eclipse, where a big “bite” will be taken out of the Sun.
This will be the first major U.S. eclipse of the Internet age, and most people will need clear reliable information on when and how to observe the eclipse of the Sun safely. Astronomers are hoping libraries will play a key role in getting this information out to their communities. Working with astronomy groups in their communities, they could also be a central place for safe observing.
Get an early start in preparing for this eclipse, how to explain it, how to observe it safely, and what role libraries can play in organizing and informing their communities.
Join us for a 45 minute webinar where you’ll get great information about the eclipse, and be able to ask questions about the role your library can play. Hosts: Dennis Schatz (NSTA, Pacific Science Center), and Andrew Fraknoi (Foothill College; co-author of a new book on eclipse education). Click here for an Eclipse FAQ sheet.

Dream Big to Build a Better World
2016-12-14
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Dream Big to Build a Better World
Engineers use their skills to solve problems and make the world a better place. Join Jeannine Finton from the American Society of Civil Engineers as she shares a variety of hands-on engineering resources, activities, presentation tips and techniques designed to make engineering fun for all ages. Find out how to connect with local engineers who may be able to assist with a program.

Eclipse 2017: The Outreach Event of the Decade
2017-01-25
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Eclipse 2017: The Outreach Event of the Decade
Join us for exciting updates to our last eclipse webinar in October. This webinar will repeat some of the information provided previously, plus offer eclipse programming and partner suggestions. In addition, you will learn more about the enhanced opportunities to participate made available by our new Moore Foundation funding.

Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA
2017-02-15
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Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA
NASA’s Universe of Learning astronomy education program is celebrating National Women’s History Month with the Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA project, which partners libraries with NASA scientists and educators to empower girls and their families in STEM! During the webinar, we will introduce Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA, discuss how to build girl-engagement into your programming, and demonstrate hands-on coding activity that uses real astronomical observations in the ways real astronomers do. We’ll also connect you to a suite of support materials, such as exhibits, activities, and even some posters inspired by the women depicted in new film Hidden Figures!

Playful Building
2017-03-01
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Playful Building
Librarians, camp programmers, and other out-of-school time facilitators are invited to join STAR_Net and the Lunar and Planetary Institute for two free professional development webinars on the Playful Building activities. Watch one or both webinars and receive connection information & directions to help you better participate in the activities during the webinar(s).
Playful Building: Simple Machines
This 30 minute webinar will model Team Machine, Water Wedges, and Levers at Play, as examples of simple machines that the children can plan, design, test, and revise. Elements of the engineering design process will be explored in each.
Playful Building: Design Challenges
This 60 minute webinar will explore the engineering design process through open-ended activities to design a park, a water filter, and a wind turbine. Participants will discuss various options for implementation, and share ideas in how to best conduct these programs

Celebrate Earth Day with NASA’s GLOBE Observer
2017-03-08
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Celebrate Earth Day with NASA’s GLOBE Observer
Learn how your library can celebrate our planet on Earth Day and beyond through NASA’s GLOBE Observer (GO) citizen science project. Library patrons can contribute to NASA Earth science by downloading the free GO app, observing the sky, and contributing their observations to this international program. GO cloud observations are helping NASA scientists understand clouds from below (the ground) and above (from space). Clouds play an important role in transferring energy from the Sun to different parts of the Earth system. Because clouds can change rapidly, scientists need frequent observations from citizen scientists.
In this interactive webinar, library staff will meet with a NASA scientist, Jessica Taylor, and educators, Sarah McCrea and Dorian Janney, to learn:

Why observing clouds and sky conditions is important to NASA
How NASA’s GLOBE Observer citizen science observations contribute to NASA science
How to do sky observations with the easy-to-use GLOBE Observer app: identify satellite overpass times, photograph clouds, record sky observations and compare them with NASA satellite images
What resources are available to support library programming on Earth Day 2017 and beyond

Earth Science for a Better World
2017-04-12
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Earth Science for a Better World
Librarians, camp programmers, and other out-of-school time facilitators are invited to join STAR_Net and the Lunar and Planetary Institute for two free professional development webinars on the STAR_Net Earth science activities.
Earth Science for a Better World, Part 1
Looking for fun activities related to your local environment? This 30-minute session will model and include discussions of these activities:

Fastest Dresser (http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/collections/DiscoverEarth/FastestDresser.pdf)
Race to dress in clothing and gear appropriate for a specific type of weather.
Nurturing Life (http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/collections/DiscoverEarth/NurturingLife.pdf)
Explore what living things need to survive and thrive by creating and caring for a garden.
Recipe for a Region (http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/collections/DiscoverEarth/RecipeForARegion.pdf)
Discuss how your climate influences the local agriculture, then identify a type of food unique to the region and select (and possibly make) a recipe that features that ingredient.

Earth Science for a Better World, Part 2
This 45-minute session will explore our watery world and changing climate with the following activities. Participants will discuss various options for implementation, and share ideas in how to best conduct these programs.

Catch the World’s Ocean (http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/collections/DiscoverEarth/CatchWorldsOceans.pdf)
Toss a soft Earth globe and record how often your thumb is on land or on ocean.
Ice-Y Experiences (http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/collections/DiscoverEarth/Ice-yExperiences.pdf)
Play “Ice Bingo” by finding other participants who have had the icy experiences matching those on the game cards.
Polar Bears Go with the Floes (http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/index.php?id_product=24&controller=product):
Play a board game in which chance and choice determine the fate of a polar bear on an ice floe.

Crowd-Pleasing Hands-on Activities for Your Eclipse Programs
2017-04-26
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Crowd-Pleasing Hands-on Activities for Your Eclipse Programs
Learn how to facilitate activities that will have your patrons asking, “Really!?!,” and exclaiming “That’s so cool!”
Sun Cookies are a sure crowd-pleaser — watch this webinar to see how these tasty treats can help young learners explore the Sun. Engage both youth and adults in out-of-this-world explorations of how our small Moon can eclipse the huge Sun. Experiment with integrating technology into your eclipse programs using online games as well as equipment you may already have on hand.

NASA Partnerships in Your Own Backyard
2017-06-07
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NASA Partnerships in Your Own Backyard
Join us to learn more about two NASA supported volunteer networks who are eager to partner with local public libraries!
The Night Sky Network and Solar System Ambassadors are volunteer organizations who can provide free or low cost programming to libraries in their region. Members of these networks include current and former NASA employees, industry retirees (Ball, Lockheed, etc), science teachers, and other general science enthusiasts! Participants in this webinar will learn more about these networks, hear success stories from existing library partnerships, and even learn how they can join these networks.

Eclipse Cultural Connections
2017-07-12
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Eclipse Cultural Connections
Join Isabel Hawkins, astronomer and educator with the Exploratorium of San Francisco, CA, to learn about cultural connections for the 2017 Great American Eclipse.

Safe Eclipse Viewing
2017-08-02
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Safe Eclipse Viewing
Join NCIL Staff and Doug Duncan, Director of the Fiske Planetarium at UC Boulder, to learn about ways to safely view the 2017 Great American Eclipse.
Note: Please be advised that there is a very small amount of adult language in one of the videos shared during the webinar (at the 34:00 mark). The language is from the reaction of people viewing a total eclipse for the first time. While it is important to show their genuine reaction to this amazing event, the language may not be suitable for children.

2017 Solar Eclipse
2017-08-21
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The Celestial Event of the Century
On August 21, 2017, a spectacular total eclipse of the Sun was visible across the continental U.S. for the first time since 1918. Every state had at least 65% of the Sun covered by the Moon, and lucky people on a narrow path from Oregon to South Carolina saw the stunning beauty of totality that they will remember all their lives.
By the Numbers
It is estimated that the STAR Net Library Eclipse Project allowed 6 million people to observe the event safely. Participating libraries were estimated to have conducted around 35,000 science programs before and during the eclipse, reaching approximately 1,750,000 people.

Cassini: The Grand Finale
2017-08-30
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Cassini: The Grand Finale
Join the STAR_Net team and Colin Mitchell, a Space Science Institute researcher on the Cassini mission, to learn more about Cassini’s Grand Finale and ways to integrate this event into your programming.

Celebrate Afterschool Partnerships with the 18th Annual “Lights On Afterschool!”
2017-09-09
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Celebrate Afterschool Partnerships with the 18th Annual “Lights On Afterschool!”
Libraries and afterschool programs make great partners. Every October, the afterschool field celebrates the important role these programs have in the lives of children, families, and communities. This year, on October 26, we want to make the celebration bigger and better than ever. Library-afterschool partnerships are an official theme of this year’s event—and we want to highlight the many ways libraries and afterschool programs are pairing up to provide engaging learning opportunities and critical supports to children and families across the country. Join us for this webinar to learn more about Lights On Afterschool, and how your library can participate.

Out-of-This-World Activities
2017-09-13
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Out-of-This-World Activities
Join STAR_Net and the Lunar and Planetary Institute to learn tips and tricks from LPI’s Explore program for engaging children, tweens, and families in space science with games, activities, and events.

International Observe The Moon Night
2017-10-04
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International Observe The Moon Night
International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN) is a worldwide, public celebration of lunar science and exploration held annually since 2010. On October 28, 2017, everyone on Earth is invited to observe and learn about the moon together, and to celebrate the cultural and personal connections we all have with Earth’s nearest neighbor. Want to learn more about this event and ways that your library can participate?
Join STAR_Net and Brian Day, NASA’s Lead for Citizen Science and Community Development at the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute, to learn more about this exciting international event and ways to integrate it into your library’s programming!

Hands-on Fun with STAR Net!
2017-11-08
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Hands-on Fun with STAR Net!
Hunting for activities for your library’s next STEM program? Look no further! Hands-on Fun with STAR Net will highlight several different hands-on activities from the STEM Activity Clearinghouse that were designed with the library setting in mind. Whether you are new to STEM programming or are already a “STEM Superstar”, we hope you will join us for tips, techniques, and loads of fun!

Social Media Tips from NASA
2017-11-15
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Social Media Tips from NASA
Social media can provide your library with a world of opportunity when it comes to promoting programs and disseminating information; yet, to many STEM professionals and library staff, social media is a daunting challenge. What kind of language should you use when creating a post? How do you find the best images and videos to share? What is the most effective way of delivering high quality scientific content? What platform is right for your library’s needs?
STAR Net is thrilled to host Jason Townsend, NASA’s Deputy Social Media Manager, for our upcoming webinar: Social Media Tips from NASA. Jason will pilot you through the universe of social media and share tips, advice, and lessons that he has learned from his experience directing some of the most-followed Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat accounts in the world. While your library’s Twitter account may not have 26.5 million followers, you will surely learn a few tips to help your library’s social media presence blast off!

Discover Exoplanets Pre-Application Webinar
2017-12-06
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Discover Exoplanets Pre-Application Webinar
Join us to learn more about the application process for being one of eight library and museum partner sites to host the inaugural national tour of the interactive traveling exhibition Discover Exoplanets: the Search for Alien Earths.

STEM Events for Your Library’s 2018 Programming
2017-12-13
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STEM Events for Your Library’s 2018 Programming
From Engineers Week to the launch of the NASA’s InSight Mars Lander, 2018 has an abundance of high-profile events that could tie into your library’s programming… and the time to start planning is now! Join the STAR Net team as we provide background information on 2018’s high-profile STEM events and unique ideas and helpful resources for integrating them into your programming schedule. Bring your questions and programming ideas to the chat box, too – we want to hear what your library is planning and what has worked successfully in the past. 2018 is the year that #STEMinLib really blasts off!

Building a Better Program for Engineers Week
2018-01-09
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Building a Better Program for Engineers Week
From the sidewalks that we walk on to the buildings that we work in, engineering is all around us. From February 18-24, your library will have a chance to learn about the importance of engineering and bring it to life for kids, educators, and parents in a week-long celebration known as Engineers Week. Join STAR Net to learn how YOU can bring engineering to your library during this exciting week-long event. We’ll go through several hands-on activities from the STEM Activity Clearinghouse that showcase how much fun it is to think, build, test, and do it again and will also learn why, when it comes it engineering, failure can be a good thing!

Project Outcome
2018-01-10
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Project Outcome
The Public Library Association’s field-driven initiative, Project Outcome, is a FREE online toolkit offering an innovative and easy-to-use platform for public libraries to measure the impact of their programs and services. For more details, click here. This webinar provides an overview of the toolkit and examples of how libraries have been able to benefit from using Project Outcome. Additionally, staff will share STEM specific questions available to libraries within the toolkit and allow time to discuss outcome measurement needs for STEM programming.

Celebrate 60 Years of Earth Observations with NASA
2018-03-06
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Celebrate 60 Years of Earth Observations with NASA
In its 60 year history, NASA has spent a great deal of time looking outward to find and learn about planets in our solar system and beyond. This Earth Day, however, our focus turns to the numerous NASA missions that study the planet that we live on and help us understand the Earth’s complex, dynamic systems. Join STAR Net, Marilé Colón Robles (NASA) and Jessica Taylor (NASA) to learn how you can celebrate Earth Day with NASA with programming ideas for children, teens, and adults!

Off to Mars! Programming Ideas for the Insight Launch
2018-04-03
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Off to Mars! Programming Ideas for the Insight Launch
On May 5, InSight will begin its six-month journey from the coast of California to the plains of Mars. Once it lands, it will use seismic instruments to explore the interior of Mars in ways that we’ve never “seen” before! Join the STAR Net team and guest presenter Steve Lee (Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Space Science Institute) to learn all about this exciting, innovative mission and fun ways to celebrate its launch and landing at your library!

2018 Project BUILD
2018-04-14 - 2018-04-15
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2018 Project BUILD Workshop
View the above Flikr Photo Gallery for this past event.
Visit the Project BUILD page for more info on this project.

2018 NASA@ My Library
2018-05-01 - 2018-05-03
View Workshop Photo Gallery
2018 NASA@ My Library Workshop
View the above Flikr Photo Gallery for this past event.
Visit the NASA@ My Library page for more info on this project.

Mars InSight Lander
2018-05-05
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Investigating the Red Planet’s Interior Structure
The Mars Insight Lander touched down on Mars at around noon Pacific (3 p.m. Eastern) on Nov. 26, 2018. The lander plunged through the thin Martian atmosphere, heatshield first, and use a parachute to slow down. Then, it fired its retro rockets to slowly descend to the surface of Mars, and land on the smooth plains of Elysium Planitia
InSight, short for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, is a Mars lander designed to give the Red Planet its first thorough checkup since it formed 4.5 billion years ago. It is the first outer space robotic explorer to study in-depth the “inner space” of Mars: its crust, mantle, and core.
Studying Mars’ interior structure answers key questions about the early formation of rocky planets in our inner solar system – Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars – more than 4 billion years ago, as well as rocky exoplanets. InSight also measures tectonic activity and meteorite impacts on Mars today.

The Parker Solar Probe Launch: How Will Your Library Be Involved?
2018-05-17
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The Parker Solar Probe Launch: How Will Your Library Be Involved?
In the summer of 2018, NASA will launch the Parker Solar Probe. This small, car-sized spacecraft will travel into the Sun’s atmosphere, within four million miles of our star’s surface. Join Space Science Institute’s Brooks Mitchell and Dr. Paul Dusenbery to learn all about NASA’s first mission to “touch” the Sun and ways that your library can be involved.

Reaching New Audiences with Community Dialogues
2018-05-23
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Reaching New Audiences with Community Dialogues
Staff at the National Center for Interactive Learning at the Space Science Institute have developed a Community Dialogue Strategy to empower public libraries to examine their existing practices, and reach out to their community to ensure that their library is a welcoming and safe environment. This strategy was developed and tested with funds from the National Institutes of Health, NASA and National Science Foundation as part of the STAR Library Education Network. Community Dialogues encourage libraries to ask the questions “who is missing from my library” and “who in the community would be a great partner for my library.” In this webinar, participants will learn more about this innovative strategy, and hear from public library staff who have made positive changes to their practice based on results from their own Dialogues.
