STEM Kids

The Grand Forks Public Library (GFPL) has formed a partnership with the Dakota Science Center (DSC) and the University of North Dakota (UND) College of Engineering and Mines in order to provide Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) activities to library patrons. 

STEM Modules developed by the DSC are available to the public for in-library use. DSC teachers wrote, reviewed, and edited lesson plans for each module. The lesson plan format includes grade level, instructional time, material list, objectives, teacher's introduction to the material, student instruction, skills, and vocabulary. The lesson plans accompanying each module allow caregivers to teach the sessions with minimal support from the Dakota Science Center or library staff.

Modules

Modules include:
  • Early Simple Machines
  • Early Structures
  • Forces in Motion
  • How Machines Work
  • LEGO Mindstorms NXT Robots
  • Newton's Laws
  • Simple Machines
  • Snap Circuit Jr.
  • Snap Circuit Pro 500
  • Straw Rocket Launcher
  • Van DeGraaf Generator
  • WeDo Robotics

Grants

STEM Kids was made possible by generous grants from IEEE-Chicago (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) and the North Dakota State Library. The grant monies were used to purchase print and audiovisual STEM materials, along with STEM kits that will be used for programming. The STEM kits provide hands-on learning opportunities and will help children excel at school and explore new interests.