STAR Library Network

Summer of Space
2019-06-01 - 2019-08-31
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Celebrating 60 Years of Space Exploration
In the summer of 2019, 16,000 libraries across the country celebrated space exploration in their summer reading programs. The slogan “A Universe of Stories” was chosen by library professionals to help inspire children of all ages to dream big, believe in themselves, and create their own story. The Collaborative Summer Library Program and STAR Net partnered to share STEM resources with these libraries.
The 2019 summer learning program coincided with NASA’s 60 years of achievement and its celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing.

Getting Apollo Astronauts to the Moon and Safely Back to Earth
2019-07-09
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Getting Apollo Astronauts to the Moon and Safely Back to Earth
Note: This webinar is brought to you by NASA’s Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division (Johnson Space Center)
President John Kennedy committed America to landing men on the Moon by 1970 with the words: “I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth.” Mr. Woodfill will share his story of fulfilling the President’s words as the Apollo Program Spacecraft Warning System Engineer to return “him safely to the Earth.” The presentation explains how a young 23 year old Rice University Electrical Engineering graduate was able to not only overcome technical problems that might have led to the crew perishing but also saving Neil Armstrong’s Moonwalk from a catastrophic failure.

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing
2019-07-15
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Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing
What was the sequence of this incredible mission? Where on the Moon did they land? And how did they return safely to Earth?
Watch a guided recreation of Apollo 11’s journey to see how this mission was executed by crew members and mission control in Houston.
This live OpenSpace webcast was brought to you by the STAR Library Network’s NASA@ My Library program in partnership with the American Museum of Natural History.

50th Anniversary of Apollo Moon Landing
2019-07-20
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Humanity’s First Step Onto Another World
What was the sequence of this incredible mission? Where on the Moon did they land? And how did they return safely to Earth?

Watch a guided recreation (video to your right) of Apollo 11’s journey to see how this mission was executed by crew members and mission control in Houston.
Did your library view the live or recorded webcast? If so, please take a moment to complete the AMNH OpenSpace Audience Survey.
This live OpenSpace webcast was brought to you by the STAR Library Network’s NASA@ My Library program in partnership with the American Museum of Natural History.

2019 Computational Thinking
2019-07-23 - 2019-07-24
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2019 Computational Thinking Workshop
View the above Flikr Photo Gallery for this past event.

NASA In-flight Education Downlink
2019-08-09
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Connecting Kids with Astronauts Through Libraries
Slover Library, one of the most technologically advanced libraries in Virginia, was selected by NASA to host a live In-flight Education Downlink on August 9, 2019 from the International Space Station with NASA astronaut Nick Hague. Note: Nick is replacing Christina and Drew as the participating astronaut for this event.
In the summer of 2019, 16,000 libraries across the country will celebrate space exploration in their summer reading programs. The slogan “A Universe of Stories” was chosen by library professionals to help inspire children of all ages to dream big, believe in themselves, and create their own story. Visit STAR Net’s Summer of Space webpage for resources that can be utilized in your summer learning program.
Note: This downlink event, co-sponsored by the STAR Library Network (STAR Net) and its NASA@ My Library program, will be streamed live nationally so that other public libraries can organize their own viewing event.

Computational Thinking in Your Library - Day 1
2019-08-27
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Computational Thinking in Your Library
What do you think of when you hear the term, “Computational Thinking?” It’s more than just working with computers! Computational Thinking is a mindset and a way of approaching critical thinking that can be used to solve problems across every aspect of our lives. In this modern age, it is more and more important for all community members to develop these pivotal thinking skills – that’s where libraries come in!
In our 2019-2020 STAR Net Webinar Series Kick-off, we’ll be taking a look at Computational Thinking and ways that libraries can integrate this concept into their STEM programming. On Day 1, we’ll be taking a look at Computational Thinking concepts and low-cost, low-material activities that do not require a computer. On Day 2, we’ll be joined by Eric Stroshane, Library Development Manager for the North Dakota State Library, to discuss ways to start coding clubs and showcase digital resources for high quality activities. Both webinars will feature a guest speaker, Tai Hutchinson, Manager of Community Partnerships & Outreach, from Girls Who Code.

Computational Thinking in Your Library - Day 2
2019-08-28

Ready, Set, Create! How Engineers and Libraries Can Collaborate to Make a World of Difference
2019-10-01
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Ready, Set, Create! How Engineers and Libraries Can Collaborate to Make a World of Difference
From the sidewalks that we walk on to the buildings that we work in, engineering is all around us. Libraries are a wonderful place for patrons to learn about engineering due to their inclusive nature, inquisitive staff, and informal atmosphere. Join the STAR Library Network as we go over resources, hands-on activities, and lessons-learned from Project BUILD, a collaborative project between STAR Net, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the University of Virginia (UVA).
Project BUILD engages youth, their families, librarians, and professional engineers in an informal learning environment with age-appropriate, technology-rich STEM learning experiences fundamental to the Engineering Design Process. We’ll hear from both librarians and engineers that were involved in the project, and learn how they were able to work together to show library patrons that engineering. We’ll discuss how we implemented this project on a nation-wide scale while simultaneously staying regionally relevant, and how library patrons learned that failure is OK – and encouraged! – when using the Engineering Design Process.

Lights On Afterschool
2019-10-24
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Celebrating Library-Afterschool Partnerships
Public libraries and afterschool programs share the common goal of providing safe and enriching environments for participating children and engaging families in their communities.
Across the country, 10.2 million kids attend afterschool programs where they have access to a healthy snack or a meal, academic help, and enrichment activities like reading, STEM, and art. Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families, and communities.
This year afterschool-library partnerships are continuing to be celebrated as an official theme for Lights On Afterschool! This is a great opportunity to showcase a afterschool or summer program that you run out of your library, highlight a partnership you already have, or begin a new partnership with an afterschool program for the first time for a Lights On Afterschool event, October 24.

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.

235th AAS Meeting
2020-01-04 - 2020-01-08
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235th American Astronomical Society
The AAS was established in 1899 and based in Washington, DC. Our membership of about 7,700 individuals also includes physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers, and others whose research and educational interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising the astronomical sciences.
Mission and Vision
The mission of the AAS is to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe.
Impact
The AAS seeks to increase public support for scientific research, improve science education at all levels, attract young people to careers in science and technology, and make evident the connections between science, technology, and prosperity.

Grappling with Unconscious Bias in the Library Setting
2020-01-21
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Grappling with Unconscious Bias in the Library Setting
The STAR Library Network is thrilled to welcome Ava Holliday and Aparna Rajagopal, Founding Partners of The Avarna Group (theavarnagroup.com), to help us kick-off the 2020 STAR Net Webinar Series with a special 90 minute webinar on a very important topic: unconscious (or implicit) bias. No matter how good our intentions may be, we are all susceptible to forming social stereotypes about certain groups of people outside of our own conscious awareness. The library setting is a place of equitable and inclusive lifelong learning, and by better understanding unconscious bias and the role it plays in our libraries, we can better serve our communities.
In this 90 minute webinar, guest presenters from The Avarna Group will introduce the framework of unconscious bias to describe some of the challenges that well-intentioned people who are doing good JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, inclusion) work face. This webinar will examine ways that bias manifests in two lenses: our individual thoughts and actions, and also within specific aspects of your library, including programming, the built environment, collections, and more. Webinar participants will walk away with a more clear understanding of how unconscious bias functions and how to identify and mitigate it.

Our Planet: EARTH
2020-02-20
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Our Planet: EARTH
April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! The STAR Net team is celebrating this momentous occasion with the Our Planet: Earth campaign, focusing on citizen science and Earth science opportunities during the whole month of April. Join us to learn about free hands-on STEM activities, programming ideas, how to harness the power of teens in environmental advocacy, and ways your library can take action for a sustainable world!

Community Dialogues for Our Planet: EARTH
2020-03-10
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Community Dialogues for Our Planet: EARTH
Thank you for committing to participate in a Community Dialogue in support of Earth Day’s 50th anniversary. Community Dialogue’s were developed by the STAR Library Network to encourage libraries to reach out to leaders (and movers and shakers) in their communities to enact positive change across multiple community organizations. This webinar will help you understand the basics of Community Dialogues, explain the research project the STAR Net team is conducting on the model, and provide information about (minimal) required reporting for these events.

Beg, Borrow, and Steal…
2020-03-12
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Beg, Borrow, and Steal… Multi-generational STEAM Programming Ideas for Our Planet: EARTH
This April, Citizen Science Month and the 50th anniversary of Earth day will coincide, leading to a world of opportunities for STEAM engagement at your library. By hosting Earth science programs that are age inclusive, you can help patrons see your library as a place for engaging family learning. Join the STAR Library Network and guest presenter Jenny Shonk (Finger Lakes Library System, NY) for this sixty minute webinar that will showcase hands-on, multi-generational programming ideas with an Earth science twist. In addition to going over tips, ideas, and resources, we’ll also turn to you – the audience – for a facilitated discussion so that we can all “beg, borrow, and steal” multi-generational programming ideas, resources, and expertise from each other!

Bringing the Stories of the Skies to Your Library
2020-04-09
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Bringing the Stories of the Skies to Your Library
The 2020 Collaborative Summer Library Program, Imagine Your Story, provides plenty of opportunities to tie STEAM into your library’s summer programming, including any virtual or digital programs that your library may now be offering. The starry skies have plenty of fascinating stories to tell; all you need are resources and strategies for bringing them to life!
Join STAR Net, Christine Shupla (Lunar and Planetary Institute), and Elizabeth Nicolai (Anchorage Public Library) for this 1-hour webinar that will help you connect constellation legends and myths into your programs by learning about the stories – both fact and fiction! – of specific astronomical objects, constellations, and planetary bodies. We will also cover hands-on activities that your patrons can do at home and online platforms and digital resources that you can utilize to conduct virtual programs. This webinar will conclude with a group discussion (via chat) about how your library is pivoting for their summer STEAM programming.

Virtual Programs 101: Behind the Scenes with STAR Net
2020-05-28
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Virtual Programs 101: Behind the Scenes with STAR Net
Are you gearing up to conduct virtual programs at your library and looking for tips, guidance, strategies, and resources? Join the STAR Library Network for a “behind the scenes” look into how we facilitate our own virtual programs – the STAR Net Webinar Series! While nothing can replace a face-to-face interaction, virtual programs can open up new opportunities for learners that may not have access to the library’s in-person resources. They can also allow your library staff to still engage with regular patrons during the COVID-19 crisis. During this webinar, we will have an open and honest conversation about how we consider audience needs for webinars and choose a platform that is right for them. We’ll also discuss managing inevitable technical problem and creating a warm, welcoming environment where people feel comfortable learning. We’ll save plenty of time in this webinar to hear from YOU – we want to hear what helps you stay engaged while viewing a webinar and what strategies, tips, or resources have you found useful in conducting virtual programs at your library!

Sky Stories
2020-06-01 - 2020-08-31
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Constellations: Science and Stories in the Sky
Summer is the finest part of the year for stargazing because it offers warm nights and the beauty of the Milky Way running straight overhead. The constellations we see have been passed down to us across generations with patterns that reflect different stories from around the world.
As part of STAR Net‘s Sky Stories campaign, the American Museum of Natural History’s own Carter Emmart demonstrated how to identify the constellations and introduce you to a few of these stories while exploring some of the science behind the familiar patterns in the sky.
This live OpenSpace webcast was brought to you by the STAR Library Network’s NASA@ My Library program in partnership with the Lunar and Planetary Institute, the American Library Association, and the American Museum of Natural History.

STAR Net’s STEAM Equity Project Pre-Application Webinar
2020-06-16
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STAR Net’s STEAM Equity Project Pre-Application Webinar
This free webinar is for library workers interested in bringing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programming to their libraries. Learn more about the STAR Library Network’s STEAM Equity Project, a grant offering that will help public library workers in small and rural communities offer outstanding, culturally responsive STEAM programming and exhibitions for their patrons, especially often-underreached Latino populations. Twelve public libraries will receive $15,000 over four years (winter 2020 – summer 2024) to participate in professional development activities, support community partnerships and purchase STEAM learning materials.
In this session, you will meet the STEAM Equity project partners, learn about the project timeline and how to apply to become a participating library, and learn about STEAM programming that you can bring to your library today. This project will have a unique two-step application process: we are asking interested libraries to submit a short Notice of Intent (NOI) now to determine eligibility and a full application later in the year. The deadline for submitting an NOI is July 20, 2020. The STEAM Equity Project is offered by the ALA Public Programs Office and Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services, in collaboration with the National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL) at the Space Science Institute (project lead), Twin Cities PBS (TPT) and their SciGirls program, the Institute for Learning Innovation (ILI), and the Educational Development Center (EDC).

Virtual Night Sky Programs for “Imagine Your Story”
2020-06-18
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Virtual Night Sky Programs for “Imagine Your Story”
Join STAR Net and the Lunar and Planetary Institute to hear stories about the constellations and night sky features in view this summer, and learn about ways that YOU can bring these “sky stories” to your patrons for the 2020 Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) summer reading theme, “Imagine Your Story.” We will demonstrate how to facilitate virtual programs about constellations and the night sky for your patrons using free, downloadable software (Stellarium) paired with interactive, low-material, at-home activities.

2020 ALA Virtual Conference
2020-06-24 - 2020-06-26
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2020 Virtual Conference
Join ALA in this virtual space as we learn, grow, and most importantly, lean on our fellow librarians and library workers while we adapt and evolve in these changing times.
SESSION INFORMATION:
Working with Subject Matter Experts in YOUR Community – Promising Practices and Where to Start
Thursday, June 25, 2020 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM CT
The STAR Library Network, as part of the Space Science Institute’s NASA@ My Library Program, is excited to share lessons learned working with Subject Matter Experts from NASA, universities, schools and other organizations. What is a Subject Matter Expert? It’s someone in YOUR neighborhood who loves a particular topic. A Night Sky Ambassador who wants to share the night sky with your patrons. A geologist who wants to let you display their rock collection. Or even a retired engineer who worked on the Apollo mission and wants to chat! Learn how to take advantage of these (often free!) community resources in this session.
The STAR Net team will introduce its successful Community Dialogue Framework, a tool to learn more about your community, and the community members who want to work with you. We’ll also hear from libraries who have successfully worked with community members on programming, and get a taste of a new virtual scientist program that you could start in your library!
Event Highlights:

educational sessions available in an on-demand format
notable featured speakers
COVID-19 information for libraries
live chats with authors
live-streamed presentations
a virtual Exhibit Hall
networking opportunities with peers via social activities

Take Your Patrons to Mars
2020-07-07
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Take Your Patrons to Mars
NASA is about to launch the Mars 2020 mission – and now is the time to get your patrons excited! The Perseverance rover will launch between July 30-August 15, 2020, and will land on Mars in February 2021. Invite your patrons to participate in its journey! Hear from NASA Mars scientists, learn some activities you can conduct online or in-person, and make plans to hold your own virtual (or in-person) launch or landing parties!
During this webinar, we’ll be joined by Dr. Candice Bedford, who studies sedimentary and volcanic processes that provide insight into the ancient and modern geology of Mars. She is a collaborator on the Mars Curiosity Rover’s CheMin instrument, and a member of the SAND-E Mars analog mission science team. Her research has taken her to Mars analog sites in Iceland to participate in the SAND-E rover field trials.

Earth Citizen Science with GLOBE Observer
2020-08-27
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Earth Citizen Science with GLOBE Observer
Any day can be Earth Day when you celebrate our beautiful home planet! A great way to show your appreciation for Earth is to participate in citizen science projects that help us all learn more about how the world works and how to keep it healthy.
Join us and learn about GLOBE Observer citizen science and resources to support your library programs. Hear from library staff about how they have involved their patrons in citizen science and learn about ways your community can participate safely and remotely.

Closing the Gender Gap
2020-09-01
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Closing the Gender Gap: Developing Gender Equitable STEAM Programs
Are you interested in making your library programs more equitable, where all patrons can “see themselves” in your STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities? STAR Net is teaming up with the Emmy-award winning PBS SciGirls to explore the importance of gender equitable programs where all patrons can develop positive STEAM identities. Be part of the change in closing the gender gap by offering empowering programs and activities that strengthen girls’ interest and confidence in STEAM, and learn strategies that use the latest research in engaging all patrons in science learning.
This webinar will include an activity demonstration for you to follow along at home. To participate, please have the following household items handy.
At least three materials from this list:

Plastic wrap, tissues, paper towels, plastic bags, tissue paper, coffee filters, handkerchiefs
1 toy minifigure (LEGO, for example)
String or thread
Scissors
Tape
Paper and pencil

GLOBE Observer Citizen Science Public Training
2020-09-03
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GLOBE Observer Citizen Science Public Training
Librarians and Library Lovers! Join the NASA GLOBE Mission Mosquito team for a special event for you and your patrons.
Meet author and scientist Lisa Gardener for a reading from Zika Zine. You’ll also learn about the making of this humorous and educational graphic novel for readers from k to grey. Then scientist Rusty Low will show you how to use the GLOBE Observer free mobile app to identify the mosquito larvae you find in your neighborhood. Leave ready to join the project and knowing where to find resources for the library and at home.
Download the GLOBE Observer app, register with your email, and bring your smart phone.
