2023 in the STEAM Lab

Our STEAM Lab was a big hit with kids in Irondequoit in 2023!

This drop-in space is designed for elementary-aged children, and it aims to promote curiosity and to foster real world skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math.

The STEAM Lab was made possible by a generous donation from the Irondequoit Public Library Foundation.

A YEAR IN THE STEAM LAB	PROGRAMS Staff/adult led lessons or projects for children of various ages (0-12)– Monthly STEAM class (now too big to fit in the STEAM Lab) — Brooklyn Robot Foundry — Three programs by the Buffalo Audubon Society — Family “Process Art” Program — Bi-Monthly Lego Club (going monthly starting in January)
PROJECTS Independent, child-led group projects or learning activities.– Found object weaving — Radial Symmetry in Art and Science Lab — Magnet Lab — Recycled Object Build Challenge — Mixed media garden hangers — Shared Art Display	EXPERIENCES Much of the data we collect on the STEAM Lab has been anecdotal, including:– Families complimenting the space as a “a great resource” — Use of the space for tutoring breaks, caregiver meetings, after program enrichment, etc. — Children’s general motivation to use/unwillingness to leave the space
EXPERIENCES In an attempt to gather more official responses, we left out a comment box. Here are a few selections:– Maisie, age 5: “I love the crafts and Legos” — Ryan, age 31: “I love bringing my kiddo and seeing what kind of craft she can come up with. It brings her to the library.” — Unsigned family used the lab to give a younger sibling a fun experience while the older sibling was at a birthday party and the LOVED IT! — “Dad”, age “100”: “CRAFT”	STARS OF THE SHOW Our most popular, regularly-available activities in the lab:Marble Runs – Simple physics, constantly in use!
STARS OF THE SHOW Our most popular, regularly-available activities in the lab:Legos – These draw in every age! The Lego Wall is a huge hit, especially on school tours.	STARS OF THE SHOW Our most popular, regularly-available activities in the lab:Weaving Projects – I’ve been asked more than once to repeat this community art project.
STARS OF THE SHOW Our most popular, regularly-available activities in the lab:The Humble Paper Roll – Is there anything that you can’t make with these? Our kids have yet to tire of this simple recycled craft supply.	THANK YOU!! A few slides can’t describe all of the exciting, strange, and joyful moments of creation and discovery.

Published on January 9, 2024.