The MIT Media Lab PLIX initiative sought partners in delivering science-based learning experiences. The library volunteered, focusing on developing a learning experience around Cube Satellite technology. Due to budget constraints, there was no way to build or launch a satellite. Instead, the library team prototyped against the following questions:

• Is there a market for focused science-based learning activities?
• Can we showcase this programming in a mixed audience setting?
• Can we drive customers to learn more?

Key elements included:

1. Challenging the programming norms inherent in our current library programming strategy; our team (made up of the chief innovation officer, teen services leader and makerspace lead) focused on delivering a cumulative learning experience for six weeks
2. Working & collaborating with both the MIT Media Lab and Cambridge Public Library to formalize the shared curriculum
3. Creating hands-on learning activities with the makerspace and VR to showcase the science behind CubeSats

Several favorable outcomes came with this prototype programming:

• Project Outcome data on this program indicated that 95% of participants learned something helpful and that 94% were more aware of library services and offerings.
• In addition, 86% felt more confident about what they learned - a positive number given the complexity of the subject matter.
• We attracted an average of 25 participants for each successive program over six weeks resulting in a total of 150 participants.