The following article was submitted by Manitowoc Public Library employees Betty Schwede, a Youth Services Associate, and Susie Menk, a Youth Services Librarian.
Libraries—so much more than books!
Manitowoc Public Library loves to be on the cutting edge of technology and our teachers and homeschool parents get the benefit of our knowledge. Our most recent update is something called STEAM Kits. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. These are branches of learning that have recently become a focus in education. Many educators believe that children need more exposure to these branches to be well-rounded individuals and to open them up to potential new career options.
Betty Schwede and Suzie Menk
Through generous donations and budgeted library funds, MPL has been able to purchase several different types of learning-based technology toys. While the Library loves to share our tech on-site, we recognize that teachers and homeschool parents can benefit from using these tech toys, as well. Thus, the STEAM Kits were born! These kits have been put together with educators in mind. The kits include multiple tech toys, so they can be used in a classroom setting. There are also lesson plans available for use with these kits, and there are additional online links to extended learning focused on each specific tech toy.
We currently have seven different types of tech toys for use in seven separate kits and one kit that focuses on teaching coding without using any technology whatsoever. Kits currently available are Ozobots, Bloxels, 3D Doodler pens, Squishy Circuits, Snapinos, Meeper Bots and Makey Makey. Several of the kits focus on circuits and building or coding with circuits. Some kits focus more on creating art, while others focus on game creation or coding robots. Each kit is self-contained and ready to use, although teachers will need to provide their own iPads or laptop computers.
Kits can be borrowed for up to four weeks. MPL staff members are available for interactive classroom demonstrations upon request. We’re only a phone call or an email away for answering questions or troubleshooting any problems that may arise while using the kits.
“That sounds incredible!” you say, but how do teachers and homeschool parents get their hands on one of these awesome kits? On our newly redesigned website, go to “Services.” This will open a page where you can select “Educators”. Once you’re on the “Educators” page, locate the STEAM Kits Request Form. Fill out the form and submit it. Once completed, this form will go directly to the Youth Department and will be filled in the order it is received. That’s really all there is to it! STEAM Kits need to be picked up and returned to the Youth Services Desk. Teachers and homeschool parents are responsible for making sure all items are back in the kit when it is returned. To make the process more manageable, every kit includes an inventory sheet.
Manitowoc Public Library is happy to help teachers and homeschool parents extend their student’s knowledge in fun and exciting new ways. STEAM Kits are just one more way that the Library supports our community!
