Heading to PLA? Come see us at Booth 440!

Through the STAR_Net project, the National Center for Interactive Learning and the ALA Public Programs Office are working with other national partners to bring STEM programming resources, activities, grants, networking opportunities, and more to libraries. Visit us to learn more! Mention that you saw our newsletter, and we'll give you a set of 40 Eclipse Shades to use with your 2017 Eclipse programs!

Not going to make it to PLA this year? We'll also have a booth, and be presenting two programs at the ALA Conference in Orlando. Stay tuned for next months newsletter to learn more!

Frontiers of STEM Learning Webinar Series 

High Tech vs Low Tech STEM Programming, What's Right for Your Library? Webinar April 20th, 2016 10PT/11MT/12CT/1ET

Join us for for a brief introduction to programs being conducted by libraries in Colorado, and across the country. From high-tech Maker Spaces with 3-D printers, recording studios and drill presses to paper coding activities where computers are never turned on and kids are their own programs, libraries across the country are examining what it means to "do STEM". There's no right answer, so join us and share your way!

Ashley Kazyaka (Library Development Project Manager at the Colorado State Library) along with Keliann Laconte (Professional Development Manager at the National Center for Interactive Learning at the Space Science Institute) and Anne Holland (Public Engagement Manager, also at NCIL) will give a brief overview of current practice in public libraries, followed by an open conversation with webinar participants about questions they may have about implementing STEM programming in their libraries, and barriers they may face. Make sure you have a working microphone, this will be an interactive webinar!

To register, please click here The password to register is "star1"

This webinar will be VoiP only, so you will need to use a laptop, or a desktop computer with a microphone and headset (there will be no call-in option)

If you have any problems with your registration, please contact Anne Holland (aholland@spacescience.org) for assistance.

To view our archived webinars, please visit:

http://community.starnetlibraries.org/webinars-archive/

A description of last months webinar with the Solar System Ambassador's follows:

For more than 16 years, Solar System Ambassadors have been communicating the excitement of NASA’s space exploration missions and information about recent discoveries to people in their communities.  These enthusiastic volunteers seek out a variety of local venues for their programs, with one of their favorites being libraries.  Over the years, Ambassadors have conducted 1,697 events at libraries across the country, reaching 132,163 people directly.

There are currently 702 Ambassadors in all 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and Guam.  Kay Ferrari, Solar System Ambassador Coordinator, will share how these volunteers can support your library’s STEAM activities and where you can find your closest NASA volunteer.

Also joining the conversation will be Margaret S. Race, Ph.D, a trained ecologist and astrobiologist working on astrobiology and planetary protection at the SETI institute. She is a longtime JPL Solar System Ambassador, and has served on the Board of Trustees at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center in the SF Bay Area.