Yakima Valley Libraries “Kids Can’t Do That in the Library!”

By Charlotte Hinderlider, Community Library Resources Manager at Yakima Valley Libraries 

Yakima Valley Libraries is currently operating a program in coordination with our Summer Reading Program called “Kids Can’t Do That in the Library”. It is a STEM (STREAM) program adding science and technology projects to our offerings at YVL. We put together 4 different types of project kits to be circulated throughout our 17 branches. These kits include all of the materials and instructions for youth patrons to do the science or technology project as well as instructions for them (or the library staff to guide them) through the project. The projects will work with preschool and grade school patrons to be adaptable to a variety of demographics.

Some of the projects include:

Sink or float lab: Use a big clear tub of water & lots to put in it (stick, penny, plastic lid, etc.). Asked kids before each one, sink or float? At end, two soaps. First, the not-Ivory soap. Then Ivory. Sink or float? Put another bar of Ivory in the microwave & watch the outcome. 

Skittles Color Lab: Mixing & dissolving Skittles in water. Having kids guess what color they would make & then mixing. Crayons & equation sheets to document their color equations.

Popsicle Stick Catapult: Using popsicle sticks, plastic spoons and rubber bands to engineer the most efficient and successful catapult in the group. Make artillery out of masking tape to compete and determine efficiency of catapult.

The importance of engaging our youth in STEM related projects has been quantified in a number of ways. STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases literacy and enables the next generation of innovators. Innovation and science literacy relies on a solid knowledge base in STEM (or STREAM) areas and it is that knowledge that leads to new products and processes that sustain our economy. Department of Labor statistics show that of the 20 fasts growing occupations projected for 2014, 15 of them require significant mathematics or science preparation.  To build better communities we must start with children.