Archives for STEAM learning

Igloo VR Programs (April-May)

Igloo VR Programs (April-May)

Attention all patrons! Get ready for a journey like no other as the Library invites you to explore new and exciting virtual experiences with our newly installed panoramic video room, the “Optimum Technology Room,” which uses technology installed by Igloo Vision. Thanks to the support of Optimum and the White Plains Library Foundation, we are now able to bring you 360 virtual reality content without the need for a headset. You'll be able to experience 360 videos, interactive immersive apps, 360 slideshows and more, all projected onto three walls in the room. Igloo Virtual Tour – Venice: Thursday, April 6,
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March 27, 2023 12:58 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: adults, all ages, children's events, events, Igloo, Igloo Room, STEAM, STEAM activities, STEAM learning, technology, teens, The Edge, The Trove, trove events, and virtual reality.

STEAMy Summer Days for Gr. 6-12, M-Th through 8/4

STEAMy Summer Days for Gr. 6-12, M-Th through 8/4

Attend one or all of our STEAM activities for grades 6-12 this summer! No registration is required, pop-in anytime during the program to participate.  See below for each week's activities. July 25-28, 1:00-4:00 pm: Coding Using p5.js, with Yiping Dong Day 1: Do an instructional drawing (making a image a partner described) Day 2: Make a fun random face generator Day 3: Make a clock or something creative with the time reading functions Day 4: Make a pong game August 1-4, 1:00-4:00 pm, 3D Design & Printing Projects with Elijah Lederman Day 1: Keychain/Jewelry Design Day 2: Dream House Design
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July 22, 2022 9:55 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: edge events, STEAM, STEAM activities, STEAM learning, STEAM learning for teens, STEAM program, STEAMy Summer Days, STEAMy Summer in the Edge, summer reading, teen events, and Teen events in White Plains.

STEAM Activity: Butterfly Life Cycle

STEAM Activity: Butterfly Life Cycle

Summer is a wonderful time to learn about insects such as butterflies. This STEAM project will engage young patrons in learning about the stages of a butterfly, which include eggs, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly. This is a great opportunity for children to engage in creating a life cycle craft. You can also use the websites and books provided below to learn more about the life cycle of a butterfly. Materials Paper plates Green construction paper/marker (to create a leaf) small white cotton balls (to create the eggs) Green and yellow pipe cleaners (to create a caterpillar) Brown pipe cleaners or
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July 12, 2022 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: activities for kids, butterflies, STEAM, STEAM activities, STEAM books, and STEAM learning.

May Technology Events

May Technology Events

For Adults & Parents Individual Tech Help Wednesday, May 11th, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Click here to register. Tuesday, May 17th, 2:00–3:00 p.m. Click here to register. Need help with a general computer issue or have questions about a particular piece of technology? Ask Digital Media Specialist Austin Olney in this VIRTUAL assistance program. Whether a beginner or advanced user, all are welcome. Digital Library Resources Wednesday, May 18th, 10:30–11:00 a.m. Click here to register. Join Digital Media Specialist Austin Olney and learn about popular online library resources. Beginners are encouraged, all are welcome. Zoom Tips and Tricks Wednesday, May 25th, 2:00–2:30
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April 26, 2022 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: digital technology, library events, STEAM, STEAM learning, and technology.

Math & More

Math & More

These funny stories show us there is a lot more to math than boring numbers and equations. Whether you’re sharing “Spaghetti & Meatballs” with friends or teaching someone a lesson with just “One Grain of Rice,” having fun with a “Counting Horse,” or living by your wits with “Seven Golden Rings,” math is everywhere. We might as well have fun with it! I’m trying to love math, by Bethany Barton. Library Catalog Spaghetti and meatballs for all!: a mathematical story, by Marilyn Burns. Library Catalog One grain of rice: a mathematical folktale, by Demi. Library Catalog Crash! Boom!: a math
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April 7, 2022 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: books, math, staff picks, staff recommendations, STEAM, and STEAM learning.

April Break Week Programs

April Break Week Programs

Some great events during the week of April school break, 4/11-4/14. Some of these programs require pre-registration, so be sure to check the “more info” or our online calendar. Note: The Library will be closed Friday, April 15 and Sunday, April 17. A free registered Zoom account is required to access the Library’s virtual youth programs. Get a Zoom account here. For Younger Kids and Families Move & Groove with Miss Jolie Monday, April 11th, 11:00 a.m. (virtual) Join the virtual program here. Children, Toddlers, PreK-Grade 2, Families Miss Jolie's Music & Movement Class infuses learning and movement with music,
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March 31, 2022 11:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: dance, dancing, digital technology, events for kids, events for teens, gaming, music, programs for kids, Spring Break, spring break 2022, STEAM, STEAM events, and STEAM learning.

Black History Month STEAM Program

Black History Month STEAM Program

For Black History Month, we’re hosting a STEAM program that will include a LEGO Grab & Go kit. First, we’ll read about African American leaders in space exploration. Then we’ll learn about the constellations that helped with navigation on the underground railroad, and use LEGO pieces to create the Big Dipper. Join us on Tuesday, February 22nd at 4:00 p.m. Supplies are limited, so register through our online calendar here. Suggested Reads: Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty Library Catalog Ada had a lot of questions about the world around her. She asked her parents so many questions and they
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February 1, 2022 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: black history month, Grab & Go kits, Observances and Celebrations, STEAM, STEAM activities, STEAM events, and STEAM learning.

3D Printing and Design Class

3D Printing and Design Class

During the February Winter school break, Librarian Erik Carlson will be teaching a class on 3D printing and design for students in grades 4-6. We start on Tuesday, February 22nd and meet everyday until Friday, February 25th, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. You must be able to attend all of the sessions otherwise you will miss some important info. We will be learning to use three different 3D design software programs (CAD and Mesh). You can create free accounts for all of these, just follow the links: TinkCad SculptGL (no account needed) OnShape Education Each day will have a new lesson and
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January 26, 2022 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: 3D design, 3D Design class for kids, 3D printer, 3d printing, STEAM, STEAM activities, and STEAM learning.

STEAMy Summer Programs: A Look Back

STEAMy Summer Programs: A Look Back

Another summer of STEAM programs has finished. This was a challenging and rewarding summer like no other. In addition to increasing the length by two weeks, we also hired several more people to run programs. Among those hired were several high school students: members of the Techno Chix; a robotics club from the Girl Scouts; Mustafa Ajmal, a high school student in Oak Ridge High School, CA; and Shakira Cherimond, a graduating Senior from Ossining High School who will be attending Purchase College in the fall. By hiring multiple presenters this summer we were able to offer a wide variety
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September 15, 2021 2:03 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: STEAM, STEAM Camps, STEAM learning, STEM, Summer of Making, The Edge, Verisk Analytics, and White Plains Library Foundation.

Fall STEM Programs for Kids & Teens

Fall STEM Programs for Kids & Teens

Minecraft for Teens In this session, youth are invited to play Minecraft together online in a safe, learning environment. Activities will include working together to survive in a randomly generated world and/or building things collectively in creative mode. All are welcome to partake in some fun with library friends and Digital Media Specialist Austin Olney. Participants must own Minecraft (non-java) on either Windows 10, iOS, Android, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, or Oculus Rift to join a private server. Email aolney@whiteplainslibrary.org for questions and help. 9/7/2021 Tuesday 4:00-4:45 p.m. 10/5/2021 Tuesday 4:00-4:45 p.m. Fortnite with Friends Ready for some
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August 26, 2021 9:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: digital technology, STEAM learning, STEM learning, STEM programs for kids, STEM programs for teens, and technology.

Summer STEAM Kit: Seashells

Summer STEAM Kit: Seashells

After the Summer Solstice on Sunday, June 20th, summer will officially be underway! We’re celebrating with a summer-themed Grab & Go STEAM kit, available for pick-up on June 28th. The kits will contain a seashell, googly eyes, and colored sand. You can make the design above or use these instructions for more ideas as you create your own unique craft. Whether you love to go to the beach, love art, or just want to unplug, this activity can provide a wonderful learning experience. For a STEAM enrichment activity, see if you and your child can identify your unique seashell using
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June 28, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Grab&Go Kits, STEAM, STEAM learning, STEM, summer, and The Trove.

Summer Events for Teens

Summer Events for Teens

Check out the Library’s lineup of programs in July and August for Grades 7-12! Note: Youth-focused virtual programs require a registered Zoom account. Creating an account is free and easy at http://zoom.us/signup. Summer Reading at White Plains Public Library: 6/28 – 8/20 Summer Reading at the Library kicks off Monday, June 28 and runs through Friday, August 20. Reading activity will be logged online with READSquared. More information on Summer Reading at White Plains Public Library can be found here. Grab&Go: Kits Grab&Go: Kits are fun and educational activities to do at home. Kits are available in a variety of
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June 8, 2021 1:30 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Events, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: book discussion, chess, edge events, games, gaming, performing arts, STEAM, STEAM learning, technology, and teen events.

Space Travel Grab & Go Kits

Space Travel Grab & Go Kits

In celebration of Star Wars Day, May 4th, I have dedicated this month's STEAM Grab & Go Kits for middle graders and teens to space travel, because one day isn’t enough to celebrate the Star Wars franchise, it deserves an entire month. The kit for grades 4-8 includes paper strips and straws to make an airplane (pictured left) shaped like the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon. This will test if that oddly shaped spacecraft could actually fly. The kit for teenagers is a mini-paper air rocket (pictured top left) designed by NASA. This includes instructions and a straw that teens
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April 29, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: everyday STEAM, Grab & Go, Grab & Go kits, Star Wars, STEAM, STEAM learning, and STEM.

STEAM Children’s Books: Math

STEAM Children’s Books: Math

In this new monthly STEAM series, I will highlight some wonderful picture books that fall under a STEAM category: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. In celebrating Women’s History Month we will review some wonderful math books, including biographies of mathematicians, picture and board books. These books can be found in our print collection at The Trove and on OverDrive. At the end of the post, you'll also find some fun and educational websites for kids. Nothing Stopped Sophie by Cheryl Bardoe and Barbara McClintock Library Catalog Sophie Germaine was unstoppable. During the French Revolution, when nothing seemed to be
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March 15, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: Observances and Celebrations, picture books, staff picks, staff recommendations, STEAM, STEAM books, STEAM learning, STEM, and womens history month.

Vacant Lot Challenge with Arch For Kids

Vacant Lot Challenge with Arch For Kids

Registration for this event is now full. Arch For Kids, a local educational group that provides young people with dynamic hands-on, minds-on learning experiences – grounded in architecture, design, engineering and urban planning, is joining the Library to run their Vacant Lot Challenge for students in Grades 5-8. There is a vacant lot in your neighborhood. Local officials are seeking proposals for its development. Students will receive supplies from the Library, some things they may need to find around home, to design and build a model structure for this vacant lot. The program will be held on Monday, March 15,
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February 24, 2021 12:05 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: Arch for Kids, architecture, design, engineering, events, kids events, STEAM, STEAM learning, teen events, urban planning, and vacant lot challenge.

Learn about Owls

Learn about Owls

The Library is excited to host two STEAM-azing programs in March about the fascinating nocturnal birds called owls. STEAM at Home: Owls & Owl Pellet Dissection Grades K-3. Registration required. Space is limited. Tuesday, March 23, 4:00 p.m. During the program, participants will hear some owl stories and Greenwich Audubon Center will provide information about owls and lead an owl pellet dissection to learn more about what owls eat. Registered participants will pick up an Owl Pellet Dissection Kit prior to the program from the Library. An email address must be provided during registration to receive your Kit. Click here
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February 24, 2021 11:41 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: children's events, owls, STEAM, STEAM at home, STEAM learning, and trove events.

My Mother the Astronaut

My Mother the Astronaut

Traveling Lantern Theater Company presents “My Mother the Astronaut,” a video performance celebrating women STEM fields. The show will be available for unlimited viewing from March 7 – March 14. To receive access to the performance, visit the Library’s online calendar and register for the event on any of the days it is available for viewing. Be sure to provide an email address during your registration, as the access link will be sent via email! About the Show Aquarius' mom is an astronaut and today is “Take your child to work day.” Aquarius can't wait to go to NASA and
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February 22, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: astronaut, events, NASA, Observances and Celebrations, outer space, performance, performing arts, STEAM, STEAM learning, Traveling Lantern Theater Company, and womens history month.

3D Design And Printing Workshops For Teens

3D Design And Printing Workshops For Teens

During Spring Break, March 29th – April 1st, Woody Poulard, founder of FabriMakr and teacher at FatCat FabLab, will be joining us to offer teenagers an introductory 3D printing and design workshop. Woody will teach teens the history of 3D printing, the process of taking a digital 3D model and printing it, and teach basic 3D modelling using OnShape, a web based 3D design software program. The sessions will be from 10:00 a.m-12:00 p.m. each morning during Spring Break for 4 days. Following this, the Library will print objects designed during the workshops and let teens know how to submit
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February 17, 2021 4:06 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: 3D printer, 3d printing, Spring Break, STEAM, and STEAM learning.

STEAM Picture Books: Art

STEAM Picture Books: Art

In this new monthly STEAM series, I will highlight some wonderful picture books that fall under a STEAM category: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. For the month of February we will be reviewing art books that celebrate African Americans. In celebrating Black History Month we will review graphic novels, picture books on art, poetry, hip-hop, dance, music, and learn about one of the most important moments in history: the Harlem Renaissance. These books can be found in our print collection at The Trove and on OverDrive. At the end of the post, you'll also find some fun and educational
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February 16, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: black history month, Observances and Celebrations, picture books, staff picks, staff recommendations, STEAM, STEAM books, STEAM learning, and STEM.

STEAM Picture Books: Engineering

STEAM Picture Books: Engineering

In this monthly STEAM series, I will highlight some wonderful picture books that fall under a STEAM category: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. For the month of January we will be concentrating on engineering books, including biographies, how to build a backyard, construction and building blocks, along with books on tools. These picture books can be found in our print collection at The Trove and on OverDrive. At the end of the post, you'll also find some fun and educational STEAM websites for kids. Future Engineer by Lori Alexander, illustrated by Allison Black Library Catalog This fun and playful
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January 25, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: picture books, staff picks, staff recommendations, STEAM, STEAM activities, STEAM at home, STEAM books, STEAM learning, and STEM.