STEM clubs are a powerful and enjoyable way to engage young people and their families with STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. We hope to ignite interest through hands on experiments and experiences in a relaxed fun way for the whole family.
Hello to all our STEM families, we are sad not to be able to see you in our libraries, as we are all staying at home to keep safe. We do not want this to stop us enjoying STEM sessions together, so we want to share with you some fantastic online resources and fun STEM activities from Manchester Libraries, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and partners, you will find some great stuff you can do at home together as a family.
We’ll also be adding lot’s of S.T.E.M. videos full of creative ideas that families can have a got at while at home.
Here’s one of the videos of Leigh at home showing you how to make a bird feeder. Check out our YouTube channel here for lots more family fun!
STEM Ambassador Hub recommended:
· I’m a Scientist are running the ‘Green Zone’ whilst schools and youth groups are closed, free to take part in.
· Jon Chippindall (Barefoot Jon) is doing a Daily Dose of STEM, all the resources should be things that people already have at home.
· Emma Bothma (a primary teacher from Sheffield) is putting up a daily Science experiment – might be of interest to some of the groups.
· Katherine Forsey a lovely STEM Ambassador from York has put together a selection of themes for their Lego club – if any of your Community Groups have members who have Lego in their houses, perhaps they’d like to join each week and post their photos? https://twitter.com/StrensallLib/status/1241038504248967172
· Manchester Girl Geeks have made some nice maths-themed activities to do at home, their worksheets and activity suggestions are in the middle of their newsletter.
· For a more nature-themed activity, the Woodland Trust have some nice ideas for activities, the Natural History Museum have a #NatureDrawingClub every Friday with a different theme and Edinburgh Zoo are doing a live stream of their animals (not an activity, but so cute!)
The Science and Industry Museum have lot’s of resources here.
Some of my favourites which use items which most people have around the house are:
If families don’t have the items yet, it could be fun to collect the items over time or experiment with other items.
Also, we have this object hunt which can be used on a walk or around the house which are designed to promote science talk. You could do this hunt in different places (garden, on a walk or even rooms in the house) and talk about the different answers you get.
STEM Learning:
STEM Learning has curated a collection of STEM resources for parents, carers and families: www.stem.org.uk/home-learning/family-activities
These fun, quick and easy practical activities are aimed at parents and carers supporting their children’s learning at home. All activities are free to access.
More resources will be added weekly, and STEM Learning’s subject specialists are available on the webchat at stem.org.uk every weekday to offer advice.
Code Club recommended:
Families only need access to a laptop or desktop, no additional hardware required and they’re all free.
Coding with KPMG
Coding lockdown. Want to learn how to code? KPMG want to help by teaching you how to code in Python! They will be live-streaming lessons every Tues & Thurs at 2pm (BST) for 10 weeks. Watch here for info & how to sign up! #codewithkpmg #lockdownlearning
And finally – Marvin and Mylo – They are one pagers and simple as anything.