Students gathered in the library to see the unveiling of the STEM skills project -- a set of eight maker stations, where students can tinker and play and, most importantly, learn. The project is funded by a
Learning Links grant that librarian Mrs. Behen applied for last year. At the stations, students can build robots, create items with duct tape, make origami and greeting cards, and learn to knit, all during their study halls, free bells, and before and after school.
One popular station was robotics, where after students built little robotic devices, they put them to the test -- head-on!
Library opens Maker Stations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og6gixc-I0U
The stations will be open throughout the year for students to develop their STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills.

Name of Program: Discover Your STEM Skills: Explore, Learn, and Create In the Library
Description: This project creates space in the school’s library for a STEM inspired Maker
Space of eight stations. Our all-girl student population will discover their creative skills and
STEM abilities by making robots and electronic accessories, duct tape accessories, knitting, origami, and greeting cards. In addition, reading technical books and manuals found in each station, along with following instructions, satisfies Common Core standards. The stations will be available in the Library throughout the school year where students can participate at their convenience during study halls, free bells, and before and after school. Also, formal demonstrations and events will occur during National Library Week in April 2015.
Rationale: The need for girls to increase their Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematic skills (STEM) is discussed daily in the media, research, and schools. Tinkering, playing, and creating will help develop STEM interests and skills, and ultimately confidence, for girls to pursue higher-level courses and goals.
Goal: Develop STEM interest, skills, and confidence in our students
Objectives:
Provide opportunities for students to tinker and discover
Satisfy Common Core standards for reading and comprehending technical books and manuals
Transform the perception of the Library as a warehouse of information and reading into one that views the Library as a dynamic space where users can create and develop STEM skills
Inspire students beyond typical classroom assignments and projects to discover skills and interests
Provide opportunities for students to play and relax together
 Mindstorm Robot EV3
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Robotic kits
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Duct Tape Crafts
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Origami
 Bracelet making
 Knitting
 3D printing
 magnetic poetry
 Greeting cards