How to STEAM up your Library is a poster in the 2020 PNLA Virtual Poster Session. We encourage you to engage in discussion by leaving a comment on the page. The author of the poster will respond to comments the week of August 4-7, 2020.
Presenter: Deborah Rinio, Montana State University
Track: School Library
Abstract: Integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) in the library can be a tricky proposition. How do you allow students time to explore without compromising the inquiry process? How can you do hands-on if you only have 30 or 45 minutes with your learners? How do you ensure makerspaces are more than just “play”? In this session, we’ll discuss strategies for overcoming common obstacles and develop lesson plans for using a STEAM approach in K-12 school libraries.
Poster:
About the Presenter:
Deborah Rinio (MLS, PhD) is an Assistant Teaching Professor for the library media certificate program at Montana State University. She served on the editorial board for the National School Library Standards and has recently published a book from ALA Publishing titled “STEAM Activities in 30 Minutes for Elementary Learners.”
Thanks for this! I’m a public librarian, but your conversation about scaffolding made me think about the ways I could work more closely with teachers for school/class visits – my initial very easy win would be sending home picture books with teachers after library visits so they can follow up on the concepts of the library visit later on. (All of this when we return to the lovely world of in person visits, of course! Although I’m sure there are some great possibilities for digital or remote STEAM programming too.)
Thanks Caitlin! That’s a great way to build a connection!