STEM in Libraries for Kids

What do you think of when you think of STEM? Homemade erupting volcanoes? Building with a modern-day erector set? STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In recent years, STEM has become a very big focus in the library world. What STEM encompasses grows every year as technology expands.

With your Mercer County Library System card, you are able to access a multitude of STEM-based online resources. One such resource is Fiero Code. If your child wants to learn more about coding, Fiero Code is a great choice. They offer self-paced courses that are labeled by skill level and there are games that make coding fun to learn for children. The challenges offered are good ways to practice and reinforce what was taught in the courses. In addition, Fiero Code lets its users design their own games, websites and other creative outlets. And it’s not only for kids – Fiero Code also offers courses for different careers.

MCLS has a wide variety of STEM based materials available to be checked out. For example, there are books that have simple science experiments to attempt at home. There are also Launchpads (tablets that do not need an internet connection) that are pre-loaded with science and math-based games. For screen-free learning, you can try our science and math-themed Whazoodles. They are a good alternative to our Launchpads, offering audio-only games, stories and activities.

Book Recommendations

• “STEM Activity Lab: Fantastic Projects for Young Scientists” by Jack Challoner; ISBN: 9780593843796

• STEM Detective series by William Anthony

• Everyday STEM by multiple authors

• “Outdoor Activity Lab: Exciting STEM Projects for Budding Scientists” by Jack Challoner; ISBN: 9780593964255

• “How Slippery is a Banana Peel?” by Rebecca Donnelly; ISBN: 9781250256867

  

• “How to Code a Rollercoaster” by Josh Funk; ISBN: 9780425292037
  

Whazoodle Recommendations

• “Make It Count!” by Playaway Products, LLC issuing body; ISBN: 9798822687226

• “Cosmic Quest” by Playaway Products, LLC issuing body; ISBN: 9798822686236

• “Hello Every Body!” by Playaway Products, LLC issuing body; ISBN: 9798822686250

Launchpad Recommendations

• “Minds in Motion” by Playaway Launchpad (Firm), publisher. Findaway World, LLC, distributor. ISBN: 9781987158090

• “Build It. Fix It. Fun!” by Findaway World, LLC.ISBN: 9781987157611

MCLS branches offer a number of STEM based programs for children. At the Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Sensory Science takes place Mondays at 11am. The Hickory Corner Branch offers School Age STEAM one Monday a month at 4:30pm. Many of the branches present programming with mTiny robots. Visit our events calendar to learn more!

Here at the West Windsor Branch, there’s Little STEAMers twice a month on Thursdays at 10am and 11am. Little STEAMers covers different topics each time we meet. For our elementary-age patrons, we have STEM Experiment Night one Wednesday a month at 6:30pm. Kids participate in conducting experiments on that night’s topic. For example, at one STEM Experiment Night, we talked about balance. Everyone then performed different balance challenges to reinforce what we learned. Other subjects covered include coding, light, shadows, different life cycles, and many more.

-Kelsey, West Windsor Branch