STEAM @ Prospect Heights Public Library

Posted February 02, 2015 10:00 pm

Prospect Heights Public Library District

STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics. The idea of emphasizing these subjects is driven by the business community, with the goal of preparing an agile and competitive workforce. At the Prospect Heights Public Library our STEAM programs motivate children of all ages to learn science, technology, engineering, art/design and math concepts by engaging them in hands on project-based activities.

Our monthly STEAM: Explorers programs, started and developed by Prospect Heights Public Library's Pre-School Liaison Julie Rodrian, engage children in integrated learning as they explore the world around them, create innovative solutions to problems and communicate their results. Mrs. Rodrian has been running science based programs since she started at the Library seven years ago.

Each month a book is read aloud to introduce a new subject being highlighted and other books are available to be investigated afterwards. Once the activities are explained, the children are free to go station to station exploring.

STEAM programs are designed for three levels of ability. The STEAM: Early Explorers program is on the first Monday of each month from 11:00 - 11:30 am and is set up for children Birth-Kindergarten with the help of an adult. STEAM: Junior Explorers runs on the first Friday of each month from 4:00 - 5:00 pm, and is designed for children in Grades K-2. The STEAM: Master Explorers program falls on the third Friday of each month from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. This program is geared toward children in Grades 3-6. While each program highlights similar topics, each level is more challenging and delves deeper into the concepts in which they are exploring.

In addition, the Library offers STEM Stuff with Science Dad, an interactive family program, and a STEAM Discovery Table with activities to explore while they visit. The table is self-directed, and provides a learning experience as well as entertainment.

For more information contact the Prospect Heights Public Library at 847-259-3500 or visit their website: www.phpl.info.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.