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Summer STEM Thrills 2024: A Look Back at Our Library Workshops

This summer, local libraries in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire buzzed with activity as LEBC, in collaboration with dedicated STEM Ambassador volunteers, hosted various exciting STEM workshops for young minds.

LEBC brought the excitement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to libraries across Leicestershire and Northamptonshire this summer. Children of all ages explored the wonders of STEM through various engaging workshops led by our passionate STEM Ambassador volunteers.

We offered diverse activities designed to spark curiosity and ignite a passion for STEM. Our workshops provided a fun and engaging way to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a love for learning.

Here’s a glimpse into the fun we offered:

For History Buffs:

  • D-Day Sound and Light: Kids unravelled the role of STEM in World War II by learning about Morse code, telecommunication, and the impact of light and sound during the D-Day landings.

For Creative Minds:

  • Marvellous Maker Library Sessions: This series of workshops sparked creativity with activities like chromatography butterflies, hoop gliders, lolly stick catapults, robotic hands, and party frogs.
  • Wonderful Colour: Children explored the science of colour through engaging activities like using Skittles and food dye.

For Budding Engineers:

  • Knex Bridge Building: Participants tested their engineering skills by designing and building bridges using Knex construction sets.
  • Earthquake-Proof Towers: This activity challenged children to build the tallest tower possible using various materials, all while learning about earthquake resistance.

For Science Enthusiasts:

  • Egg Parachutes: Kids investigated air resistance and parachute design by creating their own egg parachutes.
  • Things that Fizz: This workshop had children bubbling with excitement as they made lava lamps, mini rockets, and a lemon volcano!
  • DNA Discovery: Participants unlocked the secrets of DNA by learning about its structure and even making an edible model.
  • Eco-Systems: Aspiring ecologists explored the fascinating world of ecosystems in Northamptonshire by building food webs and creating wildflower seed bombs.

Summer Fun All Year Round!

We were thrilled to see the enthusiasm for STEM learning across the East Midlands, even during the Summer Break! Did you miss out on the summer fun? The good news is that these workshops, or variations of them, can be delivered at your local library or school throughout the year!

Here’s what our young participants had to say about their STEM experiences this summer –

 “The activities were amazing! I also thought we learnt loads. Oundle Library is the best!” (Things That Fizz participant, age 9)

“5 stars, excellent session – great topic, great presentation, appropriate for audience, brilliant ‘hands on’ for age. Venue excellent too.” (Things That Fizz Parent/Guardian of participant)

“My child really enjoyed the activities. Science is a tricky subject to cover at home and group learning during the Summer Holidays is very welcome.” (Things That Fizz Parent/Guardian of participant)

“Really engaged my 10 year old son. Lovely introduction with literacy elements – names and places of bones in skeleton.” (Robotic Hands Parent/Guardian of participant)

“Another excellent STEM activity with Jo – really good fun and the children learnt a lot.” (Robotic Hands Parent/Guardian of participant)

Bring STEM to Your Community!

If you’re interested in bringing these exciting STEM workshops to your library or school, please get in touch with us at stem@leics-ebc.org.uk or put an activity request on the STEM platform: www.stem.org.uk