Spring into STEAM
San Diego Public Library, Calif.
Innovation Synopsis
Spring into STEAM is the San Diego Public Library’s science-focused program series for nine- to 12-year-old students. Workshops take place during the spring at all 36 branch libraries across the city. We partner with local science experts and organizations to create a truly unique educational experience.
Challenge/Opportunity
Spring into STEAM responds to a growing need for educational opportunities throughout San Diego, while also bringing about a system-wide programming model. It addresses the ongoing need to provide equitable access to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) curriculum to elementary and middle school students at a critical juncture in their academic careers, connecting with local educators and community resources to create a learning network for youth.
Key Elements of Innovation
Centered around an annual theme, Spring into STEAM offers five to six program options that incorporate elements of STEAM. 2017’s theme, Bug Out (Entomology), incorporated a citizen science project in which library users collected bug specimens in their communities to contribute to the Barcode of Life. This was the largest citizen science project ever that involved DNA barcoding! 2018’s theme, Blast Off (Space Exploration), offered programs in a three-tier structure: interactive exhibits, family-style presentations and hands-on workshops.
Achieved Outcomes
Programs are distributed equitably across the 36 locations and students are encouraged to participate in all activities to achieve a citizen science award. The 2017 attendance total for all 38 programs was 1280, and the current 2018 statistics reflect a trend toward a 20 percent increase in attendance; with reports in from the month of March totaling 748 participants and 20 programs.
