Explore STEM Concepts at the Library

Explore STEM concepts at the library! STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, is a multidisciplinary and inquiry-based teaching approach that encourages hands-on learning to help students build critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills (Virginia Department of Education). Dive into the wonderful world of STEM with several regular programs for children, teens, and families at the library. Read on to find out more!

While our STEM programs vary, all of them encourage young learners to tackle new challenges, be curious, experiment with ideas, collaborate with peers, and, most importantly, have fun! In addition to the series listed below, you can browse more programs by selecting the Science, Technology, and Computer Class categories in your search of our online calendar.

• Elementary Explorers
  • Held monthly at Varina Library
  • Next Session: Wednesday, April 19, 4-5PM
  • Audience: Elementary (K-5)

• Teen Thing
  • Held monthly at Sandston Library
  • Next Session: Tuesday, April 27, 4:15-5:15PM
  • Audience: Tweens & Teens (grades 4-12)

• STEM Series
  • Held regularly at North Park Library
  • Next Session: Saturday, May 6, 2-4PM
  • Audience: Tweens & Teens (grades 4-12)

• STEAM Basics (The A is for Art!)
  • Held monthly at Sandston Library
  • Next Session: Tuesday, May 16, 4-5PM
  • Audience: Elementary (K-5)

• The Maker’s Lab
  • Held regularly at Varina Library
  • Next Session: Monday, June 26, 6:30-8PM
  • Audience: Tweens & Teens (grades 4-12)

• Family Maker Lab
  • Held regularly at Fairfield Library
  • Next Session: Saturday, July 15, 2:30-3:30PM
  • Audience: All Ages

• 3D Printing
  • Held regularly at locations with a Digital Media Lab
  • Fairfield, Libbie Mill, Tuckahoe, Twin Hickory, Varina
  • Audience: Kindergarten – Adult
  • Visit our Digital Media Lab page for more details about how to submit and print 3D designs at the library!

• Podcasting
  • Held regularly at locations with a Digital Media Lab
  • Fairfield, Libbie Mill, Tuckahoe, Twin Hickory, Varina
  • Audience: Kindergarten – Adult

COLLECTION

Our collection is another great place to find STEM resources for you and your family. Below are just a few of our recommendations:

KIDS

• Cutting Edge Careers in STEM series by Colin Hynson and Chris Oxlade
• Great STEM Projects: Tried-and-True Experiments for All Budding Scientists by Jack Challoner
• STEM Junior series by Jonathan O’Callaghan
• Unofficial Minecraft STEM Lab for Kids: Family-Friendly Projects for Exploring Concepts in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math by John Miller
• STEAM Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Hands-On Projects Using Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math by Liz Lee Heinecke

TEENS

• Chemistry: Investigate the Matter that Makes Up Your World by Carla Mooney
• Creative Coding in Python: 30+ Programming Projects in Art, Games, and More by Sheena Vaidyanathan
• Engineering Made Simple: A Complete Guide in Ten Easy Lessons by Michael McRae
• Experiments series by Robert Gardner
• The Way Things Work Now: From Levers to Lasers, Windmills to Wi-Fi, a Visual Guide to the World of Machines by David Macaulay