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Olympia Timberland Library chosen for NASA education initiative

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Olympia Timberland Library has been selected to be part of NASA@ My Library, an education initiative created to increase and enhance STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) learning opportunities for library patrons.

Olympia Timberland Library is one of 60 U.S. public libraries that were selected through a competitive application process to become NASA@ My Library Partners and participate in the project, with the opportunity to extend the partnership for an additional two-year period.  Approximately 150 libraries applied to be part of the program.

“We’re thrilled to have been selected,” said Stephanie Cochran, manager for the Olympia Timberland Library. “We look forward to introducing STEAM concepts to our younger patrons and exploring the universe with people of all ages as part of our programming in 2021 and 2022.”

Cochran had high hopes, she said, when she submitted the NASA@ My Library application in June.

"We can't contain our excitement about partnering with ALA and Starnet Libraries, along with NASA, on the grant project,” Cochran said. “We want to create budding space enthusiasts and provide learning opportunities for populations currently underrepresented in STEAM education.”

The program runs from now through August 2022 and will focus on the James Webb Telescope through the spring, then earth science in the summer, Cochran said. She does not yet have an exact date for the launch, but staff are planning activities related to NASA’s next-generation telescope launch that was rescheduled for Dec. 22, 2021.

“We are also working with program coordinators to connect with experts to help us create program,” Cochran said. “We will be partnering with five universities across the US and providing a wide variety of STEAM-related interests.”

More information, including a program schedule, will be available in the coming months at TRL.org. STEAM activities and resources can be found at TRL.org under “Kids and Teens”>”Parents and Educators.”

Staff at the Olympia Timberland Library will receive training and resources to implement NASA events and programming, access to a university subject-matter expert to support patron engagement and a $1,600 grant for programming expenses.

NASA@ My Library is offered by the National Center for Interactive Learning at the Space Science Institute in partnership with the ALA Public Programs Office, Lunar and Planetary Institute and Education Development Center.

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  • ejpoleii

    STEAM? Really?

    Friday, November 26, 2021 Report this