Don’t Talk at Them – Learn with Them! Facilitation Strategies and Resources to Help Your Library Engage Young Patrons in STEAM Learning Experiences

Library staff don’t need to be a "STEAM Expert" to facilitate virtual or in-person STEAM programs. Join STAR Net as we discuss the “Guide on the Side” approach to library facilitation and STEAM learning and hear how it can complement library staff’s inquisitive nature and the library’s informal learning atmosphere. Session participants will try out virtual and in-person interactive activities that foster science and engineering skills, explorations, and concepts and align with 21st century skills and go beyond mere facts to teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. Participants will also discuss ways to tweak their STEAM programs to be more inclusive and equitable for young patrons and their families. They will also take interactive activities, programmatic ideas, and facilitation tips back to their colleagues to help improve staff confidence in STEAM programming.