What is STEAM? STEAM is an educational approach to teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. Instead of teaching each subject separately, STEAM projects incorporate aspects of all five studies.
The STEAM Clubs at the library are designed for children ages 9 and up. STEAM Club Science will meet at 4:30 on the second Monday of every month and STEAM Club Art will meet on the fourth Monday of every month. Of course, at the library, we are going to encourage one more element … Reading! (That would make it STREAM)
Here are some of the very best STEAM books that you can find at the O’Fallon Public library.
Non-Fiction
Awesome Science Experiments for Kids has over 100 interactive activities and experiments for kids to learn how to apply the scientific method. The book is divided into chapters that focus on each of the fields in STEAM. Children will be challenged to engineer a balloon powered car and use elements of art and math in the design. They will learn to use science and technology to create a lemon powered light. “This book is designed to be like real life by showing the interplay among all of the STEAM fields.” Each experiment uses simple household object, has step-by-step instructions, and asks questions to foster curiosity. Children and adults alike will have fun while making new discoveries!
Maker Lab Outdoors has twenty-five science projects and experiments to be done outside to spark kids’ creativity and help them develop science skills through hands-on learning. Make a rain gauge, a colorful butterfly feeder, or even a water powered rocket out of plastic soda bottles. Construct a periscope or an air cannon out of cardboard boxes. Templates, instructions and full color pictures are provided for each project. The tools are simple and the possibilities for learning are endless.
Fiction
Ada Twist is a very curious girl who for years did not speak. One day, as her parents try to stop her from climbing the grandfather clock, she uttered her first word, “Why?” That opens the door to more questions, then to experiments to figure out her world and then … her experiments go a little too far and Ada is banished to the “Thinking Chair.” Her time thinking eventually leads to her family and friends helping her to find answers to many of her hardest questions. The rhythm and rhyme of the text and the detailed illustrations, make this book an inspiration for all developing scientists.
“Ramon loved to draw. Anytime. Anything. Anywhere” This beautiful short story reminds the reader that sometimes people learn more from engaging in the process than they do from creating a perfect final product. Words from his brother tore Ramon down, but words from his sister encouraged him, lifted him up and helped him see his drawings in a whole new way. This story challenges budding artists and writers to put away their “I can’t” mindset.
The O'Fallon Public Library News 