An easy way to bring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programming to your public library is through our STEM to Read Activity trunks. These trunks are created through a collaboration with the Explora! Museum in Albuquerque and the New Mexico Library Foundation. Each trunk is based around a theme and contains: 8-10 books, information/research about the theme, lesson plans, and materials for those lessons. These can be as simple as straw pieces cut into 1-inch pieces so children can measure the length of their shoe. They can also be a bit advanced, using tuning forks to hear different pitches of sounds.
Currently the State Library has 5 trunks that can be checked out from us for a period of 6-8 weeks. These trunks are:
- Spinning Science
- Listen Carefully (sounds)
- Water Play
- Measure On (measurements)
- In the Mirror (reflection & refraction)
Explora! is working on 3 new trunks which will be available for checkout beginning in November:
- Robotics
- Building
- Patterns
In order to better aid library staff with using these trunks in their programming Explora! and the State Library are hosting 3 workshops around the state in September and October:
September 20th @ Explora! in Albuquerque 9-3
October 11th @ White Rock branch of the Los Alamos Public Library 10-3
October 18th @ Thomas Branigan Memorial Library in Las Cruces 9:30-2:30
If you’re interested in attending one of these workshops please register here. If you’re interested in finding out more information or checking out a trunk please contact Deanne Dekle at deanne.dekle@state.nm.us or 505-476-9705.